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Language is able to change. You paddle it (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

canoe

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'language' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'able to change you paddle it' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'able' could be 'can' and 'can' is found in the answer.
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is found within the answer.
A single letter 'o' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for canoe that I've seen before include "Narrow paddle boat" , "Light boat propelled with paddle" , "Ocean (anag)" , "Boat one paddles" , "Small and light boat, pointed at both ends" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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