We dissect nature along lines laid down by our native languages. The categories and types that we isolate from the world of phenomena we do not find there because they stare every observer in the face; on the contrary, the world is presented in a kaleidoscopic flux of impressions which has to be organized by our minds-and this means largely by the linguistic systems in our minds. We cut nature up, organize it into concepts, and ascribe significances as we do, largely because we are parties to an agreement that holds throughout our speech community and is codified in the patterns of our language.
There are no other quotes by this person in the Bon Mots database.
There are no other quotes from this source in the Bon Mots database.
Authentication Score 3
More information on Authentication Score coming soon.
Citation
Whorf, Benjamin Lee. "Science and Linguistics." MIT Technology Review, Apr. 1940.
Citation text copied to clipboard.