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
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
It is no secret that the fruits of language study are in no sort of relation to the labour spent on teaching and learning them. Edward Sapir fruitlabourlanguage Change image and share on social
These examples of the lack of simplicity in English and French, all appearances to the contrary, could be multiplied almost without limit and apply to all national languages. Edward Sapir appearanceapplycontrary Change image and 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
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
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 Sapir adequatelycategorycomplete 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
More and more, unsolicited gifts from without are likely to be received with unconscious resentment. Edward Sapir giftreceiveresentment Change image and 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
