Meaning: The quote by Edward Sapir, a renowned linguist and anthropologist, delves into the complex nature of language and grammar. Sapir's assertion about the lack of complete regularity in the grammatical structure of important national languages in the Occidental world suggests that languages do not adhere to a strict set of rules, and there are often exceptions and irregularities within their grammar. Furthermore, he highlights the challenge of adequately and consistently handling logical categories in terms of linguistic symbolism, indicating that the relationship between language and logic is not straightforward.

Edward Sapir was a significant figure in the field of linguistics and anthropology, known for his contributions to the study of language and culture. His work has had a lasting impact on the understanding of linguistic diversity and the relationship between language and thought. Sapir was a proponent of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, also known as linguistic relativity, which posits that the structure of a language affects its speakers' worldview and cognition.

When examining Sapir's quote, it is essential to consider the concept of grammatical structure in languages. Grammar encompasses the rules and principles that govern the composition of sentences, including syntax, morphology, and semantics. While some languages may exhibit a relatively high degree of regularity in their grammatical structures, many languages feature exceptions, irregularities, and nuances that contribute to their complexity.

Sapir's reference to "logical category" in the quote pertains to the classification and representation of concepts within language. He suggests that there is no single linguistic system that consistently and effectively captures logical categories, reflecting the inherent diversity and variability in how different languages express and categorize concepts. This observation aligns with the notion that languages reflect the cultural and cognitive frameworks of their speakers, leading to diverse ways of conceptualizing and communicating ideas.

The quote also touches on the use of linguistic symbolism to represent logical categories. Linguistic symbolism refers to the association between linguistic elements, such as words or grammatical structures, and the concepts they signify. Sapir's assertion implies that the relationship between language and logical categories is not straightforward or universally applicable across different languages. This challenges the notion of a one-to-one correspondence between linguistic symbols and their referents, highlighting the intricate and multifaceted nature of language as a symbolic system.

Sapir's perspective on language and grammar aligns with the broader understanding of linguistic diversity and the complexity of human communication. The quote emphasizes the richness and variability of languages, highlighting the intricate interplay between language, culture, and cognition. Sapir's insights have influenced subsequent research in linguistics, anthropology, and cognitive science, underscoring the enduring relevance of his contributions to the study of language and human expression.

In conclusion, Edward Sapir's quote encapsulates the intricate nature of language and grammar, emphasizing the lack of complete regularity in grammatical structure and the challenge of consistently handling logical categories in terms of linguistic symbolism. His observations underscore the diversity and complexity of human languages, shedding light on the intricate relationship between language, culture, and cognition. Sapir's insights continue to resonate in the fields of linguistics and anthropology, shaping our understanding of the multifaceted nature of human communication and expression.