Systems of symbolization differ in the way in which they classify phenomena. Not only are there no synonyms within languages, but no two languages agree completely in the manner in which they classify phenomena.
- Nida (1949), a pag.157

Sets of symbols have no more scientific validity than the styles of hats or the designs in neckties. [...] Symbolic systems tend to reflect the relationships of things, but they are never exact, and are frequently quite contradictory.
- Nida (1949), a pag.159

It is impossible to anticipate the types of semantic distinctions which will be found in any particular language. Such systems of symbols certainly differ as much as the cultures which they reflect, and their meaning can only be ascertained from their environmental distribution.
- Nida (1949), a pag.161