Benjamin Lee Whorf

The very natural tendency to use terms derived from traditional grammar like verb, noun, adjective, passive voice, in describing languages outside of Indo-European is fraught with grave possibilities of misunderstanding.

— Benjamin Lee Whorf

Most metaphysical words in Hopi are verbs, not nouns as in European languages. The verb tunatya contains in its idea of hope something of our words 'thought,' 'desire,' and 'cause,' which sometimes must be used to translate it.

— Benjamin Lee Whorf

We are thus able to distinguish thinking as the function which is to a large extent linguistic.

— Benjamin Lee Whorf

Speech is the best show a man puts on.

— Benjamin Lee Whorf

We dissect nature along lines laid down by our native language.

— Benjamin Lee Whorf