[2026] PTE Academic Reading - Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

The "Sapir-Whorf" hypothesis, also known as linguistic relativity, suggests that the structure of a language influences its speakers' worldviews.Proponents of this theory argue that if a language lacks specific words for a concept, its speakers may struggle to conceptualize that idea.For example, if a language has limited terms for colors, speakers might perceive the spectrum differently than those with a more extensive vocabulary.Critics, however, argue that while language shapes our communication, it does not strictly dictate the boundaries of our cognition.They point out that humans can often learn to understand complex concepts even if their native language lacks a direct equivalent.Ultimately, the relationship between thought and language remains a nuanced and central debate in cognitive science.