15 languages that reveal how the world is perceived differently
A Quartz article explores 15 languages that demonstrate how linguistic structures shape perception of reality. Mandarin treats time vertically, with past as 'up' and future as 'down'. Pirahã, spoken by an Amazonian tribe, lacks number words, color terms, and recursion, challenging Noam Chomsky's universal grammar theory. Other languages include Guugu Yimithirr (Australia), which uses cardinal directions instead of left/right; Russian, with distinct blues; and Matses (Peru), requiring evidential markers for statements. The piece highlights how these languages expand understanding of human cognition.
Key facts
- Mandarin conceptualizes time vertically: past is 'up', future is 'down'.
- Pirahã has no numbers, color terms, or recursion.
- Pirahã challenges Noam Chomsky's universal grammar.
- Guugu Yimithirr uses cardinal directions for spatial relations.
- Russian has separate words for light blue and dark blue.
- Matses requires speakers to mark how they know a statement.
- The article features 15 languages total.
- Languages are from diverse regions including Amazon, Australia, and Russia.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Quartz
Locations
- Amazon
- Australia
- Peru
- Russia
Sources
- Quartz —