Discussion Questions

  1. Evaluate Steven Pinker’s criticism of Sapir-Whorf.
  2. Mandarin Chinese has more speakers worldwide than English. Why has English then been labeled as a threat to other cultures?
  3. Can a strong nation exist when cultures within cultures each have a unique language?
  4. Develop arguments for both sides of the Lau v. Nichols (1974) case.
  5. What arguments can be raised for and against official language laws?