Whorf Hypothesis

Famous quotes containing the words whorf and/or hypothesis:

    “The very natural tendency to use terms derived from traditional grammar like verb, noun, adjective, passive voice, in describing languages outside of Indo-European is fraught with grave possibilities of misunderstanding.”
    —Benjamin Lee Whorf (1897–1934)

    “The great tragedy of science—the slaying of a beautiful hypothesis by an ugly fact.”
    —Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–95)