Babel: Around the World in 20 Languages

Description

If you were to master the twenty languages discussed in Babel , you could talk with three quarters of the world's population. But what makes these languages stand out amid the world's estimated 6,500 tongues? Gaston Dorren delves deep into the linguistic oddities and extraordinary stories of these diverse lingua francas, tracing their origins and their sometimes bloody rise to greatness. He deciphers their bewildering array of scripts, presents the gems and gaps in their vocabularies and charts their coinages and loans. He even explains how their grammars order their speakers' worldview. Combining linguistics and cultural history, Babel takes us on an intriguing tour of the world, addressing such questions as how tiny Portugal spawned a major world language and Holland didn't, why Japanese women talk differently from men, what it means for Russian to be 'related' to English, and how non-alphabetic scripts, such as those of India and China, do the same job as our 26 letters. Not to mention the conundrums of why Vietnamese has four forms for 'I', or how Tamil pronouns keep humans and deities apart. Babel will change the way you look at the world and how we all speak. Review: A Linguistic Adventure Across the Globe - "Babel: Around the World in 20 Languages" by Gaston Dorren is a fascinating journey through the intricacies of language and culture. Recommended by my niece, an International Studies major, this book captivated me with its insightful exploration of 20 diverse languages. Each chapter delves into the origins, unique traits, and cultural influences of the selected language, offering both a light overview and informative content. Dorren masterfully compares the native speakers' cultures, making each language come alive with its distinct story. Despite its concise length, the book is packed with intriguing information that would appeal to anyone interested in language and history. It's a delightful read for those seeking to expand their understanding of the world's linguistic richness. I highly recommend "Babel" to both language enthusiasts and curious readers alike. Review: Your Headline - This book is a towering linguistic achievement! Plus, John McWhorter likes it!!