This exhibition explores the invention of language, namely British and American English, and its roles as tool, weapon, barrier, and conduit. Featuring materials from Gould Library Special Collections, Man-made Language places into dialogue with one another books that span nearly 250 years in publication date. Despite this wide range in eras, each of these books speaks to the ways in which language can be perceived.
Thematically, the exhibit focuses on three areas. Prestige highlights the efforts made to elevate English by establishing its connections to Latin and Greek. (Mis)understanding casts light upon the process of translation through recent examples in our modern world as well as the degree of meaning and context that can be retained as words cross language barriers. Power unites two examples separated by over a century of history to examine how translation and access to multiple languages increases reach and access to new populations.
Join us on January 27, 2026 at noon for a drop-in event to learn more from Special Collections Assistant and exhibit curator Zoe Roettger ’27.