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A review by thebobsphere
Fifty Sounds by Polly Barton
5.0
Absolutely fascinating look at the relation between language and culture.
In this book translator Polly Barton takes 50 Japanese onomatopoeic words and places them in the context of Wittgenstein's language theories and her own experiences of living in Japan in her early 20's and her learning Japanese.
The end result is an examination of the intricacies of language and how it also is firmly wedged in our lives. From the day to day conversation to more intimate moments, language is as essential as breathing and eating. Going a full circle, Wittgenstein did expand about this aspect of language in the tractatus.
In this book translator Polly Barton takes 50 Japanese onomatopoeic words and places them in the context of Wittgenstein's language theories and her own experiences of living in Japan in her early 20's and her learning Japanese.
The end result is an examination of the intricacies of language and how it also is firmly wedged in our lives. From the day to day conversation to more intimate moments, language is as essential as breathing and eating. Going a full circle, Wittgenstein did expand about this aspect of language in the tractatus.