Proper English
Subtitle: myths and misunderstandings about language
By: Ronald Wardhaugh
Series: The language library; Language library
Publisher: Blackwell Publishers; Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Malden, Mass
Language: eng
Number of pages: 197
ISBN-13: 9780631228110
Subjects: English language; Standardization; Variation; Usage; Anglais (Langue); LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES; General
Description: 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. 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
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 183-192) and index.
Table of contents: title: Wayward words; title: Language and belief; title: Our untied tongues; title: Words in order; title: Not knowing your grammar; title: Some consequences of literacy; title: Learning about English; title: Future perfect?