Marie Lebert's book takes a clear look at a huge question: how do all the world's languages fit into the single, global space of the internet? She walks us through the technical challenges, like creating keyboards and fonts for thousands of writing systems, and the bigger social ones, like who decides what content gets translated. It's the story of a digital Tower of Babel, but instead of confusion, it's about the fight for a seat at the table.

Why You Should Read It

This book clicked for me because it connects dots I never saw. It’s not about linguistics theory; it’s about why a farmer in rural India might struggle to find agricultural advice online, or why a whole generation could lose touch with stories told in their native tongue. Lebert makes the case that a multilingual web isn't a nice bonus—it's essential for true global connection and preserving human knowledge. She highlights the passionate communities and activists working to keep their languages alive online, which is genuinely inspiring.

Final Verdict

Perfect for curious internet users who want to look beyond their own screen. If you've ever used Google Translate, wondered about Wikipedia in different languages, or just feel that the online world is oddly uniform, this book is your backstage pass. It's for readers interested in technology, culture, and the simple, powerful idea that everyone deserves to find themselves on the web.