Arrival (2016) is a science fiction film lauded for its realistic focus on linguistics, where Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams) attempts to decipher the language of visiting aliens, known as Heptapods. The film centers on the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis—the idea that learning a new language can fundamentally alter a person's perception of reality and time
The Alien Language (Heptapod B)
Logographic Writing: The aliens use a written language (Heptapod B) that consists of complex, circular symbols called logograms.
Non-linear: Unlike human languages that are linear (words following in a line), Heptapod B is nonlinear, reflecting their perception of time as circular rather than past-to-future.
No Subject/Verb/Object: The writing does not have a set beginning or end, and it does not reveal the purpose of a sentence until it is finished, mirroring how the Heptapods perceive all moments in time simultaneously.
Independent of Speech: The written language is entirely separate from their spoken language (Heptapod A), which is described as making noises outside the range of human hearing
The Alien Language (Heptapod B)
Logographic Writing: The aliens use a written language (Heptapod B) that consists of complex, circular symbols called logograms.
Non-linear: Unlike human languages that are linear (words following in a line), Heptapod B is nonlinear, reflecting their perception of time as circular rather than past-to-future.
No Subject/Verb/Object: The writing does not have a set beginning or end, and it does not reveal the purpose of a sentence until it is finished, mirroring how the Heptapods perceive all moments in time simultaneously.
Independent of Speech: The written language is entirely separate from their spoken language (Heptapod A), which is described as making noises outside the range of human hearing
Arrival is a stark reminder of how the languages we learn fundamentally shape our thought patterns and experiences, and how a language can shape the cultures surrounding it. As Louise says to Ian, “language is the foundation of civilisation, it is the glue that holds people together, it is the first weapon drawn in a conflict”.
As Louise begins to learn the Heptapod’s language and decipher their writing, she starts thinking like a Heptapod - fundamentally changing her relationship with important aspects of her existence, such as time and purpose. This is a demonstration of what scientists have called the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis – “the language you speak influences how you think and how you see everything”.
https://www.filmtherapywithalex.com/post/arrival-exploring-the-role-of-language-in-our-experience-of-life
As Louise begins to learn the Heptapod’s language and decipher their writing, she starts thinking like a Heptapod - fundamentally changing her relationship with important aspects of her existence, such as time and purpose. This is a demonstration of what scientists have called the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis – “the language you speak influences how you think and how you see everything”.
https://www.filmtherapywithalex.com/post/arrival-exploring-the-role-of-language-in-our-experience-of-life
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Forwarded from The Blindspot Archives
Sugar maple (Acer saccharum).
The sugar maple is one of the longest-lived hardwood trees in eastern North America. Old specimens can survive for several centuries and develop massive trunks, deeply furrowed bark, and broad canopies that dominate the surrounding forest.
Its leaves typically have five lobes, rounded inner sinuses, softer and more flowing edges than the Norway maple, and intense autumn coloration ranging from yellow to deep red. The species is also the primary source of maple syrup due to the high sugar content of its sap.
Acer saccharum. (2026). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_saccharum
The sugar maple is one of the longest-lived hardwood trees in eastern North America. Old specimens can survive for several centuries and develop massive trunks, deeply furrowed bark, and broad canopies that dominate the surrounding forest.
Its leaves typically have five lobes, rounded inner sinuses, softer and more flowing edges than the Norway maple, and intense autumn coloration ranging from yellow to deep red. The species is also the primary source of maple syrup due to the high sugar content of its sap.
Acer saccharum. (2026). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_saccharum
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