Synopsis
In this trim volume of linguistic history, respected scholar John McWhorter focuses on underappreciated influences on the peculiar development of the English language: For instance, many of the English's strange grammar ticks can be traced to Celtic and Welch origins, which makes sense given the languages' longtime geographic proximity. Another important factor involves the Vikings. When the Scandinavian sailors came over to the Isles, they took up English as a second language, pruning it of many of its convolutions--it was, after all, a functional tongue for them. This resulted in English evolving as a grammatically far simpler language than other Germanic languages. In the process of this fascinating historical excavation, McWhorter debunks many contemporary grammatical conventions, doing all this in a style that makes for an informative but unusually enjoyable read.
Why do we say "I am reading a catalog" instead of "I read a catalog"? Why do we say "do" at all? Is the way we speak a reflection of our cultural values? Delving into these provocative topics and more, author McWhorter distills hundreds of years of lore into one lively history. Covering the little-known Celtic and Welsh influences on English, the impact of the Viking raids and the Norman Conquest, and the Germanic invasions that started it all during the fifth century AD, and drawing on genetic and linguistic research as well as a cache of trivia about the origins of English words and syntax patterns, McWhorter ultimately demonstrates the arbitrary, maddening nature of English--and its ironic simplicity, due to its role as a streamlined lingua franca during the early formation of Britain. This is the book that language aficionados have been waiting for.--From publisher description.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 2008-10-30 |
| Size | | Length: | 230 pages | | Height: | 7.5 in | | Width: | 5.0 in | | Thickness: | 1.0 in | | Weight: | 12.2 oz |
Publisher's Note
A survey of the English language's usage mysteries considers the ways in which English developed and how it may reflect cultural values, in a reference that covers such topics as Celtic and Welsh influences, the origins of specific syntax patterns, and the role of language in forming early Britain. 25,000 first printing.
Industry Reviews
"[M]ore comprehensive histor[ies] of the language can be found...But McWhorter has provided a pleasingly dissenting view--one that wears its erudition lightly."
(03/15/2009)
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