A growing interrelationship between peoples, cultures and languages characterizes the present-day world. Respect for all linguistic communities constitutes a key factor for peace. When communities can experience respectful and self-esteem relations, conditions for peace and security are created. Furthermore, in a context of multiple linguistic contacts, language learning can become a way for intercultural understanding and peace.

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The protagonists in both Fumiko Hayashi's Bones and Taeko Kono's Iron Fish are both Japanese women who have lost their husbands in World War Two. In this essay it is my intention to compare and contrast the effects of the war, the defeat and its aftermath on the lives and attitudes of these two war widows.

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