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
No two languages are ever sufficiently similar to be considered as representing the same social reality.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Languages reflect unique social realities, making them different from one another.
Edward Sapir's quote emphasizes the idea that each language embodies the particular social and cultural context of its speakers. Since languages evolve within distinct communities and histories, they cannot merely be seen as equivalent means of communication; instead, they represent diverse perspectives and experiences shaped by unique societal factors.
Themes
LanguageCultureSocial RealityCommunicationDiversity
In practice
Example use cases
In a linguistics class discussing the impact of culture on language.
More from Edward Sapir
All quotes βNational 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
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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Language is not an abstract construction of the learned, or of dictionary makers, but is something arising out of the work, needs, ties, joys, affections, tastes, of long generations of humanity, and has its bases broad and low, close to the ground
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Every language is a world. Without translation, we would inhabit parishes bordering on silence.
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There's inherent cultural imbalance whenever you're translating from Chinese to English. Educated Chinese readers are expected not only to know about all the Chinese references - history, language, culture, all this stuff - but to be well-versed in Western references as well.
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Purists behave as if there was a vintage year when language achieved a measure of excellence which we should all strive to maintain. In fact, there was never such a year. The language of Chaucer's or Shakespeare's time was no better and no worse than that of our own - just different.
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The living language is like a cowpath: it is the creation of the cows themselves, who, having created it, follow it or depart from it according to their whims or their needs. From daily use, the path undergoes change. A cow is under no obligation to stay
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French is the language that turns dirt into romance.
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