About the book
This is a book about languages, what languages can and what they cannot do.
In this dialogue between a Nobel Laureate and a leading translator, provocative ideas emerge about the evolution of language and the challenge of translation.
Language, historically speaking, has always been slippery. Two dictionaries provide two different maps of the universe: which one is true, or are both false? Speaking in Tongues - taking the form of a dialogue between Nobel-Laureate novelist J. M. Coetzee and eminent translator Mariana Dimópulos - explores questions that have constantly plagued writers and translators, now more than ever. Among them:
- How can a translator liberate meanings imprisoned in the language of a text?
- Why is the masculine form dominant in gendered languages while the feminine is treated as a deviation?
- How should we counter the spread of monolingualism?
- Should a translator censor racist or misogynistic language?
- Does mathematics tell the truth about everything?
In the tradition of Walter Benjamin’s seminal essay 'The Task of the Translator', Speaking in Tongues emerges as an engaging and accessible work of philosophy, shining a light on some of the most important linguistic and philological issues of our time.
Editions of Speaking in Tongues
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781787305137
- EBook
- ISBN 9781529953404
Read an Excerpt
This is a book about languages, what languages can and what they cannot do.
In this dialogue between a Nobel Laureate and a leading translator, provocative ideas emerge about the evolution of language and the challenge of translation.
Language, historically speaking, has always been slippery. Two dictionaries provide two different maps of the universe: which one is true, or are both false? Speaking in Tongues - taking the form of a dialogue between Nobel-Laureate novelist J. M. Coetzee and eminent translator Mariana Dimópulos - explores questions that have constantly plagued writers and translators, now more than ever. Among them:
- How can a translator liberate meanings imprisoned in the language of a text?
- Why is the masculine form dominant in gendered languages while the feminine is treated as a deviation?
- How should we counter the spread of monolingualism?
- Should a translator censor racist or misogynistic language?
- Does mathematics tell the truth about everything?
In the tradition of Walter Benjamin’s seminal essay 'The Task of the Translator', Speaking in Tongues emerges as an engaging and accessible work of philosophy, shining a light on some of the most important linguistic and philological issues of our time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Speaking in Tongues about?
This is a book about languages, what languages can and what they cannot do.
In this dialogue between a Nobel Laureate and a leading translator, provocative ideas emerge about the evolution of language and the challenge of translation.
Language, historically speaking, has always been slippery. Two dictionaries provide two different maps of the universe: which one is true, or are both false? Speaking in Tongues - taking the form of a dialogue between Nobel-Laureate novelist J. M. Coetzee and eminent translator Mariana Dimópulos - explores questions that have constantly plagued writers and translators, now more than ever. Among them:
- How can a translator liberate meanings imprisoned in the language of a text?
- Why is the masculine form dominant in gendered languages while the feminine is treated as a deviation?
- How should we counter the spread of monolingualism?
- Should a translator censor racist or misogynistic language?
- Does mathematics tell the truth about everything?
In the tradition of Walter Benjamin’s seminal essay 'The Task of the Translator', Speaking in Tongues emerges as an engaging and accessible work of philosophy, shining a light on some of the most important linguistic and philological issues of our time.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Speaking in Tongues?
Language and Linguistics > Linguistics > Translation and language interpretation
Where can I read a sample of Speaking in Tongues?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781787305137
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Speaking in Tongues?
J.M. Coetzee
Who is the Publisher of the book Speaking in Tongues?
Random House
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Speaking in Tongues is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781787305137) and ebook(ISBN 9781529953404)
Where can I buy Speaking in Tongues online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Speaking in Tongues from below
Where can I buy Speaking in Tongues?