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The vocabulary we have does more than communicate our knowledge; it shapes

what we know.
Vocabulary is defined as the body of words used in a particular language. It is a
useful tool for communication and acquiring knowledge. It is a very important
component in language, as in language, is not only used by every single of us to
deliver ideas to each other, but is also a way to express ourselves, to define our
identities.
There are two examples on how vocabulary affects the things we can know: one
example is specificity. Specificity in a language can determine an individuals ability
to recognize and differentiate between objects or ideas. By using structuralist
principles, our minds do not always see objects and then associate a word with the
objects. Rather it is sometimes in reverse. And it is mostly seen in abstract nouns.
Abstract nouns (honour or justice) are not something we touch or see. A young child
needs to be taught the concept of honour; if the word honour is not introduced
into the vocabulary, there is no direct input that reveals it.
Another example is Masculine and Feminine Associations. Grammatical gender
differences in different languages (e.g. French, Spanish), can change the way people
think mentally and verbally describe things. An example would be that studies show
that people who speak languages with gender differences are more likely grouping
unrelated words with similar genders together, and they are also more likely to
describe feminine inanimate objects with feminine adjectives.
There was an experiment where native English speakers and Berinmo speakers
were asked to remember a colour shown on a screen. They were then shown two
similar colours and are asked to choose the one that matched the first colour. The
Berinmo speakers forgot boue and green colours more often, but they were able to
remember the differences between shades of green more easily than those who
speak English. The reason for the results is that in Berinmo, there isnt any language
distinction between blue and green. There is a language distinction that separates
the green into two arbitrary categories (nol and wor). The Berinmo speakers ability
to remember and recognize colours is affected by the vocabulary they have to
describe these colours.
Vocabulary relates strongly to mathematics. In mathematics, there are many
terminologies created and used, by mathematicians and people who study
mathematics. (For example integer, meaning whole numbers, positive or negative,
0, 1, 2, 3.). The purpose for terminologies in all kinds of studies, give us shorter
words but have a clear definition. Vocabularys purpose is to put words to fit in

correctly, that it makes sense and it is clear. The vocabulary we have does more
than communicate our knowledge; it shapes what we know.

Our professions and our vocabulary are intertwined. The more our world view is
shape by our profession, the more specialized or wide our vocabulary becomes. As a
result, I agree with the statement: The vocabulary we have does more than
communicate our knowledge; it shapes what we know.
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