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
National languages are all huge systems of vested interests which sullenly resist critical inquiry.
Interpretation
What this quote means
National languages are influenced by various interests that often resist scrutiny and questioning.
Edward Sapir's quote highlights the complex and often entrenched nature of national languages, suggesting that they are not merely tools for communication but are deeply intertwined with the interests and power structures within society. These vested interests can create a reluctance to critically examine or challenge the norms and values associated with these languages, emphasizing the importance of questioning and understanding the underlying motivations behind language use.
Themes
LanguageInterestInquiryPowerSociety
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on linguistic anthropology, one might quote Sapir to emphasize the societal implications of language.
More from Edward Sapir
All quotes →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
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 SapirRead
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