“Each day we understand better what the Indians say, and they us, so that very often we are intelligible to each other.”
- August 25th to October 31st, 1451 – May 20th, 1506
- Born in the Republic of Genoa (now Italy)
- Explorer and navigator
- He reached the Americas on his voyage in 1492 and is known as the discoverer of the “New World.”
Quote
“Each day we understand better what the Indians say, and they us, so that very often we are intelligible to each other.”
Explanation
In this quote, Christopher Columbus describes the gradual improvement in communication between his crew and the indigenous people they encountered. Initially, there was a significant language barrier, with Columbus and his men struggling to understand the native peoples and vice versa. However, over time, they begin to understand each other better, suggesting that mutual comprehension was growing through gestures, basic vocabulary, and perhaps some form of language learning or translation. The phrase “we are intelligible to each other” reflects the progress made in breaking down the cultural and linguistic barriers that existed at the beginning of their contact.
This statement is significant in the context of the early colonial encounters, where communication was often a key challenge. Columbus’s recognition of this growing understanding indicates a shift from initial hostility and misunderstanding toward a more practical exchange, where both sides could begin to convey basic needs and ideas. However, it’s important to note that this “understanding” was likely limited and superficial, as true linguistic and cultural comprehension requires far more than basic intelligibility—it involves understanding worldviews, values, and intentions. The indigenous people, in particular, may have used language and signs in ways that were deeply rooted in their own contexts, which Columbus and his crew would have found difficult to fully grasp.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the importance of language and communication in shaping relationships between different cultures. Columbus’s account, while focusing on the pragmatics of understanding, overlooks the deeper nuances of cultural exchange and the potential for misinterpretation in such encounters. Today, effective communication is still one of the central challenges in cross-cultural interactions, whether in diplomacy, trade, or conflict resolution. This quote can also be seen as a reminder that true mutual understanding requires more than just linguistic ability; it requires a willingness to listen, empathize, and respect the complexity of another culture.
