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Pilgrim in the Palace of Words is about language, about the words that splash and chatter across our tongues. Some six thousand languages are still spoken on the planet, and author Glenn Dixon – an expert is socio-linguistics and a tireless adventurer – travels to the Earth’s four corners to explore the way these languages create and mould societies.
As one philosopher said, languages are Houses of Being. After doing graduate work in linguistics, Dixon wanted to visit these houses or "palaces" himself – to stroll along their sidewalks, knock on their doors, and peek in their windows. He wanted to see what they were hiding in their basements … even if it meant a little bit of trouble. In some cases, a whole lot of trouble! Join him on his adventure as, with wit and humour, he works toward a real understanding of how and why we communicate the way we do in the Global Village.
Pilgrim in the Palace of Words works as classic travel literature. As a bonus, it's also a fascinating take on how languages mould and inform societies.
Pilgrim in the Palace of Words is immensely appealing to anyone with a yearning to travel, an interest in the worlds diverse cultures and a love of words. And there is enough adventure to satisfy even the most critical of armchair travelers.
Pilgrim in the Palace of Words is a book that makes linguistics an enjoyable read by tying the authors own experiences together. From a nightmare at airport security to walking through ancient footsteps of civilizations long gone but not forgotten.
— GAP Adventure travel blog
Pilgrim in the Palace of Words is certainly defined more by Dixon's first-person experiences, chance encounters and dialogue with strangers than academic theories.
Glenn Dixon has published travel articles in major publications such as National Geographic, the New York Post, The Walrus, the Globe and Mail, and Psychology Today. An expert on language with an M.A. in socio-linguistics, he is currently a language consultant with the Calgary Board of Education. He lives in Calgary.