Words Quote by Giannina Braschi
““Zarathustra: Do you have words? Do your words belong to you? Giannina: No, my answer is no. I have no property in the dictionary. Words are anonymous like the disenfranchised masses that haven't been weighed - or named - or framed. My words belong to those who don't belong.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: United States of Banana, Giannina Braschi, 2011
Braschi argues that language is communal property, belonging to those without a voice, not to the individual.
In simple terms: Words are shared, not owned.
Key Takeaway
Use language to amplify marginalized voices.
Themes
language
ownership
marginalization
identity
Mood
inspirational
reflective
Type
literary
political
When to use this quote
- writing
- activism
- public speaking
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
philosophy
politics
social justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance personal voice with communal language?
- What responsibilities come with shared words?
A Different Perspective
Individual expression still matters alongside collective ownership.
