1) Do you agree with the expression of Ludwig Wittgenstein that “the limit of my language is

the limit of my world”? Support your ideas.

Language acts as a vessel for thought and expression, allowing us to navigate and engage with
the world around us. By expanding our language skills, we can expand our cognitive world,
deepen our connections with others, and unlock new dimensions of understanding and
experience. I totally agree with the phrase "the limit of my language is the limit of my world"
mentioned by the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, specifically in his work "Tractatus Logico-
Philosophicus. These are the reasons why I consider that is true this premise:

Language Shapes Thought: Language doesn't just help us talk; it also changes how we think.
Different languages have different ways of saying things. For instance, some languages have
words for ideas that others don't, which can affect how people who speak those languages see
the world. If we don't have words for certain thoughts, those thoughts might not fully exist in
our minds.

Limitations of Expression: If we don't have the right words to explain complicated thoughts, it
can be hard to tell others what we're thinking. This can make people not understand us and
stop us from having good talks. Also, it might keep us from talking about deep thoughts and
feelings.

Expanding Horizons: When we learn new languages, we can see and understand different
ways of thinking and cultures. Each language is like a special lens that shows us the world in its
own way. Learning many languages can make our minds bigger and help us really get how
different people see the world.

Small Cultural Differences: Languages have special cultural meanings and hidden details that
can't be easily turned into another language. Some feelings, ideas, or customs might not come
across the same way when translated. This can make it hard to really understand and connect
with different cultures.

Creativity and Innovation: Words are important for being creative and coming up with new
things. They help us talk about new ideas, think up new stuff, and imagine things we haven't
seen before. If we don't have many words to use, it could make it harder to make new things,
figure out problems, or think of different ways to do things.

Finally, something that caught my attention a lot, searching some information about the
meaning of this phrase was Winter said. Winter (2020) mentions that the language acts as a
simplified representation of reality, similar to a model. However, all models are imperfect, as
they simplify complex reality. The main constraint of language is that it can't convey absolute
truth, as it's not capable of capturing the entirety of reality accurately.

2) The words that we have at our disposal affect what we see—and the more words there
are, the better is our perception?

The phrase "The words that we have at our disposal affect what we see—and the more words
there are, the better is our perception" highlights the profound connection between language,
perception, and cognition. I agree with this statement for several reasons:

Linguistic Relativity: The hypothesis of linguistic relativity suggests that the language we speak
influences the way we think and perceive the world. Different languages encode different
concepts and emphasize certain aspects of reality. Having a rich vocabulary in a particular
language can help us notice nuances, details, and distinctions that might not be as apparent in
languages with limited vocabulary.

Descriptive Precision: A broader vocabulary allows us to describe the world with greater
precision. When we have a wide range of words to choose from, we can more accurately
articulate our observations, thoughts, and feelings. This precision enhances our ability to
convey complex ideas to others and to ourselves.

Cognitive Flexibility: A diverse vocabulary promotes cognitive flexibility, enabling us to

consider multiple perspectives and interpretations. This flexibility enhances our problem-
solving abilities and encourages us to view situations from different angles.

Cultural and Historical Context: Language often carries cultural and historical context.
Understanding the words that encapsulate these contexts can deepen our understanding of
cultural practices, traditions, and historical events, allowing us to perceive their impact on
society more fully.

Emotional Expression: Language is a tool for expressing emotions. A diverse vocabulary for
emotions enables us to better articulate our feelings, fostering emotional intelligence and
more meaningful connections with others.

Cross-Cultural Communication: In our globalized world, having a wider vocabulary helps

facilitate effective cross-cultural communication. Understanding and using terms from
different languages and cultures can bridge gaps and lead to more accurate cross-cultural
understanding.

3) When we learn to speak a different language, we learn to see a bigger world?

Learning a new language is more than acquiring a set of linguistic skill. It's a transformative
experience that expands our horizons, challenges our preconceptions, and enriches our
interactions with the world and its diverse inhabitants. It broadens our perspective, enhances
our cultural sensitivity, and empowers us to engage more deeply with the global community. I
completely agree with this statement, and here's why:

Cultural Understanding: Learning a new language often involves delving into the culture
associated with that language. Through language, we gain insight into the values, beliefs,
traditions, and customs of the community that speaks it. This cultural immersion expands our
worldview and deepens our understanding of human diversity.
Diverse Concepts and Expressions: Different languages often have words and phrases that
capture concepts and emotions unique to that culture. Learning these words enables us to
articulate ideas that might not exist in our native language, broadening our ability to express
and comprehend a wider range of human experiences.

Intellectual Flexibility: Mastering a new language requires adapting to new grammatical

structures, vocabulary, and cultural contexts. This cognitive flexibility spills over into other
areas of life, making us more adaptable, open-minded, and better equipped to tackle new
challenges.

Global Opportunities: In a globalized world, knowing multiple languages can open doors to
diverse opportunities, from job prospects to educational options. It allows us to connect with
people across different regions and industries, enriching our personal and professional lives.

Breaking Down Barriers: Language barriers can hinder cross-cultural communication and
understanding. Learning a new language breaks down these barriers, promoting dialogue,
cooperation, and collaboration among people from different linguistic backgrounds.

Personal Growth: Learning a new language is a journey that requires dedication and
perseverance. As we overcome challenges and progress, we build confidence and a sense of
accomplishment, contributing to personal growth and development.

To conclude, I would like to share with my classmates, this information that I found on a
website about an experiment to test a hypothesis if a single person can have two “minds”, that
is, if a bilingual person could view the world in two different ways. According to Mara (2023),
since the 1940s, researchers have debated whether language influences our worldview. Panos
Athanasopoulos and his team from the University of Lancaster revisited this by exploring if
bilinguals could have two perspectives. They tested English and German speakers along with
bilinguals, finding that Germans focused on event context and goals, while English speakers
emphasized actions. Bilinguals' thinking shifted based on language heard: German led to goal-
oriented thoughts, and English to action-focused thoughts. This shows that learning another
language can create a second mindset, altering how we perceive and think about things, as
demonstrated in their study.

References

Mara (2023). Does Foreign Language Learning Shape Our Perception of the World?
Mosalingua. From https://www.mosalingua.com/en/foreign-language-learning-and-our-
worldview/

Winter, R. (2020). The Limits of Language? A Philosopher’s Stone. From

https://medium.com/the-philosophers-stone/the-limits-of-language-1c9febe85350
Learning a language can help break down stereotypes and reduce discrimination and violence
in societies, especially in the context of migration:

Cultural Understanding and Empathy: When people learn another language, they often learn
about the culture and the people associated with that language. This exposure fosters
understanding and empathy, as individuals gain insights into the lives and experiences of
others. By appreciating different cultures, stereotypes can be challenged, leading to reduced
discrimination and violence.

Effective Communication: Learning a new language allows individuals to communicate directly

with people from different backgrounds. This direct interaction promotes open dialogue and
reduces misunderstandings that often fuel stereotypes. As people understand each other
better, negative preconceptions are less likely to lead to discriminatory behavior.

Cultural Exchange: Learning a language involves not only speaking but also listening and
understanding. This active engagement with different languages and cultures promotes a two-
way street of learning. Host societies can gain valuable insights from the languages and
cultures of migrants, leading to a more harmonious coexistence.

Education and Awareness: Language learning often involves education about the history,
traditions, and contributions of different cultures. This education can challenge biases and
stereotypes that lead to discrimination and violence. When people learn about the positive
aspects of other cultures, they are more likely to reject negative stereotypes.