Meaning: This quote by Joseph Conrad, the renowned novelist, reflects the sentiment that can arise in the mind of a language teacher after spending a significant amount of time immersed in the study and teaching of languages. It captures the feeling of disillusionment that can occur when one becomes acutely aware of the superficial nature of human communication. Conrad suggests that as a teacher of languages becomes deeply entrenched in the intricacies of words and their meanings, the world itself may start to feel like nothing more than a collection of words, and humans, mere talking animals. The comparison of man to a parrot implies a sense of mechanical repetition and lack of depth in human communication.

The quote speaks to the profound impact that language and its study can have on an individual's perception of the world. As a language teacher delves into the nuances of grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, they may start to see language as a construct that shapes and constrains human interactions. In this view, the world becomes reduced to a series of linguistic transactions, and human beings are relegated to the role of automatons, parroting words and phrases without fully understanding their significance.

Conrad's quote also hints at the potential disillusionment that can arise from a deep understanding of language. As one becomes intimately familiar with the mechanics of communication, the mystique and wonder of human language may begin to diminish. The quote suggests that the teacher of languages may come to view human communication as nothing more than a series of learned behaviors and patterns, stripping away the enchantment and magic that language holds for many.

Furthermore, the comparison of man to a parrot in the quote is particularly striking. It conveys a sense of reductionism, as if the complexities of human thought and expression are boiled down to mere mimicry. The implication is that humans, in their reliance on language, may be no more remarkable than a parrot that can imitate human speech without truly understanding its meaning. This comparison underscores the idea that language, which is often celebrated as a uniquely human trait, can also be seen as a mechanism that reduces human expression to a repetitive and mechanical process.

In conclusion, Joseph Conrad's quote captures the potential disillusionment that can arise in the mind of a language teacher who has delved deeply into the study of languages. It reflects the shift in perception that can occur when one becomes acutely aware of the artificial and constructed nature of language, leading to a sense of detachment from the enchantment and wonder that language holds for many. The comparison of man to a parrot underscores the reductionist view of human communication as mere mimicry, devoid of deeper understanding or meaning. Ultimately, the quote offers a thought-provoking reflection on the intricate relationship between language, perception, and human communication.