Language and thought
Language shapes thought but doesn't determine it. We are free to change our words, and thus our thoughts
Steven Pinker
American cognitive psychologist and author, investigating language, mind, and human nature through psycholinguistics.
All moments: Steven Pinker
- Universal grammar — Steven Pinker
All languages are variations on a theme. Every human brain contains universal grammar
- Syntax and meaning — Steven Pinker
Syntax transforms a finite set of words into infinite meanings. That's the magic of language
- Linguistics and the brain — Steven Pinker
Through language we can understand how the brain works. Grammar is a fingerprint of our thinking
- Human nature and progress — Steven Pinker
Human nature is not evil. We are not innately aggressive. Culture and science can make us better
- The evolution of language — Steven Pinker
Language evolved because it gave a survival advantage. It allows us to transmit ideas
- Language as a window into human nature — Steven Pinker
Language is not just a common code. It's a window into how our mind works
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