Snow in Inuit, taste in Japanese... how do languages break down reality? 💬

Languages are much more than just a communication tool. They reflect the values and daily experiences of the peoples who speak them.


A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences explored the connections between languages and the concepts they prioritize. Using computational methods, researchers analyzed 1,574 bilingual dictionaries covering 616 different languages. This approach allowed them to identify linguistic patterns unique to each culture.

Among the findings, Mongolian stands out for its rich vocabulary around horses, while Japanese excels in terms related to taste. These results confirm long-standing observations but with unprecedented scientific rigor. The method also made it possible to test controversial hypotheses, such as the high number of words for snow in Inuit languages.

Contrary to popular belief, Inuit languages do indeed have an exceptionally rich vocabulary for describing snow. Eastern Canadian Inuktitut, for example, has specific terms for phenomena like the sound of walking on hard snow. This discovery highlights the importance of environment in linguistic development.

However, the study also reveals surprises. South African languages, for instance, have a rich vocabulary around rain despite moderate rainfall. This suggests that the cultural significance of a phenomenon can influence its linguistic expression as much as its frequency.

The researchers also identified languages with a developed olfactory vocabulary, such as Marshallese, which has specific terms for smells like blood or fish. These findings open new perspectives on the relationship between language and sensory perception.

Despite its advances, the study acknowledges its limitations. Some results may be biased by the structure of the dictionaries used, and it is crucial to avoid cultural stereotypes.