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 analysisbothercalculate Change image and share on social
We see and hear and otherwise experience very largely as we do because the language habits of our community predispose certain choices of interpretation. Edward Sapir choicecommunityexperience Change image and share on social
The spirit of logical analysis should in practice blend with the practical pressure for the adoption of some form of international language, but it should not allow itself to be stampeded by it. Edward Sapir adoptionanalysisblend Change image and share on social
National languages are all huge systems of vested interests which sullenly resist critical inquiry. Edward Sapir criticalhugeinquiry Change image and share on social
Human beings do not live in the objective world alone, nor alone in the world of social activity as ordinarily understood, but are very much at the mercy of the particular language which has become the medium of expression for their society. Edward Sapir activitybeingexpression share on social
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 Sapir attemptcrowddear Change image and share on social
As a matter of fact, a national language which spreads beyond its own confines very quickly loses much of its original richness of content and is in no better case than a constructed language. Edward Sapir caseconfineconstruct Change image and share on social
A second type of direct evidence is formed by statements, whether as formal legends or personal information, regarding the age or relative sequence of events in tribal history made by the natives themselves. Edward Sapir agedirectevent share on social
The attitude of independence toward a constructed language which all national speakers must adopt is really a great advantage, because it tends to make man see himself as the master of language instead of its obedient servant. Edward Sapir adoptadvantageattitude share on social
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 connotationconstructcriticism Change image and share on social
