In 'Language, Thought, and Reality,' Benjamin Lee Whorf presents a groundbreaking exploration of how language shapes our understanding of the world. His work, often encapsulated in the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, suggests that the structure of a language influences its speakers' worldview and cognition. The book includes studies on Native American languages, such as Hopi, and offers insights into alternative philosophical assumptions.
Samuel R. Delany's "Babel-17" is a groundbreaking science fiction novel that delves into the intricate relationship between language and reality. The story follows Rydra Wong, a poet-linguist, as she deciphers a mysterious alien language called Babel-17, which possesses a unique structure where form and meaning are deeply intertwined. The novel explores themes of communication, perception, and the power of language to shape our understanding of the universe. Delany's masterful use of language and his exploration of complex themes make "Babel-17" a landmark work in science fiction.
In 'Because Internet,' Gretchen McCulloch delves into the ways the internet has influenced language, from the development of texting and memes to the use of emojis and emoticons. The book examines how internet conversations are structured by the shape of our apps and platforms, and how social media acts as a laboratory for unedited and unfiltered language. McCulloch discusses how our online interactions reveal aspects of our identities and how language evolves quickly through online communities. She also explores the historical context of internet language, including the different generations of internet users and their unique linguistic styles[2][3][5].
China Miéville's 'Embassytown' is a unique and imaginative science fiction novel set on a planet inhabited by a species with a complex and unusual language. The story follows Avice Benner, a human envoy navigating the intricacies of this alien culture. Miéville's writing is known for its intricate world-building and exploration of linguistic and philosophical themes. The novel delves into the nature of communication, identity, and the challenges of intercultural understanding. 'Embassytown' is a challenging yet rewarding read that will leave readers pondering the complexities of language and the human condition. Miéville's distinctive style and imaginative storytelling make this novel a standout work of science fiction.
It's a fun science fiction trope: learn a mysterious alien language and acquire superpowers, just like if you'd been zapped by a cosmic ray or bitten by a radioactive spider. But what's the linguistics behind this idea found in books like Babel-17, Embassytown, or the movie Arrival?
In this episode, your hosts Lauren Gawne and Gretchen McCulloch get enthusiastic about the science and fiction of linguistic relativity, popularly known as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. We talk about a range of different things that people mean when they refer to this hypothesis: a sciencey-sounding way to introduce obviously fictional concepts like time travel or mind control, a reflection that we add new words all the time as convenient handles to talk about new concepts, a note that grammatical categories can encourage us to pay attention to specific areas in the world (but aren't the only way of doing so), a social reflection that we feel like different people in different environments (which can sometimes align with different languages, though not always). We also talk about several genuine areas of human difference that linguistic relativity misses: different perceptive experiences like synesthesia and aphantasia, as well as how we lump sounds into categories based on what's relevant to a given language.
Finally, we talk about the history of where the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis comes from, why Benjamin Lee Whorf would have been great on TikTok, and why versions of this idea keep bouncing back in different guises as a form of curiosity about the human condition no matter how many specific instances get disproven.
Click here for a link to this episode in your podcast player of choice here: https://episodes.fm/1186056137/episode/dGFnOnNvdW5kY2xvdWQsMjAxMDp0cmFja3MvMjA1OTQ5MDMwOA
Read the transcript here: https://lingthusiasm.com/post/778588696756846592/transcript-episode-102-the-science-and-fiction-of
Announcements:
In this month’s bonus episode we get enthusiastic about two sets of updates! We talk about the results from the 2024 listener survey (we learned which one of us you think is more kiki and more bouba!), and our years in review (book related news for both Lauren and Gretchen), plus exciting news for the coming year.
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Lingthusiasm - A podcast that's enthusiastic about linguistics 
