“A language is not just words. It’s a culture, a tradition, a unification of a community, a whole history that creates what a community is. It’s all embodied in a language.”
Chomsky is telling us that language is fundamental to establishing social order. And I’m not the only one who agrees. When Confucius was asked what a good ruler should do, he replied, “It would certainly be to correct language.” He added:
“If language is incorrect, then what is said does not concord with what was meant, what is to be done cannot be effected. … Therefore the gentleman uses only such language as is proper for speech, and only speaks of what it would be proper to carry into effect. The gentleman in what he says leaves nothing to mere chance.”
Getting the words right is not just the writer’s greatest joy, but also the greatest responsibility.
An excellent post
Thank you, Roberta!
Always good to read a Chomsky quote.
I don’t agree with all of his views, but he makes you think, and he’s stubbornly authentic. No fakery with this writer.
BOOM
Oh, yes.
A powerful and insightful quote.
Chomsky always writes with power and precision.
Language with other communication tools are significant to whether or not a culture is civilized.
True, and that includes not just a written and spoken language, but music and painting as well.
They are definitely adds to civilized intelligence. ☕️☕️ Have a great day Mike!
For a man who has lost his ability to speak, his voice is still being heard, and for good measure I might add. Chomsky has not always been correct in every arena, but he is pretty accurate in his above statement, in my opinion. Thanks for sharing, Mike.
Couldn’t agree more.
Chomsky was a big name at the Univ of Pennsylvania where I studied linguistics.
We would lose our full humanity without language.
And I agree!