The Genius of Language

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In this engaging collection, 15 writers reflect on how their bilingualism shapes their craft, resonating with Luc Sante's notion of "internal foreignness." They share a common sentiment: the feeling of displacement is what ultimately drives them to write. For Sante and others, foreignness is a dual-edged sword; their mother tongue, French, serves as both a barrier to complete assimilation into American life and a cherished refuge of expression. This linguistic exile grants the contributors the freedom to articulate their thoughts without constraints. The essays, featuring voices like Amy Tan, Josef Skvoreck, and Ariel Dorfman, invite readers to explore the writers' formative years, often tinged with nostalgia, even when the past may not seem fondly remembered. The narratives typically follow a familiar arc: moving from the linguistic and cultural comfort of family to the challenges of assimilation, often marked by a rejection of the native language, and culminating in a renewed appreciation for their heritage. Despite this predictable trajectory, the writers vividly illustrate the universal journey of discovering the boundless potential of language, capturing the essence of what it means to fall in love with words.