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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Language shapes our perception of reality and influences social interactions.
This quote by Edward Sapir emphasizes that human beings are not isolated in their experiences of the objective world or social interactions but are profoundly influenced by the language they use. Language acts as a lens through which we interpret our surroundings and social dynamics, thereby affecting our understanding and communication within society.
Themes
LanguagePerceptionSocietyExpressionCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about linguistic relativity, one might use this quote to illustrate how language shapes thought.
More from Edward Sapir
All quotes →National 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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