Based on the concepts in the following, what comparisons could be made in terms of marginalized groups, in that, if there is no available word or classification for a particular identity (gender, sexual preference, etc.), does that group not exist, or must they compromise their feelings or identity in order to fit an existing mold, and if so, to what degree? How does the need for classification in terms of survival, both physically and socially, coincide with these ideas? Are there alternative options?

The history of the color blue and its absence in early literature provides an interesting connection to recent philosophical discussions around language and perception. One scholar whose work has significant bearing on this topic is Ludwig Wittgenstein, a 20th-century philosopher known for his philosophical investigations into language. Wittgenstein’s concept of language-games, which he argued form the basis of our understanding of the world, emphasizes the integral role language plays in shaping human experiences (Wittgenstein, 1953).

In relation to the example of the color blue, Wittgenstein’s work suggests that language not only dictates the way we categorize and perceive color, but also highlights the importance of a shared understanding and use of language within a cultural context for effective communication (Wittgenstein, 1953). Without a specific word or concept for the color blue, it would be difficult for an individual or group of people within a society to accurately perceive or discuss the color.

More recent linguistic and cognitive research also supports the relationship between language and perception. One influential theory is the linguistic relativity hypothesis, also known as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which posits that the structure of a language can influence or determine an individual’s thoughts, experiences, and perceptions (Whorf, 1956). This hypothesis has been the subject of ongoing debate and research, with various studies examining the impact of language on color perception, spatial cognition, and other aspects of human experience (Gumperz & Levinson, 1996).

In a study by Kay and Kempton (1984), researchers found that the language one speaks can influence the way they categorize and differentiate colors, supporting the idea that language can shape perception. In a different context, research on the indigenous Himba tribe in Namibia demonstrated that their unique linguistic categorization of colors affected their ability to discriminate between certain shades of green and blue (Roberson, Davidoff, Davies, & Shapiro, 2005).

The history of the color blue and its lack of reference in early literature reinforces the importance of language in shaping perception. It highlights that our perception of color, nature, and other aspects of life can be significantly influenced by the available words and language systems within our culture.

References:

Gumperz, J. J., & Levinson, S. C. (Eds.). (1996). Rethinking Linguistic Relativity. Cambridge University Press.

Kay, P., & Kempton, W. (1984). What is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis? American Anthropologist, 86(1), 65–79.

Roberson, D., Davidoff, J., Davies, I., & Shapiro, L. R. (2005). Color categories: Evidence for the cultural relativity hypothesis. Cognitive Psychology, 50(4), 378–411.

Whorf, B. L. (1956). Language, thought, and reality: Selected writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf. MIT Press.

Wittgenstein, L. (1953). Philosophical investigations. Basil Blackwell.