Taming Babel

This book explores the complex role of language in shaping postcolonial Asian nations, particularly in the context of British Malaya and Malaysia.

In Taming Babel, Rachel Leow delves into the intricate relationship between language and the formation of modern postcolonial Asian nations. Set against the backdrop of British Malaya and postcolonial Malaysia, the book highlights the challenges and anxieties faced by those attempting to govern a linguistically diverse population. With a focus on a region that was one of the most linguistically varied under the British Empire, Leow reveals how language shaped both identity and governance during a century of colonial rule and its aftermath.

Throughout Taming Babel, Leow examines pivotal moments in the 19th and 20th centuries where language became a battleground for both British and Asian actors. From textbooks and classrooms to dictionaries and propaganda, the book illustrates the various ways in which language was manipulated and contested. Each effort to standardize or control languages such as Chinese and Malay not only highlighted the complexities of translation and communication but also underscored the inherent challenges of establishing a cohesive national identity in a polyglot society.

Ultimately, Taming Babel provides a thought-provoking exploration of the struggles faced by empires and postcolonial states as they navigate the realities of multilingualism. It emphasizes the resilience of languages and the ongoing tension between governance and the untameable nature of linguistic diversity, offering insights into the broader implications for identity and power in contemporary society.