Language is a mixture of statement and evocation.

Language is a mixture of statement and evocation.

Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer.

Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer.

Spoken language is merely a series of squeaks.

Spoken language is merely a series of squeaks.

I can remember the lush spring excitement of language in childhood. Sitting in church, rolling it around my mouth like read more

I can remember the lush spring excitement of language in childhood. Sitting in church, rolling it around my mouth like marbles--tabernacle and pharisee and parable, tresspass and Babylon and covenant.

Language is power, life and the instrument of culture, the instrument of domination and liberation.

Language is power, life and the instrument of culture, the instrument of domination and liberation.

Language is wine upon the lips.

Language is wine upon the lips.

I have been a believer in the magic of language since, at a very early age, I discovered that some read more

I have been a believer in the magic of language since, at a very early age, I discovered that some words got me into trouble and others got me out.

Language exerts hidden power, like the moon on the tides.

Language exerts hidden power, like the moon on the tides.

And who in time knows whither we may vent
The treasure of our tongue? To what strange shores
read more

And who in time knows whither we may vent
The treasure of our tongue? To what strange shores
This gain of our best glory shall be sent,
T' enrich unknowing nations with our stores?
What worlds in th' yet unformed Occident
May come refin'd with th' accents that are ours?