Babels refers to the plural form of the noun "babel," which has multiple meanings and historical origins. Firstly, it can be associated with the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, which describes the confusion of languages and refers to a place characterized by an unintelligible mixture of languages or voices. Linked to this biblical account, "babels" can also represent a metaphorical language barrier or a state of chaos and lack of understanding caused by the diversity of languages or opinions.
Another meaning of "babels" can be found in the field of translation and interpretation. It refers to the Babels network, which was established during the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 2001. Babels is an internationally coordinated volunteer network that provides interpretation services, aiming to foster linguistic diversity and ensure communication among multilingual participants at social and political events.
In a broader sense, "babels" can symbolize diversity and the challenges and opportunities that arise from intercultural encounters. It can also encompass the complexities of human communication, where different languages, dialects, or perspectives can contribute to misunderstandings but also promote dialogue, enrichment, and mutual understanding when bridges are built across these linguistic divides.
