The Sapir Whorf hypothesis states that we perceive reality on the basis of our language. Beyond language, our reality is shaped by travel and by experiencing different cultures.
As an educator, I have had the privilege of traveling extensively around the world, and I have learned to believe in the goodness of the human spirit, without cultural biases or stereotypes.
At The University of Tampa, we aspire to have more than half our students have an overseas travel experience while at College. I think this changes their myopic worldview, allows them to appreciate the richness of cultural diversity, and opens their eyes to the wonders of our beautiful world.
Next stop in my world travels? Chile and Argentina.
My bags are packed — it’s time to hit the road!
About Hemant Rustogi
I will have to read more about the Sapir Whorf hypothesis. Over a recent road trip I listened to an audio book that presented the history of probability and randomness. Your statement on language reminded me of the difficulty changing perceptions when academics tried to improve the world with symbols like plus and minus. Those two symbols came some time before the equal sign too!
I totally agree with your statement about the goodness of the human spirit without cultural biases. In 2010 I had to travel by road from Istanbul to Bucharest as all the flights had been cancelled due to the volcanic ash flying from Ice Land. The people who were travelling with me were either Turkish or Romanian who did not speak English but the way they looked after me throughout that 11 hour journey I can never forget.