The first quote I selected from the syllabus is said by Ralph Waldo Emerson. He says, “Language is a city to the building of which every human being brought a stone.” Emerson was a famous poet, writer, lecturer, and most importantly, transcendentalist thinker. He was born in Boston in 1803 and arose as one the “preeminent voices” of his generation and in history. He also became a very wealthy man from giving numerous amounts of lectures all throughout New England. The quote expresses how language, no matter where you are from, is created by all humans. In other words, every person who speaks or writes contributes something to further the advancement of any language they use.
I chose this quotation to write about because I believe that it holds truth to this day. Language is constantly changing and advancing because of how everyone uses it. I experience this as an English and Spanish speaker and see how new words or sayings are constantly introduced by younger generations of people and sometimes older generations. Everyone who speaks the language has something to contribute to it and also has the freedom to use their language as a way of expression. Language was created by humans and allows us to express emotions and many other things on a daily basis.
I also chose this quote and your response made me think about it a little differently. The idea that newer generations contribute to language is something I hadn’t thought about but agree with 🙂 I also speak Spanish and English so I relate to your comment about both the languages you speak continuously changing.