The Importance of English
The anglophone cosmos—all those English-speaking countries around the world—exerts an overwhelming influence not only at a cultural level, but also at social and political ones. Whether we like it or not, English has become the lingua franca of commerce and international relations. It is ultimately, a language of power. Learning foreign languages has always captured the interest of celebrities throughout history.
Brave New World
Speak to a man in a language he understands, and the words go to his head. Speak to him in his own language, and the words go to his heart. (Nelson Mandela)
Map of Culture
Language is the map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they head for. (Rita Mae Brown)
Doors Open
One language places you in a corridor for life. Two languages open all the doors along the path. (Frank Smith)
Club
Language is not a genetic gift. It is a social gift. Learning a new language means becoming member of a club -the community of speakers of that tongue. (Frank Smith)
At Home
With languages you’re at home anywhere. (Edward De Waal)
Clothes
Language is the clothing of thoughts. (Samuel Johnson)
Understand
You’ll never be able to understand a language until you understand at least two. (Geoffrey Williams)
No limits
The limits of my language are the limits of my mind. (Ludwig Wittgenstein)
Statemen & Interpreters
Nowadays, the fate of the world depends first on statemen, second on interpreters. (Ttrygve Halvdan Lie)
Seize the World
Language helps us seize the world. The less language we have, the less world we seize. (Fernando Lázaro Carreter)
Unique
Each language is a unique way of regarding life. (Federico Fellini)