Many statements we believe to be true about language are likely as
not false. Much of what we have learned as children or adults is
misdirected; little of it is useful and some may be harmful. This
book explores why it is we believe what we believe about language,
and why we persist in handing down from generation to generation a
rag-bag collection of fact and fantasy on the subject. It offers a
corrective to many of the unsupportable beliefs we hold and offers
suggestions for a more enlightened approach. Interesting reading.
(Kirkus UK)
"What is it about our country and our society that our language has
become so impoverished, so sloppy and so limited?" "The Prince of
Wales, 1989"
"This is a good time to explore error in English usage. There is
a lot of it about." "Harry Blamires"
"The subject matter of English Philology possesses a strange
fascination for the man in the street, but almost everything he
thinks and says about it is incredibly and hopelessly wrong." "H.
C. Wyld, 1921"
Most of us have firm convictions about our language, as to what
constitutes proper use and what is unacceptable abuse. As children
we are taught a great deal about good and bad grammar, correct
pronunciation and spelling, and the proper use of words. As adults
we constantly encounter books, articles, and letters to newspapers
opining about "proper English" and the sorry state of our
language.
Yet many statements we believe to be true about language are
likely as not false. Much of what we have learnt about language is
misdirected; little of it is useful and some may be harmful. Myths
and misunderstandings are plentiful. Much that passes for insight
and informed comment is palpably wrong.
This books explores why it is we believe what we believe about
language, and why we persist in handing down from generation to
generation a rag bag collection of fact and fantasy about language.
It offers a corrective to many of the unsupportable beliefs we hold
about language in general and English in particular. It shows how
these beliefs originated and offers suggestions for a more
enlightened approach.
General
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