This quote suggests that the strength of a language isn’t determined by how well it excludes foreign elements, but by how well it assimilates them. It implies that a language’s vitality and adaptability are rooted in its ability to absorb, integrate, and evolve with influences from other languages. This is how languages grow and change over time, gaining new words, phrases, or grammatical structures.
The idea can be seen in English itself, which is a blend of various languages like Latin, Germanic, French, and Greek, among others. This has made English a global lingua franca, capable of expressing a wide range of ideas and concepts.
Applying this concept to today’s world, it can be seen in the context of globalization and multiculturalism. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to accept and integrate ‘foreign’ or unfamiliar elements—whether in language, culture, ideas, or practices—becomes a strength. It allows for a richer, more diverse, and inclusive society.
In terms of personal development, this idea promotes openness, adaptability, and lifelong learning. It encourages us to embrace new experiences, ideas, and perspectives, rather than rejecting them because they’re foreign or unfamiliar. By ‘swallowing’ these foreign elements, we can grow and evolve, broadening our horizons and enriching our own personal ‘language’—our way of thinking, understanding, and interacting with the world.
