SOURCE: “Introducing Edward Sapir,” in Language in Society, Vol. 14, No. 3, September, 1984, pp. 289-97.

In the following essay, Sapir's son provides an introduction to his father's life and works at the Edward Sapir centenary session of the American Anthropological Association's meetings of 1984.

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When Jim Nyce asked me to introduce these two sessions dedicated to the centenary of my father, Edward Sapir, my first thought was to simply express, on behalf of his family, our great appreciation. But on second thought I decided to add a word or two more. I am an anthropologist and a bit of a linguist as well—and I therefore might have something to say, professionally. And I shall, but let me start with my first thought: I believe I can speak for Edward Sapir's entire family—his five children, dozen grandchildren, and a growing number of great grandchildren—when I say how deeply...