5 1225 linguistics imperialism regard hoberman comment would make sense say linguistics inherently imperialistic nature would science since linguistics multifaceted many purposes well established others continually evolving e g forensic applications linguistics etc since language universal applications linguistics universal earlier comments dwelt diversity among languages connection linguistics mainly aid learning teaching languages multilingual empires imperialism easiest see however also noted people interested language linguistic diversity sake suspect universal although may reflected differently different cultures maybe universality interest language linguistic diversity reflected myths origin diversity kinds prelinguistic explanations among cultures seem particularly ethnocentric classic athenian culture perhaps less encouraging interest languages cultures us perhaps close behind also complex fear insecurity languages english nevertheless see plato cratylus differences greek various diachronic forms barbarian languages put philosophical use read cratylus see plato socrates putting value philosophical arguments brought data languages even though lot sarcasm tongue cheek whole issue plato treats cratylus e whether words language natural conventional correct words ideas concepts things plato always polemicist reacting rival schools thought would like reopen issue think opened list different cultures explain language diversity whether culture prevents individual members interested language sake nt think could logically possible know case might give us insights prehistory linguistics also still present motivations linguists attach aspect culture benji