save in terms of language

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

If one will scoff at the study of language, how, save in terms of language, will one scoff? - Mario Pei

“save in terms of language” - Which sense of “save” has been used above? Is it functioning as a preposition here? Please try to suggest the ‘sense’ out of M-W. Thanks.

M-W: merriam-webster.com/dictionary/save

2

Save= except

3

Did “save in terms of language” scoff that your language ability is limited ? Right? When is it used?

4

Okay, let me rephrase it for the sake of clarification:
If one will scoff at the study of language, how, assuming one doesn’t use language, will one scoff?

Is that’s what Mario saying? Please let me know.

5

If one will scoff at the study of language, how, save in terms of language, will one scoff? = Scoffing at language study can only be done in language itself.