Speaking in Tongues

Speaking in Tongues is an engaging dialogue between Nobel laureate J. M. Coetzee and translator Mariana Dimópulos that explores the complexities of language and translation in the twenty-first century. The authors delve into questions about the love of acquired languages, the implications of gendered languages, and the challenges posed by monolingualism and the dominance of English. They also discuss the role of translators in navigating morally objectionable language and ponder whether only mathematics can uncover universal truths. This work ultimately illuminates significant linguistic issues, making it accessible for readers interested in the philosophy of language.