Impact of Language
How does language shape how we think about others in adulthood?
WHAT WE KNOW
Language is central to social interaction. We use language to share important information with each other all the time, to tell people about our experiences, knowledge, our thoughts and needs. However, we now know that the language we use when talking about other people also changes what and how we think about them, as well as how much we empathise with them. This type of learning - where we learn certain ways of thinking about people through our interaction with others - is called 'cultural learning'. ​
THE PROBLEM
When talking about people who differ from ourselves, we tend to use fewer words that describe what sort of mental states they have, for instance, what sort of things they might think, feel, want, or believe in. If we do use any mental state words, they also tend to be less sophisticated, which makes it seem like the people that differ from ourselves only have simple thoughts and emotions. Of course, this isn't likely to be accurate. What's more, we now know that when we learn about other people through language like this, it affects how we think about them and how much we empathise with them.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
When we hear or read language that describes other people, and it doesn't include words that describe or explain their thoughts or emotions, it affects the way the person who is hearing or reading about those people thinks about them. Specifically, language that includes less mental state words, makes the listener or reader less likely to think about what sort of mind the other person has. This has a knock on effect; if we aren't using - or don't have - our ideas of what sort of mind an individual person has, we are more likely to make incorrect assumptions about that person. This might be because we are instead using our ideas about the group this individual is part of, and these ideas are less likely to be accurate for particular individuals. Moreover, when we do hear or read words that describe an individual's emotions, we are more likely to empathise with them. For instance, we are more likely to express concern for their welfare and be willing to help them if they are in need, compared to when they have been introduced to us via language that does not allow us to learn about their thoughts and emotions.
WHAT CAN HELP
Step 1: When it comes to talking about other people try to use language that describes to others how they might be thinking and feeling.
Step 2: Be aware that people, and some media sources, tend to use less of this sort of language when talking about people who differ from themselves (think about the portrayal of immigrants in the media for instance). Just because the language used to discuss them doesn't include these sorts of words doesn't mean those people don't have their own, complex, thoughts and feelings. Being aware that everyone is complex and has their own story, is a good start to having more empathy with them, and understanding them better.
Step 3: When talking to children particularly, try to make sure you are using language that helps them understand what others might be thinking and feeling and how this relates to their behaviour. This will help children have a better understanding of others and how their mind works when they're older. We discuss this in more detail on the page about Child Development.