Benjamin Whorf Argument

Boundaries of people’s language abilities can limit their possibilities and their quality of life. Benjamin Whorf, a well-known linguist, suggested the Whorf Hypothesis, which states, “The limits of my language are the limits of my world.” This quotation points to the fact that without language, people are deprived of some of life’s greatest of even most basic experiences. Someone who does not possess knowledge of a foreign language, her own language, or capacity for that language will have limits on her potential. From meeting a person of a different nationality to sitting in Spanish class, people who do not have an understanding of a foreign language will be trapped in the barriers between languages. Not having insight into a second language will restrict people when it comes to attempting to communicate with those who speak a different language. When traveling to another country, one would have dilemmas from things as simple as greeting others to more important tasks such as asking for directions. When applying for a job, one who can speak more than one language has a better chance of getting the job than someone who does not.

If someone is not “up-to-date” with her language, she will more than likely find herself confused when someone uses slang when speaking to her. If one is not well educated in her language, she will find herself uncertain of what is being said, especially is jargon or complex words are being used. When put in these situations, people who do not thoroughly know their language are likely to be judged for it, resulting in having a difficult time forming friendships and relationships with