Some remain clusters of dialects like those of the Pamirs; others are at varying levels of stabilisation; some may be young standard languages, having only recently achieved that status; …

[Y]our friend, John Edward, is at the other end of the room with his whole soul held in thrall by photographs of other people's relatives.

...abroad and at home, at their Tables or in their Closets...

a man of sturdy piety or patriotism