The attitude of independence toward a constructed language which all national speakers must adopt is really a great advantage, because it tends to make man see himself as the master of language instead of its obedient servant.

The quote by Edward Sapir highlights the empowering nature of adopting a constructed language—a deliberately created language that speakers from different nations can learn and use. Sapir emphasizes that this language fosters an attitude of independence, allowing people to view themselves as the master of language rather than its obedient servant. This perspective shifts the relationship between individuals and language from one of passive use to active control.

Sapir’s insight suggests that when people embrace a constructed language, they gain a new level of freedom in communication. Instead of being bound by the limitations and irregularities of their native tongues, they engage with language as a flexible tool shaped by human creativity. This empowers speakers to think differently about language, its functions, and their role in shaping it.

The origin of this quote comes from Sapir, a prominent linguist and anthropologist known for his work on the relationship between language, culture, and thought. His interest in constructed languages reflects his broader fascination with how language influences human experience and identity. The quote captures a philosophical stance on language as a human invention that can be consciously mastered.

Ultimately, this quote underscores the importance of attitude in our interaction with language. It encourages a view of language not as a fixed system we must obey but as a dynamic and malleable medium that we can command and adapt, opening new possibilities for communication and understanding.