Items related to The State of the Language: English Observed
Is the English language in decline? Many people seem to think so--but Philip Howard isn't one of them. The Literary Editor of The Times of London, Howard takes a robust, commonsensical view of the changes that are happening in English. His is not the Panglossian attitude that all is neccessarily for the best in the best of all possible languages, but he does feel that change is necessary--and healthy--in any living language.
Howard here examines the language in its various branches and categories, such as grammar and pronunciation, spelling and punctuation, dialect and slang. He discusses the effect the new technologies, from cable TV to photocomposition, are having on the mother tongue, and he examines the new dialects that are coming into use. He navigates the back streets of euphemism and the broad, boring boulevards of cliche. He asks whether the language is actually changing as fast as we suppose, and, if so, why.
Howard argues that as far as we can, we should strive to direct and control the changes in English in ways that increase its power. And where we can't help it, he says, we should lie back and enjoy its immense richness, which is unrivaled by any other language. Rather than have us wring our hands, Philip Howard entreats us, with his customary with and erudition, to use our tongues in concert with our brains.
About the Author:
Philip Howard is the author of New Words for Old, Weasel Words, Words Fail Me, and, most recently, A Word in Your Ear.
Howard here examines the language in its various branches and categories, such as grammar and pronunciation, spelling and punctuation, dialect and slang. He discusses the effect the new technologies, from cable TV to photocomposition, are having on the mother tongue, and he examines the new dialects that are coming into use. He navigates the back streets of euphemism and the broad, boring boulevards of cliche. He asks whether the language is actually changing as fast as we suppose, and, if so, why.
Howard argues that as far as we can, we should strive to direct and control the changes in English in ways that increase its power. And where we can't help it, he says, we should lie back and enjoy its immense richness, which is unrivaled by any other language. Rather than have us wring our hands, Philip Howard entreats us, with his customary with and erudition, to use our tongues in concert with our brains.
About the Author:
Philip Howard is the author of New Words for Old, Weasel Words, Words Fail Me, and, most recently, A Word in Your Ear.
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- PublisherOxford University Press
- Publication date1985
- ISBN 10 0195204670
- ISBN 13 9780195204674
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages180
- Rating
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The State of the Language: English Observed
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(1985)
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The State of the Language: English Observed
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The State Of The Language-English Observed
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. Good Condition hard cover 180 pages. Seller Inventory # 024390
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Book Description Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. Light Soiling And Creasing On The Covers, Binding Is Firm And Pages Are Clean. Covers The Finer Points Of The English Language Such As Jargon, Grammar And Clichés To Say The Least. Seller Inventory # 007439
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(1984)
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: G+. 180pp. Index. Wear wraps, soiling. Seller Inventory # 213843
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The State Of The Language
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Fair. Dust Jacket Condition: Fair. Examines contemporary English in all of its aspects and discusses the effect that new technologies--from cable TV to photocomposition--are having on the English language Due to age and/or environmental conditions, the pages of this book have darkened. Ex-Libris and is stamped as such. Solid binding. Moderate edgewear on the boards. Please note the image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item. Book. Seller Inventory # 123643143
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR005747808
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Book Description Condition: Good. [ No Hassle 30 Day Returns ][ Ships Daily ] [ Underlining/Highlighting: NONE ] [ Writing: NONE ] [ Edition: First ] Publisher: Oxford University Press Pub Date: 1/1/1985 Binding: Paperback Pages: 180 First edition. Seller Inventory # 6636766
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