Sober Synthesis

How Can Language Influence Our Thoughts, Emotions, and Behaviors?

• The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, also known as linguistic relativity, refers to the idea that the language a person speaks can influence their worldview, thought, and even how they experience and understand the world.
  • Language may focus our perception and attention on particular aspects of experience.

• Words help us put a name to our emotions
  • For example, the ability to detect displeasure from a person’s face is universal. The words “angry” and “sad,” help us further distinguish what kind of displeasure we observe in a facial expression. 
  • Some research suggests the influence of language is not limited to just developing a wider vocabulary for categorizing emotions. Language may coordinate our sensations into specific perceptions. 
• Language can influence mindset, your set of beliefs that shape how you make sense of the world and yourself.
  • A growth mindset reinforces the fact that our abilities are malleable. Our brains can learn and change (neuroplasticity) in order to achieve emotional and behavioral growth, as well as improved physical health.
  • A key feature of a growth mindset is to attach our motivation to the effort itself instead of the outcome.
  • Language can support changing a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.
    • Try to incorporate the word “yet” when you’re struggling with a task to signal that you can work through barriers/obstacles.
    • Pay attention to your thoughts. Replace limiting words with progressing ones to build a growth mindset. Note: many of these limiting thoughts are unconscious/habit. 
      • Suggestion: Identify 1 word or phrase that undermines your growth mindset. 
      • A mindfulness activity may bring to awareness a fixed mindset word or phrase to change into a growth mindset word or phrase.
      • Engage a trusted friend or relative to help you recognize when you state a fixed mindset word or phrase. 

How language shapes the way we think | Lera Boroditsky | TED – YouTube

Linguistic Relativity: How Language Shapes Thought – YouTube

Proposed Questions for Thought/Sharing:

1. Did this information spark any curiosity and how?
2. Have you changed any habitual language/words to enhance your wellness and support your recovery?
3. Are there habitual language/words that you want to change to enhance your wellness and support your recovery?

Disclaimer

This summary is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed.