Quote from Dada by Hugo Ball and its affects

"Each thing has its word, but the word has become a thing by itself."- Hugo Ball 
I interpret this as Hugo criticizing the power we have given to words. Words are not used to describe things anymore. Some words have gained power and status as if they were humans. Hugo felt that words labeling and defining things was limiting. He did not want language to limit his creativity. With a word Dada that could mean anything and nothing at all at all at the same time he found a way to reject language.
I have conflicting feelings about Hugo's view on language. While I do agree some words have gained too much power. For example the words "nigger" and "faggot" have gained the ability to cause people harm. Simplifying the language would limit these types of words. However, limiting language could also be a way to control people. In the novel, "1984" by George Orwell limiting words was a method the government used to control people. How can one say they feel unhappy if they do not have a word for it and no one remember it? The variation in language allows us to express our individuality.  The words I use to express myself are different than those of another person. 
Reading this reminded me of an article I read on the New York Times about the Chinese government, The Chinese government is trying to eliminate all the Chinese dialogues that is not Mandarin by making all channels, official papers to be in Mandarin. The people were complaining because they felt as they were losing their culture. If language is made the way Hugo wanted it to be any of us would have to give up the part of our culture that comes from our language just like the people in China.