The Genius of Language

Fifteen Writers Reflect on Their Mother Tongue

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Linguistics, Fiction & Literature, Essays & Letters, Essays, Biography & Memoir, Literary
Cover of the book The Genius of Language by Wendy Lesser, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Wendy Lesser ISBN: 9780307485397
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group Publication: February 25, 2009
Imprint: Anchor Language: English
Author: Wendy Lesser
ISBN: 9780307485397
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Publication: February 25, 2009
Imprint: Anchor
Language: English

Fifteen outstanding writers answered editor Wendy Lesser’s call for original essays on the subject of language–the one they grew up with, and the English in which they write.Despite American assumptions about polite Chinese discourse, Amy Tan believes that there was nothing discreet about the Chinese language with which she grew up. Leonard Michaels spoke only Yiddish until he was five, and still found its traces in his English language writing. Belgian-born Luc Sante loved his French Tintin and his Sartre, but only in English could he find “words of one syllable” that evoke American bars and bus stops. And although Louis Begley writes novels in English and addresses family members in Polish, he still speaks French with his wife–the language of their courtship. As intimate as one’s dreams, as private as a secret identity, these essays examine and reveal the writers’ pride, pain, and pleasure in learning a new tongue, revisiting an old one, and reconciling the joys and frustrations of each.

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

Fifteen outstanding writers answered editor Wendy Lesser’s call for original essays on the subject of language–the one they grew up with, and the English in which they write.Despite American assumptions about polite Chinese discourse, Amy Tan believes that there was nothing discreet about the Chinese language with which she grew up. Leonard Michaels spoke only Yiddish until he was five, and still found its traces in his English language writing. Belgian-born Luc Sante loved his French Tintin and his Sartre, but only in English could he find “words of one syllable” that evoke American bars and bus stops. And although Louis Begley writes novels in English and addresses family members in Polish, he still speaks French with his wife–the language of their courtship. As intimate as one’s dreams, as private as a secret identity, these essays examine and reveal the writers’ pride, pain, and pleasure in learning a new tongue, revisiting an old one, and reconciling the joys and frustrations of each.

More books from Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Cover of the book Original Bliss by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book A Free Life by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book 'Broadsword Calling Danny Boy' by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book The Way Through Doors by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book The First Four Notes by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book The Abominable Man by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book The Rarest of the Rare by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book Finding a Form by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book Aftermath: The Remnants of War by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book Mom Still Likes You Best by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book Black Dogs by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book Americanism:The Fourth Great Western Religion by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book We Have the War Upon Us by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book The Amen Corner by Wendy Lesser
Cover of the book Picture Window by Wendy Lesser
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