Babel: Around the World in 20 Languages

"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.

This book is a towering linguistic achievement! Plus, John McWhorter likes it!!

Just like the hardcover but less expensive.

I bought this for my 16-year-old who is interested in languages, and he's really enjoying it so far.

Mais si on s'intéresse aux langues, ca vaut la peine d'essayer de la lire en anglais car c'est un livre fascinant.

Faster than I expected and excellent quality!

Author describes characteristics of each language retrieving origens and evolution. Special cases are those languages that won political fights. But cultural evolution was also an important factor, especially when simplification was necessary.

La ricchezza delle fonti, l'interesse per la materia ed il modo originale in cui viene presentata. Non un testo per linguisti ma per lettori desiderosi di conoscere la ricchezza delle lingue del mondo. Da leggere per chi coltiva questi interessi.