A book that explores how endangered languages are preserved in today's world has been awarded the British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding. The annual prize, established by the British Academy in 2013, has recognized American author Ross Perlin with the £25,000 (€30,100) award for his non-fiction work 'Language City: The Fight to Preserve Endangered Mother Tongues'. 'Language City' traces the history of migration into New York through the languages of various cultures, overshadowing the indigenous Lenape speakers. Perlin then extends this narrative to the present day with six case studies of endangered language speakers in New York. Throughout the book, Perlin delves into how these languages endure through the resilience of their cultural communities, the unique grammar and syntax they employ, and what we can learn about diverse cultures by studying these languages.

"New York City is home to over 700 languages – 'the most linguistically diverse city in the history of the world' – and by examining them, Perlin uncovers new perspectives on the vibrant variety of the urban soundscape, which we might otherwise overlook or take for granted," commented Professor Charles Tripp FBA, one of the judges. "Perlin's research is both dynamic and immediate; it focuses on what is happening now, right before our eyes, as we observe the flux of everyday life. It was a pleasure for the judges to read, even if our enjoyment was tempered with concern for the captivating narratives' subjects," Tripp added. Professor Julia Black, President of the British Academy, highlighted the prize's role in celebrating "exceptional research" and non-fiction works that offer fresh insights into global culture.

"'Language City' is a beautifully crafted social history and a poignant reminder of the human connections that languages facilitate," she said. "We know from our work at the Academy that language study is in decline, and there is an urgent need to reverse this trend. This book perfectly encapsulates the stakes if we fail to act now to preserve and enhance languages and their study. We believe that a linguistically diverse society benefits everyone, and this book exemplifies that perfectly." Perlin, a linguist, writer, and translator from New York City, identifies his hometown as "Lenapehoking" on his website, referring to the Lenape people whose land spans from Connecticut to Delaware. He is also the author of 'Intern Nation: How to Earn Nothing and Learn Little in the Brave New Economy', which explores unpaid work and youth economics. Since 2013, Perlin has co-directed the non-profit Endangered Language Alliance, overseeing research projects focused on language documentation, mapping, policy, and public programming. Perlin is the 12th recipient of the British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding, receiving the top award of £25,000 (€30,100). The five other shortlisted nominees each received £1,000 (€1,200).

Selected from 263 submissions, the other shortlisted books included 'Material World: A Substantial Story of Our Past and Future' by Ed Conway; 'Smoke and Ashes: Opium's Hidden Histories' by Amitav Ghosh; 'The Secret Lives of Numbers: A Global History of Mathematics & Its Unsung Trailblazers' by Kate Kitagawa and Timothy Revell; 'The Tame and the Wild: People and Animals after 1492' by Marcy Norton; and 'Divided: Racism, Medicine and Why We Need to Decolonise Healthcare' by Annabel Sowemimo. Last year's winner was Nandini Das, whose book 'Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire' retold the history of Britain and India through the arrival of the first English ambassador in India, Sir Thomas Roe, in the early 17th century.

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