Aboriginal people in Australia are better at finding their way around because they use compass directions instead of simply describing things as to the left or right. That’s just one of several findings from Stanford psychologist Lera Boroditsky, who claims language greatly influences our thoughts and perceptions. It’s a radical departure from modern linguistic theory.
We listen back to a conversation with Boroditsky, who joined us as part of our First Person series featuring the leaders, innovators and other compelling characters that make the Bay Area unique.