The Transformative Power of Words | Josephine Lee | TEDxCulverCity

Summary

The speaker explores the concept that language shapes our perception of the world, using the example of the Himba tribe who cannot distinguish blue due to lacking a word for it. They illustrate how cultural differences, like the Korean word 'nun Chi' for situational awareness, affect communication. The speaker shares a personal story of using respectful language with juvenile delinquents, transforming their behavior, emphasizing the power of words to change reality and people's lives.

Takeaways

• 🎲 The game 'I Spy' was used to illustrate the point that ancient cultures might not have been able to identify the color blue due to the absence of a word for it in their languages.
• 🌐 Historical texts from places like ancient Greece and China show a lack of a specific word for the color blue, suggesting different perceptions of color in the past.
• 🧬 A study with the Himba tribe, which lacks a word for blue, demonstrated that language can influence color perception, as tribe members struggled to distinguish blue from green.
• 🌿 The Himba tribe has many words to describe different shades of green, and when tested with a chart dominated by green, they could easily identify the outlier color.
• 🌈 The power of language to shape perception is highlighted by the fact that a single word like 'blue' can change how we see the world around us.
• 🌍 Cultural differences are evident in the unique words that languages have for certain concepts, such as 'nun Chi' in Korean, which refers to the ability to read between the lines.
• 🏞 The number of words used to describe something can reflect its cultural importance, as seen in the many words for ants in Brazil and for sweet potatoes in Hawaii.
• 💰 In the United States, the abundance of words related to money signifies its significance in the culture.
• 🗣️ Words have the power to shape reality, influence what we see, and affect our beliefs about ourselves and others.
• 👤 The speaker's personal experience volunteering at a juvenile hall underscored the impact that addressing individuals with respect, using the term 'gentleman', had on their behavior and attitude.
• 🔊 The importance of the freedom of speech and the responsibility that comes with it is emphasized, as words have the potential to cause significant change, both positive and negative.

Q & A

What game is mentioned in the script and what is its significance in the context?

The game mentioned is 'I spy with my little eye,' which is used to illustrate the point that the perception of color can differ across cultures and times, as ancient texts from Greece and China did not have a word for the color blue.

What theory do researchers propose regarding the relationship between language and color perception?

Researchers propose that the absence of a word for a color in a language might affect the ability of speakers of that language to perceive that color, as demonstrated by the difficulty the Himba tribe had in distinguishing blue from green.

How did the experiment with the Himba tribe challenge their ability to recognize colors?

The experiment presented the Himba tribe with a color chart containing 11 squares of green and one of blue. The tribe members had difficulty identifying the blue square, suggesting that their language's lack of a word for blue affected their color perception.

What was the outcome when the researchers reversed the experiment with the color chart?

When the researchers reversed the experiment, showing a color chart with 12 squares of green and asking the Himba tribe to pick out the different color, the tribe members were able to identify the color almost immediately, highlighting their heightened sensitivity to green due to the multiple words in their language for different shades of green.

What is the cultural significance of the Korean word 'nun Chi' and how does it relate to communication?

The Korean word 'nun Chi' refers to a person's ability to read between the lines or understand a situation contextually. It is significant in high-context cultures like Korea, where non-verbal cues and context are crucial for communication, unlike in low-context cultures like the United States where explicit verbal communication is emphasized.

How does the number of words used to describe something in a culture reflect its importance?

The number of words used to describe something indicates the level of importance and attention given to that aspect in a culture. For example, the Himba tribe's many words for green show their heightened awareness of different shades of green, while the numerous words for money in American English reflect the importance of financial matters in the culture.

What is the speaker's personal experience with cultural differences in language?

The speaker moved from South Korea to the United States at the age of 10 and noticed that certain Korean words, like 'nun Chi,' did not have direct translations in English. This experience highlighted the differences in communication styles and cultural values between high-context and low-context cultures.

What impact did changing the way the speaker addressed the juvenile delinquents have on their behavior?

By addressing the juvenile delinquents as 'gentlemen,' the speaker observed a significant change in their behavior. The youths sat up straighter, spoke more respectfully, and showed kindness and attention, indicating that the use of respectful language can influence behavior positively.

How does the speaker's experience at the juvenile hall relate to the power of words?

The speaker's experience at the juvenile hall demonstrates the power of words to change perceptions and behavior. By using the term 'gentlemen,' the speaker was able to elicit a more respectful and dignified response from the juvenile delinquents, showing that words can have a profound impact on how individuals see themselves and act.

What is the broader message of the script regarding the power and responsibility of language?

The script conveys the message that language is not just a tool for communication but also a powerful force that can shape reality, influence perceptions, and even change behavior. It emphasizes the responsibility that comes with the freedom of speech, as words have consequences and can be used to uplift or marginalize.