Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold History of English
ISBN-13:
9781592404940
ISBN-10:
1592404944
Author:
John McWhorter
Publication date:
2009
Publisher:
Avery
Format:
Paperback
256 pages
Category:
European History
,
Etymology
,
Words, Language & Grammar
,
Evolution
,
Cultural
,
Anthropology
FREE US shipping
on ALL non-marketplace orders
Marketplace
from $15.01
USD
Marketplace offers
Seller
Condition
Note
Seller
Condition
New
Brand New! Not overstocks! Brand New direct from the publisher! Ships in sturdy cardboard packaging.
Book details
ISBN-13:
9781592404940
ISBN-10:
1592404944
Author:
John McWhorter
Publication date:
2009
Publisher:
Avery
Format:
Paperback
256 pages
Category:
European History
,
Etymology
,
Words, Language & Grammar
,
Evolution
,
Cultural
,
Anthropology
Summary
Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold History of English (ISBN-13: 9781592404940 and ISBN-10: 1592404944), written by authors
John McWhorter, was published by Avery in 2009.
With an overall rating of 3.9 stars, it's a notable title among other
European History
(Etymology, Words, Language & Grammar , Evolution, Cultural, Anthropology) books. You can easily purchase or rent Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold History of English (Paperback) from BooksRun,
along with many other new and used
European History
books
and textbooks.
And, if you're looking to sell your copy, our current buyback offer is $0.22.
Description
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).
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).
We would LOVE it if you could help us and other readers by reviewing the book
Book review
Congratulations! We have received your book review.
{user}
{createdAt}
by {truncated_author}