“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.”
We all reading is one of the most important parts of language learning. But what benefits does reading books specifically about language have? Language books can haul readers down a fascinating path of cultural, historical, sociological and even philosophical roots. When we study languages and translations, we are widening our knowledge of geography, history and tradition, which makes books about language in translation some of the most handy for broadening our perspectives on both ourselves and the world around us. So, from accents and dialects to how languages evolve and influence, join us at What We Reading for the best books about language!
Through The Language Glass: Why The World Looks Different In Other Languages – Guy Deutscher
First up on our list of books on language and linguistics, Guy Deutscher explores how cultures can influence language, and vice versa, in his 2010 work, Through the Language Glass.
One of the most comprehensive guides through some of the most commonly-asked questions about language, acclaimed linguist Deutscher covers everything from whether people speaking different languages see colour differently to how gender perception is affected by language, making for one of the most interesting and engaging reads for uncovering how language does reflect culture.
The Resilience Of Language – Susan Goldin-Meadow
Imagine a child who has never seen or heard any language. Would that child be able to invent a language on their own? Despite what you might think (and what the author of this article thought), Susan Goldin-Meadow argues the answer to this question is ‘yes’ in her language book, The Resilience of Language.
The children described in The Resilience of Language are deaf and haven’t been exposed to any sign languages from either their parents or schools. Yet, they use their hands to communicate, using gestures that take on the roles of different forms and functions of language. Goldin-Meadow concludes with this captivating read that all children, deaf or hearing, approach language learning ready to develop language properties. Rather than it being dependent on being handed down from generation to generation, this case study explains how these properties can be reinvented, and why children have such a large hand in shaping how language is learned.
Don’t Believe A Word: The Surprising Truth About Language – David Shariatmadari
Another one of the most absorbing books about language, David Shariatmadari’s Don’t Believe A Word is a fascinating look into the journey of how languages are formed, and how they travel across the world.
One of the cornerstones of Don’t Believe A Word is Shariatmadari’s assertion that no word is untranslatable and that believing so is just a common myth associated with language. By taking away the idea of untranslatable words, readers are taken on a tour of an array of new and exciting concepts about language history and etymology. Shariatmadari’s passion and enthusiasm for language are infectious across a read-through of his work, tackling everything from gendered words to human consciousness in a book about language that is equally informative as it is accessible.
The First Word: The Search For The Origins Of Language – Christine Kenneally
Language is a distinctively human thing. But, because it leaves no permanent mark, tracing its beginnings and development is a tough challenge. Nevertheless, Christine Kenneally attempts to make sense of how language came into being in her book, The First Word.
The book is a story of two different narratives. The first narrative is an account of how language developed; and how the random and layered processes of evolution produced a talking animal: humans. The second is how scientists and linguists are now able to explore this subject. Focusing on figures such as Noam Chomsky to Steven Pinker and other cognitive specialists, biologists, geneticists and animal researchers, Kenneally attempts to answer whether language is solely a human phenomenon. Another one of the best books about language specifically written for general readers, The First Word answers some of readers’ most burning questions about the formation and beginnings of language.
Empires Of The Word: A Language History Of The World – Nicholas Ostler
For readers looking for one of the best books about language specifically with a historical perspective, Nicholas Ostler’s Empires of the Word should undoubtedly be on their TBR list. Having studied under Noam Chomsky, obtained degrees in Greek and Latin from Oxford and picked up a PhD in linguistics and Sanskrit, there are few individuals more qualified to run us through the entire history of languages across the planet.
Empires of the Word attempts to give readers a greater understanding of migration, diplomacy and politics and their impact on language. From Chinese to modern Europe, Ostler explores how some languages have survived against all odds, whilst others have evolved and adapted so much they are almost unrecognisable today.
Is That A Fish In Your Ear? Translation And The Meaning Of Everything – David Bellos
Is That a Fish in Your Ear is one of the best books about translation for those looking for a more funny and lighthearted sort of read. Professor, biographer and translator David Bellos takes readers on a whimsical journey into how we learn to know what someone else means, whether that is a head of state or a cheesy foreign movie.
Using translation as his lens, Bellos demonstrates how much we can learn about ourselves by exploring how we use translation. From the historical roots of written language to James Cameron’s Avatar, how he writes makes for such a captivating read. His wit and wisdom shine through throughout a read of Is That a Fish in Your Ear, without ever watering down the awesome topics and theories he raises in his exploration of translation.
How Language Works: How Babies Babble, Words Change Meaning And Languages Live Or Die – David Crystal
David Crystal is one of the most beloved authors of language, with his eloquent way of approaching the subject making for some of the most captivating reads. How Language Works is one of his best books to be introduced to his world. In it, he attempts to answer the most popular questions about language in one single volume.
From whistling languages, eyebrow flashes, how parents imprint on children, how politeness travels across languages to how the way we talk shows not just how old we are but also where we’re from and who we want to be, this is a landmark read that anyone looking to learn more about languages needs on their bookshelves.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
