Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Linguistic relativity, also known as the Whorfian hypothesis, suggests that different languages shape how we think and perceive reality.
Related terms
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: Named after Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf who developed this theory, it states that language shapes our thoughts and worldview.
Thought processes: Refers to cognitive activities such as problem-solving, decision-making, memory retrieval, or creative thinking influenced by linguistic relativity.