Have you ever wondered how our language shapes the way we see the world?

To truly grasp reality, we must first put it into words and categorize our experiences. However, language is a very unreliable tool when it comes to understanding what’s ‘real’. We make up the words to talk about whatever takes our attention but the attention itself is very subjective. And then it gets even more complex and interesting if we ask: Can the language determine the way we think?

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The Aymara people offer a fascinating example of how language shapes our perception of reality. Instead of using terms like “inside” or “outside,” they describe spatial relationships based on the movement of the sun, such as “where the sun rises” for inside and “where the sun sets” for outside. Similarly, when discussing “approaching” or “leaving” a place, they use phrases like “going towards where the sun rises” and “going towards where the sun sets.” This unique approach illustrates how language influences their concept of space, and how linguistic frameworks shape our understanding of the world.

… In the end, our reality is what we agree it is.

Language plays a huge role in determining reality, influencing how we divide, organize, and classify our experiences. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggests that language has the power to shape and influence the perceptions and thoughts of its speakers.

Language is not neutral. It is not merely a vehicle which carries ideas. It is itself a shaper of ideas, it is the programme for mental activity (Whorf 1976)

In Arctic regions, indigenous peoples have rich vocabularies for snow and ice, revealing their strong bond with nature. Their words not only describe how things look but also share details about the value, purpose, or importance of different snow and ice types in their everyday experiences.

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Yakut (Sakha) :

•          Ytyk-Khaan: Refers to a thick layer of snow covering the ground.

•          Khashar : Describes the crust on the surface of the snow, often formed by freezing and thawing.

•          Buor Khaya : Indicates light, fluffy snow.

Inuit (Eskimo) :

•          Qanik: This term is often used to refer to falling snow.

•          Api: Describes snow that has thawed and refrozen, forming a crust.

•          Pukak: Refers to crystalline, granular snow.

The world is complex, and language, when we try to talk about it, often limits and simplifies our perceptions. Our words create a personal view of reality, yet there are parts of reality that words can’t fully capture. Maybe by learning different languages, we can break free from these limits and broaden our grasp of reality.

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English distinguishes between blue and green, while Russian uses a single term, “голубой” (goluboy), for both light blue and certain green shades. Studies propose this linguistic variation might affect how people perceive colors, with Russian speakers being more attuned to blue-green shades. It’s a colorful example of how language paints our view of reality.

One of the main benefits of learning a second language is that you open a different worldview and different concepts that then you can import to your native language.

This idea aligns with the concept of linguistic relativity (Sapir–Whorf hypothesis), which suggests that different languages offer different ways of thinking. When languages interact, they can change how people think about things.

Japanese language has a rich vocabulary for describing various aspects of nature, including the sound of rain. In Japanese, these words are often onomatopoeic, meaning that the sound of the word imitates the sound it represents. Here are a few examples related to the sound of rain:

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Ame (雨): This is the general term for rain in Japanese.

Potsu Potsu (ぽつぽつ): Describes the sound of raindrops falling one by one.

Shito Shito (しとしと): Describes a soft and steady sound of rain falling.

Gatagata (がたがた): Describes the sound of rain beating on a hard surface, such as a roof.

Poro Poro (ぽろぽろ): This word is often used to describe the sound of raindrops falling on a water surface, like a lake or pond.

Sara Sara (さらさら): Represents a light, rustling sound, often used for the sound of rain on leaves or water.

Japanese onomatopoeia is fascinating! 🤩

Learning a second language not only unlocks different worldviews and concepts but also enriches our understanding of our own reality. It’s a process of exploration, leading to stronger connections with the world and ourselves. Who knows what amazing insights we’ll discover as we learn more languages and see the world in new ways?