Four Words for Friend

Name: Four Words for Friend
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SKU: 9780300251517
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The Rewards of Using More than One Language in a Divided World

By Marek Kohn

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Summary

Four Words for Friend by Marek Kohn presents a compelling argument for the importance of multilingualism in our globalised world. Despite English's dominance and advances in translation technology, Kohn shows why using multiple languages remains vital. Drawing from psychology, evolutionary science, politics, literature, and lived experience, he examines language acquisition, loss, and recovery. The book delves into how languages shape perception, identity, and relationships, highlighting the paradox that languages both enable and hinder communication. Kohn emphasises that embracing linguistic diversity helps us understand ourselves and others better, fostering coexistence and cultural richness.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Four Words for Friend

$35⁹⁹

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.

A compelling argument about the importance of using more than one language in today’s world

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

Collections

Education & Reference Marek Kohn Non-Fiction

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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