[...] language is primarily a pre-rational function. It humbly works up to the thought that is latent in, that may eventually be read into, its classifications and its forms; it is not [...] the final label put upon the finished thought.
- Sapir (1921), a pag.15

The '-er' of 'farmer' [...] merely indicates that the sort of person we call a 'farmer' is closely enough associated with activity on a farm to be conventionally thought of as always so occupied. He may [...] go to town and engage in any pursuit but farming, yet his linguistic label remains 'farmer.'
- Sapir (1921), a pag.84

There is a special method for the expression of relations [...]. This is the method of 'concord' or of like signaling. It is based on the same principle as the password or label.
- Sapir (1921), a pag.114