The babylon cypher: why everything is language and language is everything
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"An engrossing, multi-faceted guide to that most human of inventions: language. Professor of Linguistics Alaric Naude comprehensively outlines how written language developed and how it shapes human meanings and values. Readers will be fascinated by the book's many historical and cross-cultural accounts, and will come away with a heightened appreciation of language use and abuse."
-Janice Fiamengo, retired Professor of English, University of Ottawa, Canada.
"Prof. Alaric Naude takes us on a rollercoaster ride - a sweeping historical exploration through space and time connected through the permeating, powerful, and dynamic glue of language. A timely must read for anyone who is even remotely interested in, or intrigued by, the power of language in all aspects of our lives. The reader will not only be more knowledgeable and informed of the history of language, its evolution, and its critical role in shaping human history. They will also have a better understanding of the powerful linguistic tools and tricks that have been and can be deployed for shaping and forming public opinion. The chapter on language “engineering” and “propaganda” – a very special icing on the cake - is a clinical dissection of the linguistic tools, and their inherent ambiguity, in the service of any driving agenda."
-Akbar Sayeed, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
-Janice Fiamengo, retired Professor of English, University of Ottawa, Canada.
"Prof. Alaric Naude takes us on a rollercoaster ride - a sweeping historical exploration through space and time connected through the permeating, powerful, and dynamic glue of language. A timely must read for anyone who is even remotely interested in, or intrigued by, the power of language in all aspects of our lives. The reader will not only be more knowledgeable and informed of the history of language, its evolution, and its critical role in shaping human history. They will also have a better understanding of the powerful linguistic tools and tricks that have been and can be deployed for shaping and forming public opinion. The chapter on language “engineering” and “propaganda” – a very special icing on the cake - is a clinical dissection of the linguistic tools, and their inherent ambiguity, in the service of any driving agenda."
-Akbar Sayeed, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Book Blurb
"Come on a journey through the history of language guided by Dr. Naudé, and learn how language forges not only your thinking but your entire perception of reality as well as how you orientate yourself in the world.
Be immersed in understanding the mechanics of language and hierarchies that allow society to function as a whole while at the same time being prone to engineering by ideologues. Come to realize how humans are the embodiment of language and how policies shape language and thereby our very existence.
Why should you be interested in the Ancient Akkadians? Why do DiAngelo and Kendi have an erroneous approach? What on earth do DNA and physics have to do with language? How can you learn any language that you put your mind to?
Dr. Naudé covers all these topics and more in this concise tome that anyone can understand."
Be immersed in understanding the mechanics of language and hierarchies that allow society to function as a whole while at the same time being prone to engineering by ideologues. Come to realize how humans are the embodiment of language and how policies shape language and thereby our very existence.
Why should you be interested in the Ancient Akkadians? Why do DiAngelo and Kendi have an erroneous approach? What on earth do DNA and physics have to do with language? How can you learn any language that you put your mind to?
Dr. Naudé covers all these topics and more in this concise tome that anyone can understand."
Synopsis
The Babylon Cypher is a unique book that introduces linguistics and the history of language in a clear and concise manner. It is a layman's guide to the field, explaining it in simple and logical sequences.
An enjoyable and informative read for anyone, whether they are a student, professor, business person, a parent who wishes to understand how education can influence their children, or someone worried about the increase of propaganda.
The book begins by discussing two laws that we might not even think of languages at all (No spoilers). It then goes on to discuss human's biological proclivity toward language, how children acquire language and how the brain is hardwired to learn language, in the process debunking claims made by Ibram X. Kendi.
It goes on to discuss the history of language starting in ancient Sumer and Babylonia, examining how languages are organised into "language families" and how different forms of writing developed. Who knows, you may even learn something new about your own language!
The phenomenon of languages changing from one form to another is discussed, also how "official" forms of language come into existence. The author shows that language is comprised of a variety of hierarchies and that unstable hierarchies can create oppressive language forms that result in racism and totalitarianism.
A very interesting chapter discusses of the differences in male and female neurobiology and physiology produce differences in both language and body language. It goes on to outline the history of “Lingua francas” which are languages used as common communication by people of different ethnic groups and how this has impacted on history and the modern world.
The eighth chapter is a hard hitting look at propaganda and language engineering comparing trends during WWII to current trends in language both in academia as well as the public sphere. It gives a strong critique of the work by Dr. Robin DiAngelo and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi.
There is also advice on learning a second language along with an explanation on why anyone is able to learn at least one additional language along with resources for language learning.
A compact education in one book that is sure to teach you something you didn’t know already in a quirky and flowing manner.
An enjoyable and informative read for anyone, whether they are a student, professor, business person, a parent who wishes to understand how education can influence their children, or someone worried about the increase of propaganda.
The book begins by discussing two laws that we might not even think of languages at all (No spoilers). It then goes on to discuss human's biological proclivity toward language, how children acquire language and how the brain is hardwired to learn language, in the process debunking claims made by Ibram X. Kendi.
It goes on to discuss the history of language starting in ancient Sumer and Babylonia, examining how languages are organised into "language families" and how different forms of writing developed. Who knows, you may even learn something new about your own language!
The phenomenon of languages changing from one form to another is discussed, also how "official" forms of language come into existence. The author shows that language is comprised of a variety of hierarchies and that unstable hierarchies can create oppressive language forms that result in racism and totalitarianism.
A very interesting chapter discusses of the differences in male and female neurobiology and physiology produce differences in both language and body language. It goes on to outline the history of “Lingua francas” which are languages used as common communication by people of different ethnic groups and how this has impacted on history and the modern world.
The eighth chapter is a hard hitting look at propaganda and language engineering comparing trends during WWII to current trends in language both in academia as well as the public sphere. It gives a strong critique of the work by Dr. Robin DiAngelo and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi.
There is also advice on learning a second language along with an explanation on why anyone is able to learn at least one additional language along with resources for language learning.
A compact education in one book that is sure to teach you something you didn’t know already in a quirky and flowing manner.
