Christopher Columbus: 'Each day we understand better what the Indians say, and they us, so that very often we are intelligible to each other.'

Each day we understand better what the Indians say, and they us, so that very often we are intelligible to each other.

In his famous quote, Christopher Columbus expressed the gradual improvement in communication between his crew and the indigenous people they encountered during their voyages. He acknowledged that as time passed, both parties were able to better understand and make themselves understood by one another. This quote summarily captures the significance of linguistic and cultural exchanges that took place between Columbus's crew and the natives, highlighting a fundamental aspect of cross-cultural interactions.The quote holds a straightforward meaning; it denotes the progress made in communication between the European explorers and the native communities. As Columbus and his crew ventured further into the unknown, they encountered languages and customs that were completely foreign to them. The initial encounters must have been filled with confusion and difficulty understanding one another. However, over time, Columbus noticed a marked improvement in their ability to comprehend the native languages, and vice versa, resulting in a more effective means of communication.This development in communication was undoubtedly of great importance for both parties involved. It enabled Columbus and his crew to gain valuable insights into the cultures and knowledge systems of the indigenous people they encountered. On the other hand, the natives had the opportunity to interact with explorers from a distant land, possibly broadening their own perspectives and understanding of the world. Language, as a bridge between different cultures, played a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and promoting exchange.Now, let's introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to further explore the depth of this quote. The concept of linguistic relativity, also known as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, suggests that the structure and vocabulary of a language shape the way we perceive and understand the world. This brings an interesting perspective to Columbus's observation regarding communication with the indigenous people.According to linguistic relativity, the language spoken by both Columbus's crew and the native communities influenced their respective worldviews. As the explorers gained a better understanding of the native languages, they may have found themselves discovering new ways of thinking, different conceptualizations of the world, and alternative perspectives. The process of becoming intelligible to one another allowed for a shared linguistic and cultural experience, which potentially broadened the explorers' understanding of the lands they were exploring.Moreover, the quote also implies that the indigenous people began to comprehend Columbus and his crew as their encounters progressed. This indicates the possibility of a reciprocal exchange of knowledge and beliefs. The natives, through their interactions with the Europeans, may have encountered new ideas and cultural practices that challenged their existing worldview. The linguistic relativity concept suggests that through this continuous exchange, their own understanding of the world might have been transformed.In conclusion, Christopher Columbus's quote encapsulates the evolution of communication between his crew and the indigenous people, emphasizing the growing mutual intelligibility they achieved. Alongside this straightforward interpretation, the concept of linguistic relativity offers a fascinating lens through which to analyze the philosophical implications of this communication progress. Language, being an intricate and powerful tool, played a significant role in bridging cultural gaps and facilitating exchanges of knowledge and understanding. Columbus's observation represents not only the development of communication but also the potential transformation of perspectives, as both parties became more intelligible to each other.