The Whorfian Hypothesis, which states that the structure of one's language influences the understanding of reality, is examined in relation to the Chinese language and culture and to the English language and American culture. Examples supporting the Whorfian Hypothesis are offered in language relating to personal relationships. Research on the Hypothesis is reviewed briefly, and various interpretations are noted. It is concluded that while the Hypothesis in its stronger forms has been discredited, Whorf's work has opened linguistic theory to greater consideration of the relationship between language and thought. Contains 19 references. (MSE)