Language is central to human life. The ubiquity of language means that language exists everywhere in human society. Wherever there are human beings, there is language. It is not limited to classrooms or books. We use language almost every moment: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
语言是人类生活的核心。语言的普遍性（无处不在）指语言存在于人类社会的各个角落。有人的地方就有语言。语言并不只局限于课堂或者书本。我们几乎时时刻刻都在使用语言：说、听、读、写。
Language serves many important functions. First of all, it is a tool for communication. People exchange information, express thoughts and feelings through language. Without language, large‑scale cooperation among humans would be impossible.
语言具备诸多重要功能。首先，它是交际工具。人们借助语言交换信息、表达思想与情感。没有语言，人类就无法开展大规模协作。
Besides communication, language records human knowledge and culture. It stores history, beliefs, literature and customs. Generations pass down experience and wisdom by means of language. In this sense, language carries the collective memory of a nation or community.
除交际之外，语言记录人类知识与文化。它保存历史、信仰、文学与习俗。世世代代依靠语言传承经验与智慧。从这个意义上说，语言承载一个民族或社群的集体记忆。
Language also shapes our way of thinking. What we see and how we understand the world are influenced by the words and grammar we use. Although thought can exist without language, language organizes and clarifies our ideas.
语言同样塑造我们的思维方式。我们看待事物、理解世界的方式，会受到所用词汇和语法的影响。虽然思维可以脱离语言存在，但语言整理并厘清我们的想法。
We should notice that language is alive and changing. New words appear; old expressions fade away. No language remains completely unchanged. As society develops, language keeps evolving to meet new social needs.
我们应当注意，语言是活的、不断变化的。新词不断产生，旧表达逐渐消亡。没有哪种语言会一成不变。随着社会发展，语言持续演变，以此满足新的社会需求。