Purists behave as if there was a vintage year when language achieved a measure of excellence which we should all strive to maintain. In fact, there was never such a year. The language of Chaucer's or Shakespeare's time was no better and no worse than that of our own - just different.
Interpretation
Language evolves over time, and no single period can be considered the definitive standard of excellence.
Jean Aitchison's quote highlights the notion that language is dynamic and constantly changes rather than adhering to a fixed standard of 'excellence.' The idea that there was a perfect period in history when language peaked is a myth; language in the time of great writers like Chaucer and Shakespeare was simply different, not inherently superior or inferior to contemporary language.
In practice
In a discussion about linguistic diversity, one might refer to Aitchison's quote to argue against prescriptive norms.
Language is not an abstract construction of the learned, or of dictionary makers, but is something arising out of the work, needs, ties, joys, affections, tastes, of long generations of humanity, and has its bases broad and low, close to the ground
Every language is a world. Without translation, we would inhabit parishes bordering on silence.
My language! heavens!I am the best of them that speak this speech. Were I but where 'tis spoken.
Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation.
There's inherent cultural imbalance whenever you're translating from Chinese to English. Educated Chinese readers are expected not only to know about all the Chinese references - history, language, culture, all this stuff - but to be well-versed in Western references as well.
No two languages are ever sufficiently similar to be considered as representing the same social reality.
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