Language May Shape Human Thought - Assignment Example

An example would be "otter" and "odder" or "prints" and "prince". (Suber & Thorpe 2001).The study seems to support the theory that human languages determine the conclusions that we reach, the concepts we have of our lives, and all our emotional makeup. A simplified language that develops when two languages combine is called a pidgin. The first contact with English speaking settlers resulted in Native languages combining with the settler's language to form "pidgin English". It is formed as a basic, and usually temporary means of communication between two distinct cultures.

However, if the pidgin is used over the span of generations it develops into a more complex language with a wider vocabulary. It then becomes known as a Creole. The Creole spoken in Louisiana by the Cajuns is an example of the combination between the French and African languages. When the language is spoken of as being "Cajun", it is a dialect of Louisiana Creole. (Pidgins and Creoles 1997). AntonymsAntonyms are words that have opposite meanings such as "high" and "low" or "good" and "bad". There are 4 types of antonyms.

Gradable antonyms are ends of a graduated spectrum that express opposite qualities such as "hot" and "cold". Complementary antonyms are absolute opposites such as "moral" and "immoral". Relational antonyms describe an opposite relationship between two words such as "cop" and "robber" or "take" and "give". An auto-antonym is the same word that has two opposing meanings. "Fast" (move swiftly) and "fast" (to hold firmly) are auto-antonyms as well as "sanction" (to sponsor).