Genesis 11 tells the story of the Tower of Babel. The people in the city of Babel all spoke one language, and were
therefore able to communicate very efficiently to construct a soaring tower. When God saw this tower, He became concerned
that due to their cohesiveness, nothing would ever be impossible for them. He confused their languages and scattered them
across the world, thus they could no longer collectively communicate. In this chapter, language is meant to be a source of
inhospitality. Through Babel NYC, I seek to show how language differences can instead foster community and hospitality rather
than disconnect.
Seven hundred different languages are spoken in New York City, proving how people of all different languages and cultures can
coexist in one community. For Babel NYC, I explored Chinatown, Little Italy, Koreatown, and Little Paris to showcase the
beauty of the different languages present in the city and how different cultures can form a strong sense of community. Though
just a small sampling of the diversity of New York, this collection demonstrates the hospitality fostered by language. From
bookstores to restaurants to stunning architecture, these languages, all confused
throughout one city, are not a source
of division, but rather something everyone can appreciate and enjoy.
I hope you enjoy this collection.