Lera Boroditsky On How Language Shapes The Way We Think

There are about 7,000 languages spoken around the world—each with different sounds, vocabularies, and structures. But do they shape the way we think? Cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky shares some insights—from an Aboriginal community in Australia that uses cardinal directions instead of left and right, to the multiple words for blue in Russian—that suggest the answer is a resounding yes. "The beauty of linguistic diversity is that it reveals just how ingenious and flexible the human mind is," Boroditsky says. Applying these concepts and observations to today’s organizations, the predominant language of your senior leaders has a significant impact on the culture, values, and internal operating systems of the organization—specifically how it views, interacts, and perceives its own existence and purpose. When operating on a global stage, it’s imperative to be mindful of these subtle, yet profound, drivers of one’s organization and how they frame and influence our point of view, engagement, and interactions with the various stakeholders we serve. Please reach out to me to start a conversation around your corporate language.