#birkbeckvoices

As part of a conference on ‘Languages of Internationalism’, hosted by the Reluctant Internationalists research group, Diana Georgescu (University College London), Pey-Yi Chu (Pomona College), Beatrice Wayne (New York University) and Dina Fainberg (City, University of London) discuss language and communication during the Cold War. The panel, chaired by Dora Vargha (University of Exeter) highlight frictions and tensions which emerged over the use of language in international settings. ‘Languages of Internationalism’ aimed to shed light on the centrality of language to people’s pursuit and experiences of internationalism. Language is at the heart of every international enterprise, but as the conference showed, it presents obstacles and dilemmas, as well as opportunities. Discussions showed how language could be a tool of communication, solidarity and unity, as well as a force of division and alienation. But the conference also made clear the centrality of language in the performance, experience and pursuit of