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
A standard international language should not only be simple, regular, and logical, but also rich and creative.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A universal language must balance clarity and creativity.
Edward Sapir emphasizes that an ideal international language should possess qualities that enable effective communication while also inspiring creativity. A language that is merely straightforward and systematic may lack the richness and expressive capacity needed for cultural and artistic exchanges, highlighting the need for a harmonious blend of simplicity and complexity in language development.
Themes
LanguageCommunicationCreativitySimplicityRichness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of learning new languages, this quote can highlight the balance needed in language education.
More from Edward Sapir
All quotes βNational 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
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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.
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Part of what makes a language 'alive' is its constant evolution. I would hate to think Britain would ever emulate France, where they actually have a learned faculty whose job it is to attempt to prevent the incursion of foreign words into the language. I love editing Harry with Arthur Levine, my American editor-the differences between 'British English' (of which there must be at least 200 versions) and 'American English' (ditto!) are a source of constant interest and amusement to me.
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Noah WebsterRead