Hyphen
The significance of a humble punctuation mark
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:12th Aug '21
Should be back in stock very soon
The book Hyphen explores the history and significance of the hyphen, intertwining personal narratives with broader themes of identity and language.
In Hyphen, the narrative delves into the significance of a seemingly simple punctuation mark that has sparked debate throughout history. Originating from an ancient Greek term meaning 'to tie together,' the hyphen has served as a bridge between words and concepts for centuries. This book explores its evolution from antiquity to modern times, revealing the intricate politics entwined with its use. The hyphen is not just a grammatical tool; it embodies the complexities of identity and the experiences of hyphenated individuals across the globe.
The author, Mahdavi, intertwines her own journey as a hyphenated Iranian-American with the stories of three others, offering a rich tapestry of narratives that highlight the struggle for self-definition. Through these personal accounts, Hyphen examines how language shapes identity and the ways individuals navigate the spaces between cultures. The book emphasizes the quiet yet profound impact of this punctuation mark on the lives of those who identify with multiple backgrounds.
Ultimately, Hyphen is a compelling exploration of the intersection between language and identity, showcasing how a humble grammatical marker can resonate deeply with the human experience. It invites readers to reflect on their own identities and the linguistic tools they use to express them, all while shedding light on the broader implications of hyphenation in today's world.
The hyphen, which may not technically qualify as a punctuation mark, because it operates at the level of the word rather than the sentence—it doesn’t make you pause (though it may give you pause)—has inspired not one great book but two: “Meet Mr. Hyphen (And Put Him in His Place),” a classic by Edward N. Teall, published in 1937, and “Hyphen,” by Pardis Mahdavi, which came out in 2021. Mahdavi, an Iranian-American (hyphen hers), was a dean at Arizona State University when she tackled this project, as part of a series for Bloomsbury Academic called Object Lessons, “about the hidden lives of ordinary things.” -- Mary Norris * The New Yorker *
While the hyphen shines as a connector of compound words and allows them, over time, to take on new meanings, for the author its true magic lies in its ability to harmonize and honor a person's individuality. * Shelf Awareness *
Mahdavi's compelling histories offer guidance for a way out of a struggle that binds us all within so many unhelpful and frankly boring binaries. The book rules. * The Stranger *
Part memoir, part meditation, this book, like the hyphen, is small but mighty. Mahdavi weaves together the line-breaking history of a typographical mark with the heart-breaking choices faced by those living hyphenated lives—Chinese-American, African-American, Mexican-American—in the United States. Mahdavi draws on her ethnographic skills to reveal how the hyphen can punctuate lives, tearing them apart. Yet the hyphen's connective force cannot be underestimated. Ultimately, as an Iranian-American, Mahdavi urges refusal, showing us that to embrace the hyphen is to choose wholeness. * Elizabeth Chin, Professor of Media Design Practices, ArtCenter College of Design, USA, and Editor-in-Chief of American Anthropologist *
ISBN: 9781501373909
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 164g
176 pages