Meaning: This quote by Emily Carr, a Canadian artist and writer, captures the experience of being in nature and the profound impact it can have on an individual. Carr was known for her paintings of the indigenous people and landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, and her deep connection to the natural world is evident in her writings as well. In this quote, Carr describes a moment of intense observation and contemplation, where she feels as if she is learning a new language or a different dialect of the same language. The imagery she uses to describe the stillness of the woods and the possibility that sound might not yet have been born reflects her reverence for the natural world and the sense of awe and wonder it inspires in her.

Carr's description of "staring, staring, staring" suggests a prolonged and intense period of observation, during which she becomes "half lost" in the experience. This language evokes a sense of absorption and immersion in the environment, where the boundaries between the self and the natural world begin to blur. The repetition of the word "staring" emphasizes the fixed and unwavering focus of the observer, as well as the sense of being transfixed by the beauty and mystery of nature.

The metaphor of learning "a new language or rather the same language in a different dialect" speaks to Carr's perception of the natural world as a source of profound wisdom and knowledge. In her view, nature communicates its truths through a language that may be unfamiliar to human beings but is nevertheless deeply resonant and meaningful. Carr's use of language here reflects her belief in the interconnectedness of all living things and the idea that nature has its own forms of expression and communication that can be understood and appreciated by those who are open to its teachings.

The description of the "big woods" as being so still that "sound might not yet have been born" conveys a sense of timelessness and primordiality. Carr's words evoke a landscape untouched by human interference, where the natural rhythms and processes of the earth unfold in a state of pure, unadulterated silence. This image speaks to Carr's reverence for the unspoiled wilderness and her recognition of the intrinsic value of the natural world apart from its utility to human beings.

In summary, Emily Carr's quote encapsulates her deep respect for the natural world and her belief in its capacity to inspire and instruct those who are receptive to its teachings. Her words convey a sense of wonder, humility, and reverence for the beauty and mystery of the earth, and they invite readers to consider the profound wisdom that can be found in the language of nature.

In her writings and artwork, Carr sought to convey the spiritual and emotional significance of the natural world, as well as to advocate for the preservation of wilderness areas and the indigenous cultures that inhabit them. Her work continues to be celebrated for its evocative portrayal of the landscapes and peoples of the Pacific Northwest, as well as for its enduring message of reverence for the natural world and the importance of living in harmony with it.