Babel

by R.F. Kuang

why doesn’t Babel send scholars abroad on exchange programmes? Why don’t we teach them how it’s done?’ ‘Could be that all nations hoard their most precious resources.’ ‘Or that you’re hoarding knowledge that should be freely shared,’ said Robin. ‘Because if language is free, if knowledge is free, then why are all the Grammaticas under lock and key in the tower? Why don’t we ever host foreign scholars, or send scholars to help open translation centres elsewhere in the world?’ ‘Because as the Royal Institute of Translation, we serve the interests of the Crown.’ ‘That seems fundamentally unjust.’ ‘Is that what you believe?’ A cold edge crept into Professor Lovell’s voice. ‘Robin Swift, do you think what we do here is fundamentally unjust?’ ‘I only want to know,’ said Robin, ‘why silver could not save my mother.’