ABSTRACT
Language is the primary means by which we share information about others. When we describe individuals’ and group members’ actions and characteristics, we pass on our beliefs about those people to others, and by doing so our beliefs survive over time. Language is indeed a powerful tool for the transmission of beliefs about individuals and groups. Through language, the mass media influence consumers’ views (e.g., Ruscher, 2001; van Dijk, 1987; Williams & Giles, 1998), parents shape their childrens’ beliefs and stereotypes (Epstein & Komorita, 1966; Fagot, Leinbach, & O’Boyle, 1992), peers influence each others’ opinions and preferences (Nesdale, 2001; Weinreich, Luk, & Bond, 1996), and teachers pass on their own values and beliefs to their students (Ruscher, 2001; Stephan & Stephan, 1984).
