Language and Communication Quotes in Nation

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

Mau was good at reading important things. He could read the sea, the weather, the tracks of animals, tattoos, and the night sky. (2.65)

Mau can't read English because he's never needed that skill in order to survive. We hate to say this, but if Mau was so good at reading the world, how did he not know the wave was coming?

Quote #2

Mau hadn't understood a word, but some things don't need language. [Daphne] weeps because the bread is awful. (3.92)

The first little meal between Daphne and Mau doesn't go too well. Some things are universal, like laughter, crying, and bad cooking.

Quote #3

Mau sighed. [Daphne] must know I can't understand her but she goes on talking, he thought. (3.111)

Daphne's lonely and has no one else to talk to, so she blabs at Mau even though he has no idea what's going on. This is why some people talk to their cats. But not us. Nope. Not us.