The Language of Languages

More about the book

With clear, conversational prose, this volume is the first to focus entirely on Ngũgĩ wa Thiongʼo's writings about translation. A prominent figure in world literature, the Kenyan writer has long advocated for the recognition of indigenous African languages. After starting his career in English, he transitioned to writing in his native Gikũyũ in 1977, marking a significant creative and political shift. For years, Ngũgĩ has translated his Gikũyũ works into English and has actively promoted literary translation, which he describes as 'the language of languages.' This collection compiles his essays and lectures on translation from the past two decades, where he explores it as a cultural dialogue, advocates for unity among African languages, and reflects on the challenges of auto-translation. He emphasizes the crucial role translation plays in spreading ideas and calls for dismantling language hierarchies. Ngũgĩ also shares insights from his own experiences, including his story The Upright Revolution, which has been translated into over a hundred languages, making it the most widely translated work by an African author. In an era where cross-cultural dialogue is vital, this book makes a compelling case for literature without borders.