One of the glories of English simplicity is the possibility of using the same word as noun and verb. Edward Sapir englishglorynoun Change image and share on social
A standard international language should not only be simple, regular, and logical, but also rich and creative. Edward Sapir creativeinternationallanguage Change image and share on social
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 appearanceassigncomparison share on social
English, once accepted as an international language, is no more secure than French has proved to be as the one and only accepted language of diplomacy or as Latin has proved to be as the international language of science. Edward Sapir acceptdiplomacyenglish share on social
A common allegiance to form of expression that is identified with no single national unit is likely to prove one of the most potent symbols of the freedom of the human spirit that the world has yet known. Edward Sapir allegiancecommonexpression share on social
The modern mind tends to be more and more critical and analytical in spirit, hence it must devise for itself an engine of expression which is logically defensible at every point and which tends to correspond to the rigorous spirit of modern science. Edward Sapir analyticcorrespondcritical share on social
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 adjustcommunicationessentially share on social
In a sense, every form of expression is imposed upon one by social factors, one's own language above all. Edward Sapir expressionfactorform Change image and share on social
So far as the advocates of a constructed international language are concerned, it is rather to be wondered at how much in common their proposals actually have, both in vocabulary and in general spirit of procedure. Edward Sapir advocatecommonconcern share on social
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 acceptcontrolfactor share on social
