Babel-17

Author: Samuel R. Delany

The Sapir-Worf (no relation to Klingons!) hypothesis basically states that the structure of language influences the way we see the world, because it defines how we structure propositional thought. It therefore will also influence our actions. The theory is not without its critics, but it's true anyway. It's not too far a stretch to conceive the possibility that an appropriately-constructed language can be used as a weapon. Teach it to someone and it might make him do anything, including turning him into a traitor. 'Babel-17' is a weapon-language, and the novel explores its use in this intriguing futuristic thriller. Why it's on the list: Because this mid-1906s novel, next to Jack Vance's The Languages of Pao, this is probably the most impressive fictional exploration of the consequences if the Sapir-Worf hypothesis were trueâ€”which it is. It's also a cautionary tale, because, as Orwell has pointed out again and again, our very own language is constantly twisted and abused in order to make lies appear like the truth and truth look like a lie. It's all the stranger then that this work isn't getting the attention it deserves. Read if you like: Intrigue and skullduggery in a rattling good yarn, that tackles a profound philosophical subject.