--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When I was quite young I fondly imagined…" description: "\"When I was quite young I fondly imagined that all foreign languages were codes for English. I thought that \"hat,\" say, was the real and actual name of ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/39a/annie-dillard-509_childhood_when-i-was-quite-young-i-fondly-imagined_459952.jpg" --- # When I was quite young I fondly imagined that all foreign… ![“When I was quite young I fondly imagined that all foreign languages were codes for English. I thought that "hat," say, was the real and actual name of the thing, but that people in other countries, who obstinately persisted in speaking the code of their forefathers, might use the word "ibu," say…” quote by Annie Dillard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/39a/annie-dillard-509_childhood_when-i-was-quite-young-i-fondly-imagined_459952.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/39a/annie-dillard-509_childhood_when-i-was-quite-young-i-fondly-imagined_459952.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/39a/annie-dillard-509_childhood_when-i-was-quite-young-i-fondly-imagined_459952.jpg) > “When I was quite young I fondly imagined that all foreign languages were codes for English. I thought that "hat," say, was the real and actual name of the thing, but that people in other countries, who obstinately persisted in speaking the code of their forefathers, might use the word "ibu," say, to designate not merely the concept hat, but the English word "hat." I knew only one foreign word, "oui," and since it had three letters as did the word for which it was a code, it seemed, touchingly enough, to confirm my theory.” [Annie Dillard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-dillard/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The author reflects on early misconceptions about language as simple code, revealing how deeper cultural context shapes meaning. **In simple terms:** Children may think languages are direct translations. Key Takeaway Recognize cultural depth in communication. Themes language perception culture Mood curious thoughtful Type educational reflective When to use this quote - learning a new language - travel - teaching - cross‑cultural work Key Concepts linguistics cognitive development Questions to Reflect On - How do you interpret foreign words? - What assumptions do you make about language? A Different Perspective Assuming direct equivalence can cause misunderstandings. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Childhood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/childhood/) [Code](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/code/) [Country](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/country/) [English words](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/english-words/) [Forefathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forefathers/) [Foreign language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foreign-language/) [Hats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hats/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Might use](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/might-use/) [Other countries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/other-countries/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Programming](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/programming/) ## Related quotes > [The founders knew that foreign governments would try to meddle in our elections, meddle in our politics. 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