In the West, we are used to sci-fi written by English-speakers who dream up English-speaking utopias and dystopias. Often in the final reel, humanity is saved by English-speaking heroes. So what should we expect from China's newly-thriving sci-fi scene?
Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels have become global hits. They are rife with love and sex and the mob — and commentary about language. This week on the podcast we explore Italy's linguistic history and the tensions between Italian dialects and the lingua franca.
Kurt's best-of playlist: including conversations with Jeff Daniels, Samantha Hunt, Alejandro Iñárritu, and a lesson in how to speak with a British accent.
Shakespeare shouldn’t be lost on anyone, but how much should the text be changed?
The music legend, whose poetic lyrics have influenced generations of fans, won the Nobel Literature Prize on Thursday — the first songwriter to win the award in a decision that stunned prize watchers.
Cormac McCarthy’s novel “The Road” takes the prize for bleakest vision of a post-apocalyptic future. But at its emotional core is the bond between father and son.
In “Super Sad True Love Story,” Gary Shteyngart imagines a dystopian world that’s frighteningly familiar.
Why Clive James has never been more excited about TV.
In his new book, John Corey Whaley tackles the subject of mental illness and challenges stigmas that keep many teen boys from seeking help with depression and anxiety.
He was born in China, but says his immigrant roots make him all the more American.