Taming Babel

This book explores the intricate role of language in shaping modern postcolonial Asian nations, specifically through the lens of British Malaya and Malaysia.

In Taming Babel, Rachel Leow delves into the complex relationship between language and the formation of modern postcolonial Asian nations. The book focuses on British Malaya, one of the most linguistically diverse regions within the British Empire, and examines the significant anxieties that arose from a century of efforts to manage its polyglot population. Through a detailed analysis, Leow highlights how language became a battleground for both British and Asian actors, revealing the intricate dynamics at play in the struggle for governance and identity.

The narrative spans key moments in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, showcasing various arenas where language was contested. Whether through textbooks, language classrooms, or the creation of dictionaries and grammars, the book illustrates the multifaceted attempts to impose order on a chaotic linguistic landscape. Each effort to standardize Chinese and Malay languages often led to failures in translation and governance, shedding light on the challenges faced by a monolingual state in a multilingual environment.

Ultimately, Taming Babel offers a profound reflection on the untameable nature of languages and the complexities of cultural identity in postcolonial contexts. By examining the struggles of empires and nation-states to govern their diverse subjects, Leow provides valuable insights into the ongoing legacies of colonialism and the enduring power of language in shaping societies.