QuoteProject
The psychology of a language which, in one way or another, is imposed upon one because of factors beyond one's control, is very different from the psychology of a language which one accepts of one's free will.
Edward Sapir
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The way we perceive a language differs based on whether it is imposed on us or chosen freely.

This quote by Edward Sapir highlights the significant psychological differences between languages that are forced upon individuals by external circumstances and those that are embraced willingly. When a language is imposed, it may evoke feelings of resistance or alienation, whereas a language chosen freely fosters a deeper connection and engagement, enriching the speaker's identity and experience.

Themes

PsychologyLanguageFreedomImpositionIdentity

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about bilingual education, this quote can illustrate the importance of allowing students to choose their language.

More from Edward Sapir

The fact of the matter is that the 'real world' is to a large extent unconsciously built up on the language habits of the group.
Edward SapirRead
National languages are all huge systems of vested interests which sullenly resist critical inquiry.
Edward SapirRead
In a sense, every form of expression is imposed upon one by social factors, one's own language above all.
Edward SapirRead
No important national language, at least in the Occidental world, has complete regularity of grammatical structure, nor is there a single logical category which is adequately and consistently handled in terms of linguistic symbolism.
Edward SapirRead
No two languages are ever sufficiently similar to be considered as representing the same social reality.
Edward SapirRead
It would, of course, be hopeless to attempt to crowd into an international language all those local overtones of meaning which are so dear to the heart of the nationalist.
Edward SapirRead

Similar quotes

To live means to experience-through doing, feeling, thinking. Experience takes place in time, so time is the ultimate scarce resource we have. Over the years, the content of experience will determine the quality of life. Therefore one of the most essential decisions any of us can make is about how one's time is allocated or invested.
Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiRead
No one can posses an afternoon of rain beating against the window, or the serenity of a sleeping child, or the magical moment when the waves break on the rocks. No one can posses the beautiful things of this Earth, but we can know them and love them. It is through such moments that God reveals himself to mankind.
Paulo CoelhoRead
Most people would never admit it, but they'd been bitching since they were born. As soon as their head popped out into that bright delivery-room light, nothing had been right. Nothing had been as comfortable or felt so good. Just the effort it took to keep your stupid physical body alive, just finding food and cooking it and dishwashing, the keeping warm and bathing and sleeping, the walking and bowel movements and ingrown hairs, it was all getting to be too much work.
Chuck PalahniukRead
We're all made of stories. When they finally put us underground, the stories are what will go on. Not forever, perhaps, but for a time. It's a kind of immortality, I suppose, bounded by limits, it's true, but then so's everything.
Charles De LintRead
When I think of all the books I have read, and of the wise words I have heard spoken, and of the anxiety I have given to parents and grandparents, and of the hopes that I have had, all life weighed in the scales of my own life seems to me a preparation for something that never happens.
William Butler YeatsRead
I try to believe in as many as six impossible things before breakfast. Count them, Alice. One, there are drinks that make you shrink. Two, there are foods that make you grow. Three, animals can talk. Four, cats can disappear. Five, there is a place called Underland. Six, I can slay the Jabberwocky.
Lewis CarrollRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.