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Four Words for Friend
The Rewards of Using More than One Language in a Divided World
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Check link for latest rating. ( 65 ratings, 15 reviews)
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Four Words for Friend
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This book is ideal for readers interested in education, linguistics, cultural studies, and global affairs. It will particularly appeal to those curious about the social and psychological impacts of language use and diversity.
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See moreA compelling argument about the importance of using more than one language in today’s world
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Four Words for Friend presents a compelling argument about the importance of using more than one language in today’s world. In a world that has English as its global language and rapidly advancing translation technology, it’s easy to assume that the need to use more than one language will diminish. However, Marek Kohn argues that plural language use is more important than ever. In a divided world, it helps us to understand ourselves and others better, to live together better, and to make the most of our various cultures.
Kohn, whom the Guardian has called “one of the best science writers we have,” brings together perspectives from psychology, evolutionary thought, politics, literature, and everyday experience. He explores how people acquire languages; how they lose them; how they can regain them; how different languages may affect people’s perceptions, their senses of self, and their relationships with each other; and how to resolve the fundamental contradiction of languages, that they exist as much to prevent communication as to make it happen.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Critics praise Four Words for Friend for its beautiful prose and insightful exploration of language's role in society. Steven Poole of the Guardian describes it as a "powerful case for knowing more than one language as a life-enriching skill." Daniel Hahn in the Spectator finds the book "fascinating," noting its warning about what the Anglosphere risks losing by undervaluing other languages. Maureen Freely of the Literary Review remarks on the emotional depth of its final chapters, which reveal the pain and fury surrounding language loss globally. Anil Ananthaswamy in New Scientist calls it "truly one for our times," commending Kohn's fresh perspectives beyond the typical Anglophone linguistic discourse.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780300251517
Publisher: Yale University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 10 March 2020
Country: United States
Imprint: Yale University Press
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 156.0mm
Height: 235.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 264
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About the Author
Marek Kohn is the author of The Race Gallery, As We Know It, A Reason for Everything, and Trust.
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