Never before had I known the sudden quiver of understanding that travels from word to brain to heart, the way a new language can move, coil, swim into life under the eyes, the almost savage leap of comprehension, the instantaneous, joyful release of meaning, the way the words shed their printed bodies in a flash of heat and light. Since then I have known this moment
In Elizabeth Kostova's "The Historian," the author captures the profound experience of grasping a new language. The moment is described as a vibrant connection that occurs when words transform into understanding, creating an emotional resonance that ignites both intellect and heart. This surge of comprehension feels almost visceral, as if the words are alive, producing a rush that transcends their physical form.
This idea emphasizes how language can evoke a deep, instinctual response, enriching one’s perception of meaning. The quote illustrates the thrill of discovering new dimensions within language, where words become invigorating vessels of thought, breaking free from their written constraints to illuminate the mind.
