A slightly different post… but has anybody read this fantasy novel about language and linguistics?

I was wondering whether anyone has read R. F. Kuang’s dark academia / fantasy novel, “Babel”. I’m only halfway through, so please no spoilers!

I’m fascinated with this book as I’ve never heard translation spoken about in this way. Nor have I deeply thought about the act of translation as a colonial act rooted in imperial expansion. I’m amazed. It’s deepened my love of language learning and the nuances between language, culture, meaning, space & time.

It’s taking everything for me to not just jump int my third and fourth languages, as I have this desire to read more fiction in other languages.

I’m nerding out a little here, but for the language lovers who also love fiction (bonus for my fellow fantasy lovers), I’d highly recommend it! It feels like an academic book on language histories and empire, wrapped up into a fantasy novel.

If anyone has any other cool language-themed books or movies, such as the film Arrival (2016), please do share! 😊