Wilhelm von Humboldt and Transcultural Communication in a Multicultural World: Translating Humanity

Wilhelm von Humboldt's philosophy of dialogue and communication is crucial to contemporary debates in the Humanities. He conceived language as the source of cognition and communication, and the university as the place where free encounters between different personalities could lead to education for freedom. This book shows how Humboldt's thought is relevant to our post-secular and multicultural age, offering a way beyond the false alternatives of culturalism and universalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Wilhelm von Humboldt (1767-1835) is a pivotal figure in the history of linguistics and the establishment of modern teaching and research universities. However, his work has received limited attention in the English-speaking world. Humboldt's philosophy revolves around the notion that language serves as the foundation for cognition and communication, both rooted in the potential for human dialogue. Similarly, his vision of the university posits the free exchange between individuals with vastly different backgrounds as the catalyst for education and the cultivation of freedom. For Humboldt, linguistic and intellectual communication are contingent upon dialogue between individuals, which is a prerequisite for achieving intercultural understanding. By linking Humboldt's concept of dialogue to his idea of translation between languages, individuals, and cultures, this book demonstrates how Humboldt's thought remains highly relevant in contemporary times.

Humboldt offers a transformative perspective beyond the false dichotomies of culturalism, which advocates for the recognition of diverse cultural and faith-based traditions as sources of ethical and political legitimacy in the modern world, and universalism, which asserts the primacy of a universal culture of human rights and the revival of the European Enlightenment project. John Walker elucidates how Humboldt's work emerged from the intellectual conflicts of his era while simultaneously addressing the concerns of our own post-secular and multicultural age.

Through his profound insights into the nature of language, communication, and cultural exchange, Humboldt provides a roadmap for navigating the complexities of our globalized world. His philosophy of dialogue and translation offers a means to bridge the divides between different cultures, promote mutual understanding, and foster a sense of shared humanity. By examining the enduring relevance of Humboldt's ideas, this book sheds light on the potential for dialogue and communication to shape a more inclusive and equitable future.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781571139757