The Atlas of Languages - by Rachel Lancashire (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Where did the word "banana" originate? What is the world's most secret language? Which word is universally understood? This book answers all these questions and more, taking the reader on a journey across the globe to explore the complexity, beauty, and variety of languages. It includes fun facts and language trivia, beautifully illustrated maps to pore, intricate language family trees that show how different languages have grown and connected over time, eye-catching infographics."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A beautifully illustrated overview of the history of languages around the world, filled with maps, sidebars, and unusual facts that will satisfy curious kids

Where did the word "banana" originate? What is the world's most secret language? Which word is universally understood?

This book answers all these questions and more, taking the reader on a journey across the globe to explore the complexity, beauty, and variety of languages. It includes:

• Fun facts and language trivia
• Beautifully illustrated maps to pore
• Intricate language family trees that show how different languages have grown and connected over time
• Eye-catching infographics

Review Quotes

"Good for general background information and quick comparison and contrast, this vibrant offering should spark further interest."--Booklist

"Though only a fraction of what the author estimates as up to 8,500 of the languages spoken, whistled, or signed on our planet earn mentions, this work richly rewards even casual browsing--whether readers are more intrigued by its glimpses of the big language picture or just want to know the Icelandic term for mansplaining...Witty and wide-ranging."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Rachel Lancashire is a Dutch writer, editor, and journalist with a master's degree in English language and linguistic science. She speaks English and Dutch fluently, German quite well, but her French is a bit rusty. Her favorite words are handkerchief and the Dutch word for "orange juice" sinaasappelsap. Lancashire lives in the Netherlands. Jenny Zemanek is a lifelong lover of all things creative. What started with happy scribbles at a young age grew into a pursuit of photography and graphic design before she found a home with illustration and hand-lettering. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and two rescue dogs. Zemanek revels in the joys of small decorative details, finding ways to add personality to her work.