Engaging, Fresh Air-ish, Provocative
Ideas abound in this captivating interview with "cultural exile" Ilan Stavans. An academic critical of academia, and unafraid of criticism himself, he reveals his love affair with dictionaries and revels in the power of words. He courts controversy defending Spanglish, and proudly calls himself a generalist. As a Mexican-Jewish-American, he celebrates his own (and America's) "multiplicity of identities." Some of his views should provoke interesting discussion if aired during Hispanic Heritage month - or any time for that matter. Jenny Attiyeh is an engaging interviewer, once she gets past her somewhat overly formal introduction. But she establishes a great rapport with Stavans and neatly manages to ask a question in the end that leaves the language enthusiast at a loss for words. Smart, lively stuff - not just for brainiacs!
David Swatling
, Radio Netherlands
Amsterdam
September 12, 2005
Interview with Ilan Stavans, the controversial Hispanic cultural and literary critic, and the author of the new book, "Dictionary Days."
