PLEASE GOOGLE AND READ How Language Shapes Thought,” by Lera Boroditsky  AND “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan

 In “How Language Shapes Thought,” Lera Boroditsky discusses the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which contends that language powerfully shapes our everyday experiences and perceptions of the world. The language(s) we speak, the theory suggests, may influence our everyday experiences in ways we are often unaware of. Similarly, Amy Tan’s personal essay “Mother Tongue” addresses specific ways in which language has powerfully shaped her individual’s life, as well as society more largely.

To what extent does language affect (or not affect) our world views and experiences of ourselves and the world? How is a discussion of language and perception relevant to our class’s focus on artistic creation across cultures? To explore your ideas and to support your views, discuss these two  readings. You are also welcome, and encouraged, to reflect on your own life experience. When sharing your own experience, be sure to connect it clearly to the readings. Also be sure to make connections and comparisons between the two texts. Organize your ideas with a thesis sentence that is supported with examples and details from the primary texts and your personal experience throughout your post.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.