Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles read more

Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation.

Thanks to words, we have been able to rise above the brutes; and thanks to words, we have often sunk read more

Thanks to words, we have been able to rise above the brutes; and thanks to words, we have often sunk to the level of the demons.

When a language creates -- as it does -- a community within the present, it does so only by courtesy read more

When a language creates -- as it does -- a community within the present, it does so only by courtesy of a community between the present and the past.

Words differently arranged have a different meaning, and meanings differently arranged have a different effect.

Words differently arranged have a different meaning, and meanings differently arranged have a different effect.

Great Britain and the United States are nations separated by a
common language.

Great Britain and the United States are nations separated by a
common language.

Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind it

Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind it

To a teacher of languages there comes a time when the world is but a place of many words and read more

To a teacher of languages there comes a time when the world is but a place of many words and man appears a mere talking animal not much more wonderful than a parrot.

No language is rude that can boast polite writers.

No language is rude that can boast polite writers.

For every man there is something in the vocabulary that would stick to him like a second skin. His enemies read more

For every man there is something in the vocabulary that would stick to him like a second skin. His enemies have only to find it.