Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

Dicionary.com gives this definition for the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis:

A theory developed by Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf that states that the structure of a language determines or greatly influences the modes of thought and behavior characteristic of the culture in which it is spoken.

Do I agree with this? Definitely. I remember one book I read, in which there is a character who speaks both Arabic and French. When he speaks French, he treats women with respect. When he speaks Arabic, there is far less politeness. Language and culture are very closely linked. A language is really an entire mindset, not just a different list of vocabulary and grammatical rules. Language definitely shapes how you think.

But do I agree with what Mr. Philpot suggested, that thought is not possible without language? No, it is certainly possible. The reason someone might think it is not would be because they, like all of us, have been brought up with language. Our thoughts are in words, and we can't imagine thinking any other way, because the brief time that we did when we were babies, we can't remember. I think the words we use to formulate ideas within our minds are just on the surface. They represent something deeper. [Spoken] Language makes it easier to communicate ideas, but without words, we could still communicate. Take for instance the part in "A day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" where Shukhov is working with Senka. Senka is deaf, and yet the two of them are able to communicate without words. I see that I have gotten off-subject. Back to the original topic of thought being impossible without language, I just don't agree with it.