Benjamin Whorf

Benjamin Whorf (1897-1941) was an American linguist (and fire prevention engineer) who pioneered and advocated for the idea that structural differences in language arise from the different ways that different cultures conceptualize the world. Known as the Sapir-Whorf theory, this theory proposes that language influences thought. As every world language evolved within a specific area (with the influences of climate, local agriculture, prevailing attitudes, local lifestyles, etc.) each language reflects these realities and also influences later generations. This leads to languages that can reflect a relaxed lifestyle, a militant culture, a spiritual culture, or many other types of cultures.