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Quillette Podcast

'Language vs. Reality' with Nick Enfield

Jul 24, 2024
Linguistic anthropologist Nick Enfield discusses the impact of language on different professions like lawyers and scientists. Topics include the role of language in social coordination, memory, perception, storytelling, and the influence of language on perception and thinking.
01:10:30

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Language acts as a tool for social coordination through shared word meanings.
  • Linguistic categories shape perceptions and align individuals in social interactions.

Deep dives

Language as a Tool for Social Coordination

Language serves as a means of coordination, illustrated through the idea of Schelling points and coordination games. Schelling's experiments demonstrate how individuals converge without direct communication, showcasing the significance of conspicuous landmarks. These coordination games are prevalent in everyday interactions, emphasizing the role of language in achieving social alignment.

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