The language hoax
John H. McWhorter
Reading Time
at 250 WPM3h 4m
The average reader, reading at a speed of 250 WPM, would take 3h 4m to read The language hoax.
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7
days at 30 min/day
184
total minutes
The language hoax
Published
2016
Publisher
Oxford University Press, Incorporated
Pages
184
ISBN-13
9780190468897
Description
"Japanese has a term that covers both green and blue. Russian has separate terms for dark and light blue. Does this mean that Russians perceive these colors differently from Japanese people? Does language control and limit the way we think, such that each language gives its speakers a different 'worldview?' This opinionated book addresses the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which argues that the language we speak shapes the way we perceive the world. Linguist John McWhorter argues that while this idea is mesmerizing, it is plainly wrong... McWhorter shows not only how the idea of language as a lens fails but also why we want so badly to believe it: we're eager to celebrate diversity by acknowledging the intelligence of peoples who may not think like we do. Though well-intentioned, our belief in this idea poses an obstacle to a better understanding of human nature and even trivializes the people we seek to celebrate. The reality--that all humans think alike--provides another, better way for us to acknowledge the intelligence of all peoples."--book jacket.
Language, thought, and reality
Linguistic relativity versus innate ideas
Semiotica e ideologia
Ezik i idiolekt
Lingvistichna otnositelnost
The Whorf theory complex
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pages are in The language hoax?
This edition of The language hoax has approximately 184 pages. Please note, this is an estimate and the exact page count can vary between hardcover, paperback, and e-book versions.
How long does it take to read The language hoax?
For most readers, The language hoax typically takes between 3h 50m and 2h 33m to complete. This is based on the book's length of approximately 46,000 words and common reading speeds.
Here's a detailed breakdown: • Continuous reading at 250 WPM: approximately 3h 4m of focused reading • Casual reading (30 minutes/day): you could finish in roughly 7 days • Estimated word count: 46,000 words
Your individual reading time will vary based on your personal reading pace, the amount of daily reading time, and your familiarity with the subject matter.
What is the word count of The language hoax?
The estimated word count for The language hoax is approximately 46,000 words. This figure is calculated using industry-standard methods that consider genre-specific word density patterns, typical formatting and layout characteristics, and standard words-per-page ratios for published books.
This is an approximation — actual word count may vary based on font size, formatting, edition, and the presence of illustrations or charts.
Who is the author of The language hoax?
The language hoax was written by John H. McWhorter.
When was The language hoax published?
The publication date for this specific edition is 2016. The original work may have been published on a different date.