The World in Words 40: Washington’s new tone, Updike’s French Africa, and Benicio del Toro’s many Spanishes

We begin with reaction from the Arab world to Barack Obama’s embrace of a language of “respect” toward Muslims. Then, we accompany a group of Upper Midwest dairy farmers on a trip to Mexico, where they learn the languages and culture – and meet the families of their Mexican employees. After that, we take a tour of Latin America’s many Spanish dialects with actor Benicio del Toro (“Che”). And finally we consider one of John Updike’s lesser-known books, “The Coup.” It’s set in a fictional West African state that is obsessed with French language and culture.