The Fall of Language in the Age of English

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Asian, Far Eastern, American, Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book The Fall of Language in the Age of English by Minae Mizumura, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Minae Mizumura ISBN: 9780231538541
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: January 6, 2015
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Minae Mizumura
ISBN: 9780231538541
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: January 6, 2015
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

Winner of the Kobayashi Hideo Award, The Fall of Language in the Age of English lays bare the struggle to retain the brilliance of one's own language in this period of English-language dominance. Born in Tokyo but raised and educated in the United States, Minae Mizumura acknowledges the value of a universal language in the pursuit of knowledge yet also embraces the different ways of understanding offered by multiple tongues. She warns against losing this precious diversity.

Universal languages have always played a pivotal role in advancing human societies, Mizumura shows, but in the globalized world of the Internet, English is fast becoming the sole common language of humanity. The process is unstoppable, and striving for total language equality is delusional—and yet, particular kinds of knowledge can be gained only through writings in specific languages.

Mizumura calls these writings "texts" and their ultimate form "literature." Only through literature and, more fundamentally, through the diverse languages that give birth to a variety of literatures, can we nurture and enrich humanity. Incorporating her own experiences as a writer and a lover of language and embedding a parallel history of Japanese, Mizumura offers an intimate look at the phenomena of individual and national expression.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Winner of the Kobayashi Hideo Award, The Fall of Language in the Age of English lays bare the struggle to retain the brilliance of one's own language in this period of English-language dominance. Born in Tokyo but raised and educated in the United States, Minae Mizumura acknowledges the value of a universal language in the pursuit of knowledge yet also embraces the different ways of understanding offered by multiple tongues. She warns against losing this precious diversity.

Universal languages have always played a pivotal role in advancing human societies, Mizumura shows, but in the globalized world of the Internet, English is fast becoming the sole common language of humanity. The process is unstoppable, and striving for total language equality is delusional—and yet, particular kinds of knowledge can be gained only through writings in specific languages.

Mizumura calls these writings "texts" and their ultimate form "literature." Only through literature and, more fundamentally, through the diverse languages that give birth to a variety of literatures, can we nurture and enrich humanity. Incorporating her own experiences as a writer and a lover of language and embedding a parallel history of Japanese, Mizumura offers an intimate look at the phenomena of individual and national expression.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book Conservation Genetics in the Age of Genomics by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book The Power of the Internet in China by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book Spiritual Assessment in Social Work and Mental Health Practice by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book The Miracles of the Kasuga Deity by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book Media in the Digital Age by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book Love in the Dark by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book Nation at Play by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book Gendering Global Conflict by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book Agents of Bioterrorism by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book Firestorm by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book Centrifugal Empire by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book Democracy Past and Future by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book Sexual Orientation and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy by Minae Mizumura
Cover of the book Philosophy and Poetry by Minae Mizumura
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy