Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue

The Untold History of English

John McWhorter

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English

Gotham Books
01 October 2009

linguistics; Historical & comparative linguistics

Summary
Details

A survey of the quirks and quandaries of the English language, focusing on our strange and wonderful grammar

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, Our Magnificent Bastard Language distills hundreds of years of fascinating lore into one lively history.

Covering such turning points as 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, John McWhorter narrates this colorful evolution with vigor. Drawing on revolutionary genetic and linguistic research as well as a cache of remarkable trivia about the origins of English words and syntax patterns, Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue 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 worldwide have been waiting for (and no, it’s not a sin to end a sentence with a preposition).

By: John McWhorter
Imprint: Gotham Books
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 183mm, Width: 128mm, Spine: 17mm
Weight: 181g
ISBN: 9781592404940
ISBN 10: 1592404944
Pages: 230
Publication Date: 01 October 2009
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active