Skip to content
  • Podcast
  • Microcast
  • Books
  • Context
  • Search
    • Podcast Programs
      • Chapters
      • Engaging the World
      • How + Why
      • Medium History
      • The Fire Problem
      • Without...
    • Podcast Series
      • Adjust Accordingly
      • Eichler Sessions
      • Environmental Justice
      • Ethnic Studies
      • Gender and Sexuality
      • Love of Food
      • Placing Equity into Practice
      • Science + Technology
      • Significance of Race
      • Sounds + Stories
      • The Grammar
    • Book Collections
      • Arts
      • Biography + Memoir
      • Business + Education
      • Children
      • Comics + Graphic Novels
      • Cooking
      • History
      • Poetry
      • Science + Technology
      • Young Adult
    • Book Lists
      • Children Bestsellers
      • Fiction Bestsellers
      • Nonfiction Bestsellers
      • Book Awards
      • Indie Next List
      • Indie Next List for Kids
  • Sign in
0

Past ForwardPast Forward

  • Podcast
  • Microcast
  • Books
  • Context
  • Search
    • Podcast Programs
      • Chapters
      • Engaging the World
      • How + Why
      • Medium History
      • The Fire Problem
      • Without...
    • Podcast Series
      • Adjust Accordingly
      • Eichler Sessions
      • Environmental Justice
      • Ethnic Studies
      • Gender and Sexuality
      • Love of Food
      • Placing Equity into Practice
      • Science + Technology
      • Significance of Race
      • Sounds + Stories
      • The Grammar
    • Book Collections
      • Arts
      • Biography + Memoir
      • Business + Education
      • Children
      • Comics + Graphic Novels
      • Cooking
      • History
      • Poetry
      • Science + Technology
      • Young Adult
    • Book Lists
      • Children Bestsellers
      • Fiction Bestsellers
      • Nonfiction Bestsellers
      • Book Awards
      • Indie Next List
      • Indie Next List for Kids

Your cart

The Language Hoax by McWhorter, John H.

The Language Hoax

The Language Hoax

John H. McWhorter

$16.98

$14.43

 
 
This item is a recurring or deferred purchase. By continuing, I agree to the cancellation policy and authorize you to charge my payment method at the prices, frequency and dates listed on this page until my order is fulfilled or I cancel, if permitted.
Japanese has a term that covers both green and blue. Russian has separate terms for dark and light blue. Does this mean that Russians perceive these colors differently from Japanese people? Does language control and limit the way we think?

This short, opinionated book addresses the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which argues that the language we speak shapes the way we perceive the world. Linguist John McWhorter argues that while this idea is mesmerizing, it is plainly wrong. It is language that reflects culture and worldview, not the other way around. The fact that a language has only one word for eat, drink, and smoke doesn't mean its speakers don't process the difference between food and beverage, and those who use the same word for blue and green perceive those two colors just as vividly as others do.

McWhorter shows not only how the idea of language as a lens fails but also why we want so badly to believe it: we're eager to celebrate diversity by acknowledging the intelligence of peoples who may not think like we do. Though well-intentioned, our belief in this idea poses an obstacle to a better understanding of human nature and even trivializes the people we seek to celebrate. The reality -- that all humans think alike -- provides another, better way for us to acknowledge the intelligence of all peoples.


Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 06/01/2016
ISBN: 9780190468897
Pages: 208
Weight: 0.40lbs
Size: 6.90h x 5.00w x 0.60d

Mission

Past Forward is a public service dedicated to educational accessibility.

Podcast

Listen to episodes on our website, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you podcast.

Books

Search millions of discounted books with next business day shipping in the US.

Information

To learn more, please visit the following pages for Context, Disclaimers, Policies, and Terms.

© 2014-2025 Past Forward