Translation was never possible. Instead there was always only conquest, the influx of the language of hard nouns, the language of metal, the language of either/or, the one language that has eaten all the others.
Margaret Atwood's "Morning in the Burned House" explores the complexities of language and communication, emphasizing that true translation is not achievable. Instead, Atwood suggests that encounters between languages often result in one dominating over the others. This perspective highlights the challenges faced in bridging cultural gaps, where one language imposes itself, overshadowing and consuming others.
The quote encapsulates Atwood's belief that language is not merely a tool for expression but also a means of conquest. The notion of a singular, overpowering language—described as the "language of hard nouns" and "metal"—implies a harshness in how one linguistic system can overpower and absorb others, reflecting broader themes of power dynamics and cultural erasure. Atwood's work invites readers to consider the consequences of this linguistic hegemony.
