How does the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis explain differences between the worlds experienced by speakers of different languages?

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, also known as linguistic relativity, posits that the structure of a language influences how its speakers perceive and conceptualize the world. Rather than viewing language as a mere tool for reporting experience, the hypothesis suggests that the "real world" is, to a significant extent, unconsciously built upon the language habits of a group.12

The hypothesis is generally discussed in two forms:
* Strong version (Linguistic Determinism): Suggests that language determines thought, implying that certain concepts may be impossible to grasp if a language lacks the corresponding structure. This version is largely rejected by modern linguists.1
* Weak version (Linguistic Influence): Proposes that language influences perception and cognitive processes to some degree, shaping how speakers categorize and remember information.1

For example, Benjamin Lee Whorf argued that English verb tenses encourage a three-part division of time (past, present, future), whereas the Hopi language structures time into two categories (manifested and manifesting), leading speakers to view time and punctuality differently. While empirical studies on color perception and memory have yielded mixed results, the theory remains a central topic in the philosophy of language and ethnolinguistics.1