Simon Prentis

Simon Prentis studied English Language and Literature at Oxford, having originally applied to read Chemistry – a reflection of the scientific and humanistic curiosity that has shaped his work. He subsequently went to Japan to study Aikido, sparking a lifelong exploration of language and culture across more than fifty countries. As a Japanese translator and interpreter, his work has ranged from government and international institutions to broadcasting and TV production – while also serving as an expert witness in intellectual property and patent disputes, and working with cultural icons like Paul McCartney, Stanley Kubrick, Frank Zappa and Yoko Ono. Drawing on a lifetime spent navigating the practical realities of language across cultures, SPEECH! offers a fresh new perspective on the evolutionary role of language. Discover more on his website.