On Borrowed Words: A Memoir of Language

Yiddish, Spanish, Hebrew, and English-at various points in Ilan Stavans's life, each of these has been his primary language. In this rich memoir, the linguistic chameleon outlines his remarkable cultural heritage from his birth in politically fragile Mexico, through his years as a student activist and young Zionist in Israel, to his present career as a noted and controversial academic and writer.

Along the way, Stavans introduces readers to some of the remarkable members of his family-his brother, a musical wunderkind; his father, a Mexican soap opera star; his grandmother, who arrived in Mexico from Eastern Europe in 1929 and wrote her own autobiography. Masterfully weaving personal reminiscences with a provocative investigation into language acquisition and cultural code switching, On Borrowed Words is a compelling exploration of Stavans's search for his place in the world.

Author: Ilan Stavans
Publisher: Penguin Adult Hc/Tr
Published: 07/30/2002
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.49lbs
Size: 7.77h x 5.00w x 0.61d
ISBN13: 9780142000946
ISBN10: 0142000949
BISAC Categories:
- Biography & Autobiography | Memoirs
- Biography & Autobiography | Literary Figures
- Biography & Autobiography | Entertainment & Performing Arts

About the Author
Ilan Stavans is Lewis-Sebring Professor in Latin American and Latino Culture at Amherst College and the author or editor of numerous books.