X-Nico

2 unusual facts about Eskimo words for snow


Eskimo words for snow

The claim that Eskimo languages have an unusually large number of words for snow is a widespread idea first voiced by Franz Boas and often used as a cliché when writing about how language may keep us more or less alert to the differences of the natural world.

The Mother Tongue

Bryson's account is a popularization of the subject; accordingly, it has been criticised for its inaccuracies, perpetuation of several urban myths, including an uncritical account of the number of words Eskimos have for snow.



see also