Through The Language Glass

by Guy Deutscher
Through The Language Glass cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Language and Linguistics
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1108
  • Added: 2025-09-26
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781446494905
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2016-08-04
  • Formats: 18
  • Reviews: 4

Through the Language Glass challenges the notion that language is merely a tool for communication, arguing instead that it profoundly influences how we think and perceive the world. Guy Deutscher, an acclaimed linguist, presents a compelling case that our mother tongue acts as a lens, coloring our experiences and shaping our cultural identities. /n/nThis book is a delightful blend of cultural history and popular science, tackling some of the most intriguing questions about language, culture, and the human mind. Deutscher's playful and provocative style makes complex ideas accessible, inviting readers to reconsider the relationship between language and thought.

Reviews
univ.ox.ac.uk · Unknown · 2025-09-27
intriguing 4.50

Through the Language Glass explores the fascinating relationship between language and thought, challenging the traditional Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. The book presents compelling evidence that language shapes our perception of the world, offering a fresh perspective on how we understand reality.

Through the Language Glass delves into the intricate connection between language and cognition, presenting a nuanced view of how language influences our thoughts and perceptions. The author challenges the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which suggests that language determines the range of thought, and instead proposes a more dynamic interaction between language and thought. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in linguistics, psychology, or the nature of human cognition. The arguments are well-supported by various examples and studies, making it both informative and engaging. However, some readers might find the dense academic language a bit challenging, but the insights gained are well worth the effort.

Quick quotes

    The way we talk about the world shapes the way we think about it.

    Language is not just a tool for communication; it is a lens through which we perceive reality.

    The evidence suggests that language and thought are deeply intertwined, influencing each other in complex ways.

James Egerton's Blog · 2021-10-23
excellent 4.50

The book is described as an excellent read that combines modern linguistics research with anthropology and sociology. The reviewer finds it both informative and enjoyable.

The reviewer on James Egerton's Blog praises the book for its comprehensive exploration of how language shapes our perception of the world. They appreciate the blend of modern linguistics research with elements of anthropology and sociology, which makes the book both informative and engaging. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-written and easy to follow, making it accessible to readers who may not have a background in linguistics.

Quick quotes

    In my opinion, it's an excellent read which combines modern applied linguistics research with a healthy sprinkle of anthropology, sociology and cultural history.

    Deutscher's writing style is engaging and accessible.

    The book is a fascinating exploration of how language shapes our perception of the world.

Linguistrix · 2016-10-09
good 4.00

The book is commended for its entertaining approach to linguistic relativity and its ability to make complex concepts understandable. The focus on color perception is particularly praised.

The reviewer from Linguistrix appreciates how the book manages to introduce the concept of linguistic relativity in a sane and entertaining manner. They particularly enjoy the sections on color perception, which they find to be the most compelling parts of the book. The reviewer also notes that the book does a great job of making complex linguistic theories accessible to a wider audience, blending scientific rigor with engaging storytelling.

Quick quotes

    A book that manages to introduce to the reader some of the saner aspects of the concept of linguistic relativity while also being thoroughly entertaining to read.

    The bits that I enjoyed the most were the ones about the study of colour perception.

    Deutscher has a knack for making complex ideas accessible and engaging.

theguardian.com · Unknown · 2011-11-08
fascinating 4.00

Through the Language Glass by Guy Deutscher explores the concept of linguistic relativity, challenging extreme views and offering a balanced perspective. The book is entertaining and humorous, addressing questions about language's influence on thought and culture, while debunking outdated theories and myths.

Through the Language Glass by Guy Deutscher is a fascinating exploration of linguistic relativity, a topic that often sparks strong reactions. The book strikes a balance between the extremes of linguistic opinion, presenting a more reasonable and entertaining take on how language influences thought and cognition. Deutscher addresses fundamental questions about language's role in shaping our perceptions and culture, debunking outdated theories and myths. The book is filled with humor and wit, making it an engaging read. It delves into various aspects of language, such as color terms and the complexity of different languages, providing a nuanced understanding of the subject. While it doesn't offer definitive answers, it raises thought-provoking questions and challenges conventional wisdom.

Quick quotes

    In their pronounaments on language, culture, and thought, it seems that big thinkers in their grandes œuvres have not always risen much above little thinkers over their hors d’œuvre.

    The reason why the topic causes such intense embarrassment is that it carries with it a baggage of intellectual history which is so disgraceful that the mere suspicion of association with it can immediately brand anyone a fraud.

    The alleged central finding of the discipline is nothing more than a hollow mouthful of air, since in the absence of a definition for the overall complexity of a language, the statement that “all languages are equally complex” makes about as much sense as the assertion that “all languages are equally cornflakes.

Appears in Lists