It would be naïve to imagine that any analysis of experience is dependent on pattern expressed in language. Any concept, whether or not it forms part of the system of grammatical categories, can be conveyed in any language. If a… — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
Were a language ever completely "grammatical" it would be a perfect engine of conceptual expression. Unfortunately, or luckily, no language is tyrannically consistent. All grammars leak. — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
Human beings do not wish to be modest; they want to be as expressive - that is, as immodest - as fear allows; fashion… — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
A common allegiance to form of expression that is identified with no single national unit is likely to prove one of the most potent… — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
A standard international language should not only be simple, regular, and logical, but also rich and creative. — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
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… — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
French and German illustrate the misleading character of apparent grammatical simplicity just as well. — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
A common creation demands a common sacrifice, and perhaps not the least potent argument in favour of a constructed international language is the fact… — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
A second type of direct evidence is formed by statements, whether as formal legends or personal information, regarding the age or relative sequence of… — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
One of the glories of English simplicity is the possibility of using the same word as noun and verb. — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
Comparison of statements made at different periods frequently enable us to give maximal and minimal dates to the appearance of a cultural element or… — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
No two languages are ever sufficiently similar to be considered as representing the same social reality. — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
It is no secret that the fruits of language study are in no sort of relation to the labour spent on teaching and learning… — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
Cultural anthropology is not valuable because it uncovers the archaic in the psychological sense. It is valuable because it is constantly rediscovering the normal. — Edward Sapir Copy Share Image
