Recent fieldwork suggests that the Saami people (an indigenous people living in parts of northern Europe) have almost 100 words to describe various kinds of reindeer.English, on the other hand, has only a tiny fraction of words used to describe reindeer.According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, what cultural difference between English and Saami speakers would result from this disparity in the size of reindeer-related vocabulary?
A) English speakers are better able to identify the different odors of reindeer.
B) Saami speakers engage in spatial reasoning differently than English speakers.
C) English speakers have less numerical cognitive ability than do Saami speakers.
D) Saami speakers are better able to categorize reindeer than English speakers.
E) English speakers view time as flowing in a different direction than do Saami speakers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggests that the language we speak influences how we think and perceive the world. Therefore, the Saami people's extensive vocabulary for reindeer implies they have a more nuanced understanding and categorization of reindeer, reflecting their cultural significance and practical importance in Saami life.

Recent Fieldwork Suggests That the Saami People (An Indigenous People