Meaning: This quote by Edward Sapir, a renowned anthropologist and linguist, reflects on the complex nature of language and its relationship to nationalistic and religious implications. Sapir suggests that languages such as French and Latin, while appearing to address the international language problem, are still burdened by their ties to specific cultures and ideologies. In this analysis, Sapir highlights the limitations of using certain languages as vehicles for international communication and understanding.

Sapir's assertion that French and Latin are "involved with nationalistic and religious implications" underscores the idea that language is deeply intertwined with cultural and historical contexts. French, as the language of France, carries with it the legacy of French nationalism and its role in shaping the identity of the French people. Similarly, Latin, as the language of the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church, is imbued with religious and historical significance. These associations, according to Sapir, create barriers to achieving genuine international communication and understanding.

Sapir's observation that these languages "could not be entirely shaken off" implies that the nationalistic and religious connotations of French and Latin persist despite efforts to promote them as international languages. While these languages may have been widely used in diplomatic and scholarly contexts, their underlying cultural baggage continues to influence how they are perceived and utilized on a global scale. This challenges the notion that a language can be purely neutral or universal in its application.

The quote also suggests that while French and Latin "seemed for a long time to have solved the international language problem up to a certain point," they ultimately "did not really do so in spirit." This highlights the difference between the practical use of a language for communication and its deeper, symbolic significance. While French and Latin may have served as important means of communication in certain contexts, their underlying cultural and historical associations prevent them from truly transcending national boundaries and fostering genuine international understanding.

In the context of Sapir's broader work on language and culture, this quote aligns with his theory of linguistic relativity, which posits that the structure and vocabulary of a language can shape the perception and cognition of its speakers. By emphasizing the nationalistic and religious implications of certain languages, Sapir underscores the idea that language is not just a neutral tool for communication, but a reflection of cultural values and worldviews.

Overall, Sapir's quote prompts us to critically examine the relationship between language, culture, and international communication. It serves as a reminder that language cannot be divorced from its historical and cultural contexts, and that efforts to promote international understanding must grapple with the complex interplay of linguistic, nationalistic, and religious influences. In the pursuit of effective cross-cultural communication, it is essential to recognize and address the inherent complexities and limitations associated with the use of specific languages on a global scale.