The psychology (and language) of time. Commas are like people on the subway. Fox chores.
Jan 2, 2024
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Guest Sarah Duffy explores the psychology of time and how language reflects our perspectives. The podcast also covers the complexity of using commas, including appositives and nonessential elements. A story about 'fox chores' highlights the importance of commas and invites listeners to share their family stories.
Time can be viewed from two perspectives: moving time perspective and moving ego perspective.
Perspectives on time vary across languages and cultures, influenced by cultural values and personal attitudes.
Deep dives
Different Perspectives on Time
People view time from two different perspectives: the moving time perspective and the moving ego perspective. The moving time perspective sees time as an unstoppable train moving from the future to the past, while the moving ego perspective sees time as a path for us to move along into the future.
Differences in Perspectives on Time
Perspectives on time vary across languages and cultures. For example, the Yupno community in Papua New Guinea points downhill when talking about the past and up the mountain when discussing the future. Additionally, individual perspectives can differ from language norms, as seen in the D'Arigia dialect, where the future is positioned behind the speaker and the past in front. These differences are influenced by cultural values and what people focus on, such as the importance placed on tradition and older generations.
Factors Affecting Perspectives on Time
Temporal milestones and personal attitudes can affect people's perspectives on time. The arrival of the new year, for instance, prompts reflection and goal-setting for the future. People may psychologically distance themselves from their past selves and strive for a more positive self-image. Additionally, people's attitudes towards events can influence their perspective on time, with positive events being seen as things we actively move toward and negative events as approaching us. Personality traits, such as introversion and extroversion, also play a role in how individuals perceive and anticipate events.
962. We explore why phrases like "time flies" and "fast approaching" reveal deeper perspectives on time — is it us moving or the event? Plus, you may think you know how to use commas, but just like people, they can be more complex than they appear at first glance.