The tribe that doesn’t know blue exists, it hasn’t been given a name.

Question

You may of heard this quote before "how do you describe colors to a blind person," read further below to see how complicated this is!

Amongst the color spectrum of visible light, we have these available among others:
1. Red: Crimson, scarlet, ruby, cherry
2. Orange: Tangerine, apricot, coral, pumpkin
3. Yellow: Goldenrod, lemon, saffron, mustard
4. Green: Emerald, lime, moss, olive
5. Blue: Azure, navy, sky, cobalt
6. Indigo: Violet-blue, deep purple-blue, dark navy
7. Violet: Lavender, lilac, plum, amethyst

There is mention of a tribe in Africa that doesn't have a word for blue, as it’s something they don't know the meaning of. 
If you present them with squares of different colors on a computer screen, including blue, and ask them to pick it out, they simply can't see it among the other colors because they've never learned to describe it in their language or minds.

For this Tribe, the concept and colors mentioned in line 5: Azure, navy, sky, cobalt, don’t appear to exist for them!

The information mentioned is a common anecdote that has been circulated in various forms, suggesting that some cultures or languages may not have specific words for certain colors like blue. 
This anecdote is often used to illustrate how language influences our perception and understanding of reality.

It's worth noting that the accuracy and specificity of this anecdote can vary. 
While there may be cultures or languages with fewer color terms than others, it's important to consider the linguistic and cultural complexities involved. 
Furthermore, research in linguistic relativism 
(the idea that language influences thought) is still debated and nuanced.

Overall, this anecdote highlights the fascinating relationship between language and perception, emphasizing that our understanding and interpretation of the world can be shaped by the concepts and categories provided by our mental language.

Numerous studies have been conducted on the relationship between language and color perception. 
One influential work in this area is the book "Through the Language Glass: Why the World Looks Different in Other Languages" by linguist Guy Deutscher. 
Deutscher explores how language can shape our perception of colors and argues that the structure of language affects how speakers perceive and categorize different colors.

Researchers such as Lera Boroditsky and Paul Kay have also explored the influence of language on color perception, suggesting that speakers of languages with different color terminologies may have different perceptions of color.

The quote i mentioned, "how do you describe colors to a blind person," highlights the challenge of explaining visual experiences to someone who has never experienced them due to blindness. This quote is often used to convey the difficulty of conveying a sensory perception that relies on visual stimuli to someone who lacks the ability to see.

Describing colors to a blind person typically involves using other senses, analogies, and comparisons to make them understand the concept and associations related to colors. 
For example, one might describe red as a warm and intense color like fire or as the feeling of heat on the skin. 
Blue might be described as a cool and calming color, similar to the sensation of a gentle breeze or the sound of ocean waves.

It's important to note that the experience and perception of color remain unique to those who can see, and the descriptions provided to blind individuals are approximations or interpretations of what colors represent or evoke in a visual context.

While these studies provide interesting insights into the influence of language on color perception, it's important to note that the relationship between language and perception is complex and can vary across cultures and linguistic communities. 
Different researchers may have different interpretations and conclusions regarding this topic.

Ford Davies · Accepted Answer

The blue effect, is like Explaining Neurodivergence 
But one thing I’ve realised, “mentioning blue to this tribe” whatever you say or try to approach them with the subject or the idea 💡 
To them it sounds absurd and crazy, and they regard your comments as foolishness “you’re simply of your rocker, or something similar to being nuts” at the least seriously being overly dramatic and exaggerated 🧐

Explaining Neurodivergence Lol when I finally figured that one out, how to explain and describe what it is and feels like, the experience of it communicated!
I will definitely post about it 😂

The tribe that doesn’t know blue exists, it hasn’t been given a name.

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