Pinker posits that language is not just a tool for communication, but a reflection of how we perceive reality. He explores how our innate mental categories for space, time, and causality are hardwired into our linguistic choices.
We understand abstract concepts (like time or love) by mapping them onto concrete physical experiences (like distance or heat). Düşüncenin Maddesi – Steven Pinker
Pinker analyzes why humans often use indirect language (innuendos, politeness, threats) to navigate complex social relationships and avoid direct confrontation. Pinker posits that language is not just a