A language is a dialect with an army and navy. What does that mean?

This quote, often attributed to Max Weinreich, a Yiddish linguist, is a humorous observation about the social and political factors that influence how we categorize languages and dialects.

Here's the breakdown:

• The Core Idea:
  Linguistic Reality: From a purely linguistic perspective, the distinction between a "language" and a "dialect" can be quite fluid. There's no single, universally agreed-upon definition.

  Social and Political Factors: Often, what determines whether something is labeled a "language" or a "dialect" is not purely linguistic, but rather influenced by:

  Political Power: A dialect spoken by a powerful nation or group is more likely to be recognized as a distinct language.

  National Identity: Languages can be seen as symbols of national identity and unity, leading to the promotion of certain dialects and the suppression of others.
  The "Army and Navy" Analogy:

  This humorous phrase emphasizes the role of power in language classification.

  A dialect backed by a powerful nation with military and naval strength is more likely to be recognized as a distinct language, even if linguistically it may be very similar to other dialects.

  In essence, the quote highlights the fact that language classification is not always purely objective. Social, political, and historical factors play a significant role in determining which varieties of speech are considered "languages" and which are considered "dialects."