Ideas change everything

Could your language affect your ability to save money?

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Keith Chen |

TEDGlobal 2012

• June 2012

What can economists learn from linguists? Behavioral economist Keith Chen introduces a fascinating pattern from his research: that languages without a concept for the future -- "It rain tomorrow," instead of "It will rain tomorrow" -- correlate strongly with high savings rates.

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Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

What can economists learn from linguists? Behavioral economist Keith Chen introduces a fascinating pattern from his research: that languages without a concept for the future -- "It rain tomorrow," instead of "It will rain tomorrow" -- correlate strongly with high savings rates.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.

About the speaker

Behavioral economist

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Keith Chen's research suggests that the language you speak may impact the way you think about your future.

Learn more

Money on the mind

The behavioral economist explains how the way we talk about the future can affect the way we invest.

Can language affect the way we think?

Who's to blame for accidents? What colors do you see? Your answers might depend on the languages you speak.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.