Offering nuanced criticisms of rights-based animal advocacy, Alison Suen fosters new understandings of animal ethics while insightfully reframing key debates. Suen’s innovative relational account of the human as a speaking animal challenges human exceptionalism even as she suggests that humans can most responsibly acknowledge kinship with animal others in our speech. An important book distinguished by its empathic vision.

Martha J. Reineke, Professor of Religion, University of Northern Iowa

The Speaking Animal offers a profound analysis of the relationality and responsibility that lie at the heart of language. Through dazzling readings of a wide variety of texts and media, Suen develops an inspiring vision for animal ethics that centers on affirmative, respectful, and loving engagements. This is an essential contribution to the fields of animal studies and animal philosophy.

Matthew Calarco, professor of philosophy, California State University, Fullerton