Lesson Four: Hidden Assumptions


Reading Summary

It is not easy to see our assumptions. Our most basic assumptions are embedded in the basic elements of our everyday lives (our language, our routines and habits, our technologies).

In this lesson we explore the power of language.  It allows us to communicate, collaborate, and cooperate. But it can also shape the way we see the world and ourselves.  We will explore language-worlds where there the sky is not blue, where space and time are not carefully measured into discrete units, and what all of this means for how we might become “world-makers” by becoming better “word-weavers.”

Read Lesson Four


Recommended Additional Materials

Check out the full Grammar of Happiness documentary, the story of Daniel Everett’s language adventures among the Paraha.  Here is a trailer:


Ready?

Take Challenge Four