Skip to content

As you speak I swear I can hear words being selected, one…

“As you speak I swear I can hear words being selected, one after another, from the word-box you carry around with you, and slotted into place. That is not how a true native speak, one who is born into a language.’ ‘How does a native speak?’ ‘From the heart. Words well up within and he sings them…” quote by J.M. Coetzee
Download Open image
““As you speak I swear I can hear words being selected, one after another, from the word-box you carry around with you, and slotted into place. That is not how a true native speak, one who is born into a language.’ ‘How does a native speak?’ ‘From the heart. Words well up within and he sings them, sings along with them. So to speak.””

J.M. Coetzee

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Native speech arises from internal feeling rather than conscious word selection, creating fluid, heartfelt expression.

In simple terms: True speakers speak from the heart, not by picking words.

Key Takeaway

Speak authentically, let feeling guide words.

Themes

language authenticity expression

Mood

reflective inspired

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • teaching
  • writing
  • interpersonal dialogue

Key Concepts

cultural identity communication creativity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you cultivate heartfelt speech?
  • What role does intuition play in language?
A Different Perspective

May lose precision when feeling is unclear.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by J.M. Coetzee

Explore all 122 J.M. Coetzee quotes

More English quotes

Browse all 1,464 English quotes