I. Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis (textbook p. 138)

1. Linguistic determinist interpretation

(1) language structure controls thoughts and cultural norms

(2) the world is, to a large extent, predetermined by the language.

(3) the differences in language are not differences in  sounds and signs but differences in worldviews

2. Linguistic relativity interpretation

(1) Culture is controlled by and controls language.

(2) the “real world” is to a large extent unconsciously built upon the language habits of the group

II. Language as reflection of the environment  (textbook p. 139)

(1) Language reflects the environment in which we live.

(2) The environment influences the development of techonology, products, and the appropriate vocabulary.

III. Language as reflection of values  (textbook p. 139)

e.g. Navajo do not have a word for late. Time does not play a role in Navajo life.

IV. The meaning of words

1. denotation (dictionary definition)

2. connotation (interpretive meaning constructed by the individual members based on their cultural and personalized language experience)