Analysis of the Relationship Between Language and Humans Perception of Reality

As the use of languages grows increasingly salient in modern society, their effects on peoples real lives are worthy of discussion. The current version of Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis (or linguistic relativism), that language influences humans perception of the world, is drawing attention. While there is growing evidence supporting this argument, it is under debate whether this influence should be attributed to linguistic aspects or humans universal cognitive system. By reviewing and evaluating empirical studies, the present paper aims to answer whether language has an impact on thoughts, and gives an indication for future research. This paper finally synthesises findings from the studies and concludes that language does influence thoughts, but in a superficial manner, not the manner that is considered as exclusively attributed to linguistic aspects. Thus, the universal approach is favoured, and a potential path for future research of making careful differentiation between linguistic factors and external ones is suggested.