In the United States, our languages are as varied as our origins. There’s Basque in Nevada, Crow in Montana, Gullah in South Carolina. We speak European, Asian, and Native American languages; we speak creoles, jargons, and pidgins. But for most Americans, these languages are the stuff of history museums and heritage days—not a part of everyday life.
In Trip of the Tongue, Elizabeth Little acts as our witty and endearing guide on an expedition to discover what our nation’s cultures and languages say about who we are as individuals and as a society. This book is a celebration of American multiculturalism and a reflection on what we value, what we fight for, and what we allow ourselves to forget.
"Fascinating...Little's obvious enthusiasm drives the prose and keeps the information fresh and relevant. Arguing that language heritage is about more than the use of definite articles, Little delivers a revealing lesson in history, culture, prejudice, and privilege."
In Trip of the Tongue, Elizabeth Little acts as our witty and endearing guide on an expedition to discover what our nation’s cultures and languages say about who we are as individuals and as a society. This book is a celebration of American multiculturalism and a reflection on what we value, what we fight for, and what we allow ourselves to forget.
"Fascinating...Little's obvious enthusiasm drives the prose and keeps the information fresh and relevant. Arguing that language heritage is about more than the use of definite articles, Little delivers a revealing lesson in history, culture, prejudice, and privilege."
—Booklist
"An entertaining and enlightening book from a brainy, foul-mouthed and very funny tour guide."
—Kirkus Reviews
"An enchanting journey across the landscape of American language and culture, including everything from Navajo to Norwegian."
—Publishers Weekly