The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis concludes that the language individuals speak shapes their understanding of the world

Our words depend on our thoughts, not vice versa, correct? We express our thoughts and feelings through the words of our language. There are certain things you are able to say in one language that may not even make sense in another; therefore, in that circumstance this hypothesis is correct. Furthermore, language and culture are very closely associated with each other. Each culture holds different beliefs. That is basically where we develop our values from. We consider specific ideas of the world to be wrong, and others to be right; even if it is not necessarily correct. For example, let’s speak about the Mexican culture. Gender stratification is very common in Mexico. All the sexism produces inequality between men and women. Men, generally, hold the power of the homes. Women are expected to be phenomenal housewives serving their family in all their needs. Society has accepted women being treated as inferior to men. From generation to generation, these beliefs are passed on. Parents assign different privileges to girls and boys. Kids grow up with these same beliefs their families have lived with, and it affects the way they perceive the world. As they grow up they start believing girls and boys play different roles; in consequence, they start degrading girls. (Girls can only play with dolls, boys can play any sport they please, girls must help serve their brothers, etc.) These beliefs they hold are merely thoughts within their head, expressed throughout language. The American culture, on the other hand, holds more equal beliefs. Men and women both cook. Girls and boys play together. Every culture holds different social concepts of what is or not acceptable. It is not wrong, it is just their culture.

Therefore, if we do not acquire a certain cultural belief we simply will not behave upon it or even talk about it. This hypothesis states that language has an impact on our behavior and what we perceive. The idea that language not only voices our ideas but creates our way of thinking and perceiving came from Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf. Social scientists believe the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis exaggerates the relationship language, our thoughts, and behavior patterns hold. It is acknowledged that language influences our thoughts and perceptions of reality, but it does not determine it.