A slightly different post… but has anybody read this fantasy novel about language and linguistics?

Our take

Have you ever stumbled into a book that flips your understanding of language on its head? Enter R. F. Kuang's "Babel," a dark academia fantasy that’s more than just an enchanting tale — it’s a deep dive into the intricacies of translation and its ties to colonialism. As I navigate this narrative, I’m captivated by how it frames translation not merely as a linguistic act but as a colonial enterprise, intricately woven with the threads of culture, history, and imperial expansion. Halfway through, I find myself itching to leap into my third and fourth languages, eager to explore the rich nuances of fiction in different tongues. For fellow language enthusiasts and fantasy lovers, this book is a treasure. If you have other language-themed recommendations, like the film "Arrival," please share!

I was wondering whether anyone has read R. F. Kuang’s dark academia / fantasy novel, “Babel”. I’m only halfway through, so please no spoilers!

I’m fascinated with this book as I’ve never heard translation spoken about in this way. Nor have I deeply thought about the act of translation as a colonial act rooted in imperial expansion. I’m amazed. It’s deepened my love of language learning and the nuances between language, culture, meaning, space & time.

It’s taking everything for me to not just jump int my third and fourth languages, as I have this desire to read more fiction in other languages.

I’m nerding out a little here, but for the language lovers who also love fiction (bonus for my fellow fantasy lovers), I’d highly recommend it! It feels like an academic book on language histories and empire, wrapped up into a fantasy novel.

If anyone has any other cool language-themed books or movies, such as the film Arrival (2016), please do share! 😊

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#language evolution#philosophy of language#humor in language#creative language use#word meaning#internet culture#linguistics#cognitive linguistics#Babel#translation#language learning#colonial act#imperial expansion#fantasy novel#fiction#dark academia#language histories#culture#meaning#language-themed