The Lost Language of the Soul, Mandla Langa, Pan Macmillan, ISBN: 9781770107663 LANGA captures the perspective of a vulnerable yet determined child and the clashing emotions within him as he seeks to reunite his family. Joseph Mabaso is used to his father’s, Sobhuza, long absences from the family home in Lusaka. Sobhuza is a freedom fighter and doing important work, and Joseph has learned not to ask questions.