Language and the Brain: The Mind-Bending Power of Words

Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

$15.00 | Friedman Family Auditorium

There are nearly 7,000 languages spoken around the world — but what if they do more than help us communicate? What if the language you speak shapes how you perceive space, time, and even other people?

Dr. Lera Boroditsky, Professor of Cognitive Science at UC San Diego, TED speaker, and one of the world’s leading language and cognition scientists, brings this idea to life through striking stories from her research, including communities whose languages are so attuned to direction that speakers greet one another with compass points instead of “hello.” These vivid examples reveal a powerful truth: language doesn’t just describe reality — it helps create it.

With clarity, humor, and insight, Dr. Boroditsky explores how words quietly guide our thinking and how new technologies may be reshaping those patterns. This lively talk will change the way you listen, speak, and see the world around you.

6:00 p.m. — Lecture
7:00 p.m. — Meet & Greet & Reception

For questions or concerns regarding accessibility needs, please contact [email protected].