THE INFLUENCE OF LANGUAGE ON THE CHARACTERS’ PERCEPTION OF REALITY IN SAMUEL DELANY’S BABEL-17
Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of artificial languages in Samuel Delany’s novel, Babel-17. The analysis will show how an artificial language called Babel-17 affects those who learn it, what it does to their personal identity, and how it makes them behave on a subconscious level. Moreover, other artificial languages in the novel will also be addressed, showing the difficulty of establishing communication between characters who speak different languages, as translating correctly and having the right words for what one wants to express becomes increasingly important. Additionally, in order to establish a certain connection, knowing the language alone is not enough ‒ one must also possess enough self-awareness. Finally, this research is important because artificial languages offer glimpses into fictional characters’ perception of reality, and the conclusion one draws from them can be applied to how one analyses “real” languages as well.
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