In the book "Portuguese Irregular Verbs" by Alexander McCall Smith, the protagonist reflects on the connection between landscape and language. The narrator suggests that the natural features of a region significantly influence the linguistic characteristics of its people. For example, the notion that the gentle hills of Ireland naturally lend themselves to the soft sounds of the Irish language is highlighted.

Moreover, the text emphasizes that specific geographical terrains shape the way a language is spoken, with certain dialects and accents arising from particular environments. The rugged, elevated regions of Europe are associated with distinct forms of German, while the lowlands invoke the unique qualities of Dutch. This interplay between geography and linguistic expression showcases the deep-rooted relationship between the two.