You've rented the movie Sophie's Choice.There is a scene in which Sophie,a recent immigrant from Poland,is both surprised and amused that Americans have so many words for the concept "fast." She reports that in Polish,there is only one word.You've just read Chapter 3 (Social Cognition),and a friend asks you why the cultures differ in that regard.What would you say?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This difference in vocabulary likely reflects differences in cultural experience and context. Americans are more likely to be exposed to and value speed and efficiency, leading to a need for more descriptive words for the concept of "fast." In contrast, the Polish language may not have a similarly developed vocabulary for speed because their culture may not prioritize speed in the same way. This suggests a difference in schemas and cultural values, rather than differences in education, language roots, borrowing from foreign languages, or limited vocabulary.

You've Rented the Movie Sophie's Choice