Speaking in tongues

 Prompt: What did medieval linguist Antonio de Nebrija mean when he told Queen Isabella that: “language is the perfect instrument of empire?” How has language contributed to colonial power? Focus on a specific example.

What I think when Antonio de Nebrija meant when he told Queen Isabella "Language is a perfect instrument of empire?" is that a language is a powerful tool that can closely resemble as an army and can be used for the purposes of winning a war. How might this be possible? Well, Max Weinreich once said that "Language is a dialect with an army and a navy." This helps further prove my point that any battle can be won through speech, the right motivation given to soldiers or manipulation used is a classic way in which people have won wars. Most notable people who use the power of language to win battles are politicians they succeed by convincing the public to side with them rather than against, this causes an advantage that can only be caused by the skill of language. Take for example Hitler an infamous leader who conquered most of Europe, he was notorious for his public speaking his speeches were heartfelt and always were a convincer for the public, with his talent to be able to connect with the public with his speeches he rose to power. So when Antonio de Nebrija says "Language is the perfect instrument of empire?", he truly means that with language is notable key to which leads to victory.