Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

Does Language Make You Better at Math?

Why do children in some countries seem to learn arithmetic faster? The answer may lie not in their schools, but…

3 months ago

My Hand, My Self: Inalienable Grammar

In English, you can talk about "a hand" as a detached object. But in many languages, the rules of grammar…

3 months ago

How Do We Name a Hurricane?

Ever wondered why storms are named Katrina or Ian, and not Kevin? The process is a fascinating blend of history,…

3 months ago

Can You Think Without Language?

Can thought exist without the words we use to frame it? This profound question explores the core of consciousness, examining…

3 months ago

The Cuttlefish’s Skin: A Visual Language?

Cuttlefish skin is a canvas of mesmerizing, rapid-fire patterns. But is this complex display merely sophisticated camouflage, or could it…

3 months ago

A Thousand Grains of Rice: The World of Classifiers

Why can you say "three dogs" in English, but speakers of Chinese, Japanese, and Mayan languages must use a special…

3 months ago

The Grammar of Tics: The Linguistics of Tourette’s

Beyond the sensationalized stereotypes, Tourette's Syndrome offers a profound and involuntary window into the brain's language factory. The vocal tics…

3 months ago

How to Count Without Numbers

What if you couldn't say "one", "two", or "three"? For anumeric cultures in the Amazon and beyond, this is a…

3 months ago

The RAE vs. ‘Todes’: A Language Standoff

A linguistic battle is raging across the Spanish-speaking world, pitting the prestigious Real Academia EspaƱola (RAE) against a powerful grassroots…

3 months ago

Can a Language Have No Adjectives?

How would you describe a "big red ball" in a language with no words for "big" or "red"? Many languages…

3 months ago

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