National languages are all huge systems of vested interests which sullenly resist critical inquiry.
More Quotes from Edward Sapir:
The supposed inferiority of a constructed language to a national one on the score of richness of connotation is, of course, no criticism of the idea of a constructed language.Edward Sapir
A logical analysis of reflexive usages in French shows, however, that this simplicity is an illusion and that, so far from helping the foreigner, it is more calculated to bother him.
Edward Sapir
It is quite an illusion to imagine that one adjusts to reality essentially without the use of language and that language is merely an incidental means of solving specific problems of communication or reflection.
Edward Sapir
A standard international language should not only be simple, regular, and logical, but also rich and creative.
Edward Sapir
It is true that English is not as complex in its formal structure as is German or Latin, but this does not dispose of the matter.
Edward Sapir
Comparison of statements made at different periods frequently enable us to give maximal and minimal dates to the appearance of a cultural element or to assign the time limits to a movement of population.
Edward Sapir
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Based on Topics: Language QuotesBased on Keywords: sullenly
I have no aspirations of world domination through the pop charts. None at all.
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I would never have become music director of the Chicago Symphony, which would have been an extremely sad loss.
Georg Solti
To convert somebody go and take them by the hand and guide them.
Thomas Aquinas