Linguistic Relevance Quotes

Englishmen learn Christ's law best in English. Moses heard God's law in his own tongue; so did Christ's apostles.

There is no such thing as an empty word, only one that is worn out yet remains full.

When Christopher Columbus went to America, in what language did he speak with the Indians? It is said that the language they spoke with the Indians – and I have indisputable documentation of this at home... The intellectuals among the Indians spoke Arabic. He took two Arabs with him, to serve as interpreters between the Spaniards and the Indians. He took two of them as translators. So you can imagine the historic and cultural value of Arabic. It's undoubtedly very important.

The King's 28 letters have been described by scholars as the world's best alphabet and the most scientific system of writing.

Those for whom words have lost their value are likely to find that ideas have also lost their value.

I don't like most world music because you need to know what the words are to really understand it.

I've found that there are only two kinds that are any good: slang that has established itself in the language, and slang that you make up yourself. Everything else is apt to be passe before it gets into print.