Theory of Translation 1 Introduction

2.3 Linguistic Relativity: A Concept
Edward Sapir, a significant ethnolinguist, is of the view that the differences in human 
languages are more in number than the similarities. He explains that “the worlds in 
which different societies live are distinct worlds, not merely the same world with 
different labels attached” (Sapir, Culture, 59). He stresses the ‘unique history’ of 
every language and therefore, its ‘unique structure’. The concept of uniqueness of 
languages obviously results in untranslatability. Whorf, the disciple of Sapir, puts 
forth the notion of ‘linguistic relativity’. He studies the language with totally different 
structure, history and cultural background. He claims that every language conceals a 
metaphysics which predetermines the outlook of the speaker. He calls it the principle 
of relativity which is significant as it helps us grapple with the problems involved in 
literary translation. 
Whorf observes that the grammar of a language is a real shaper of ideas; the 
programme for his analysis of impressions is “synthesis of his mental stock in trade”. 
The formulation of ideas differs between different grammars. In his words, “We 
dissect nature along lines laid down by our native language … the world is presented 
in kaleidoscopic flux of impressions which has to be organized by our minds” (qtd. in 
Wardhaugh, 217). All this carries out through the linguistic system in our mind. We 
get introduced to a new principle of relativity which holds that “All observers are not 
led by the same physical evidence to the same picture of the universe, unless their 
backgrounds are similar, or can in some way be calibrated” (qtd. in Wardhaugh, 217). 
In other words, this hypothesis presents that language, thought and reality are 
connected with one another. The different realities give rise to different languages. At 

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the same time, the languages shape the realities. People speaking a particular language 
see the world as per the vocabulary and grammar of their language. So, the perception 
of the world outside one’s own language and the structuring of abstract notions are 
determined by their own languages. Thus, the principle of linguistic relativity leads to 
the impossibility of translation practice.