Behave Quote by Jean Aitchison
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Language and Its Evolution, 1994
Language quality standards are historically arbitrary; each era’s style reflects its own context, not an absolute peak.
In simple terms: No era has a perfect language; all are different.
Key Takeaway
Embrace linguistic change and avoid nostalgia for a mythic past.
Themes
language evolution
nostalgia
relativism
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical.
When to use this quote
- teaching
- writing
- editing
- public speaking
Key Concepts
historical linguistics
prescriptivism
descriptivism
Questions to Reflect On
- What benefits arise from accepting language change?
- How can we balance respect for tradition with innovation?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing past language can hinder appreciation of modern diversity.
