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The Language Wars: A History of Proper English

by Henry Hitchings
Compare to estimated retail price: RM64.00 MYR  

The item you've got your eye on is secondhand. You probably already know that, but just in case!

The estimated retail price shown next to any listed item represents the first-hand prices we've seen elsewhere, or the estimated original retail price of a comparable item of the same quality, construction and material offered elsewhere in new condition.

The Language Wars: A History of Proper English
The Language Wars: A History of Proper English

Exploring the contentious evolution of English.

If you're fascinated by the ebb and flow of language and how cultural attitudes shape speech, "The Language Wars" is a thought-provoking journey through English's history and its battles over "proper" usage. Henry Hitchings artfully combines historical anecdotes with contemporary issues, making it a compelling read for anyone intrigued by the power dynamics embedded in our everyday communication. Whether you're a stickler for grammar or curious about language's adaptability, this book offers a rich context for understanding the debates that continue to shape English today.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

The Language Wars: A History of Proper English

by Henry Hitchings
Compare to estimated retail price: RM64.00 MYR  

The item you've got your eye on is secondhand. You probably already know that, but just in case!

The estimated retail price shown next to any listed item represents the first-hand prices we've seen elsewhere, or the estimated original retail price of a comparable item of the same quality, construction and material offered elsewhere in new condition.

Condition guide

Book Condition Guide

Books in Like New Condition

This book may contain very minor cosmetic defects, but it is in pristine condition. There should be no yellowing, no foxing, no water damage, and no annotations of any kind on the cover and the pages. For paperbacks, there should not be any crease marks on the spine. This book is good as new — lucky you!

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Very Good Condition

This book has been used, but it is still in a clean condition. There should be no foxing or annotations of any kind on the inner pages, but a sparse amount may be present on the cover, title pages, or outside edges of the book. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be light crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Good Condition

We do our best to ensure the quality of our books, but there is no escaping the wear and tear that comes with time. Slight foxing and some annotations may be present on the pages and the cover. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be several crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Well Read Condition

This is a well-read book, which means that the previous owner probably really enjoyed it! The cover and pages may include moderate foxing and annotations, but the text is not obscured and still readable. Moderate cosmetic defects and minor water damage may be present on the edges of the book. For paperbacks, there may be multiple crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

 

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ISBN: 9781848542099
Authors: Henry Hitchings
Publisher: John Murray
Date of Publication: 2011-01-01
Format: Paperback
Related Collections: History, Sociology, Politics
Related Topics: History, Sociology, Politics
Goodreads rating: 3.72
(rated by 350 readers)

Description

The English language is a battlefield. Since the age of Shakespeare, arguments over correct usage have been acrimonious, and those involved have always really been contesting values - to do with morality, politics and class. The Language Wars examines the present state of the conflict, its history and its future. Above all, it uses the past as a way of illuminating the present. Moving chronologically, the book explores the most persistent issues to do with English and unpacks the history of 'proper' usage. Where did these ideas spring from? Which of today's bugbears and annoyances are actually venerable? Who has been on the front line in the language wars? The Language Wars examines grammar rules, regional accents, swearing, spelling, dictionaries, political correctness, and the role of electronic media in reshaping language. It also takes a look at such niggling concerns as the split infinitive, elocution and text messaging. Peopled with intriguing characters such as Jonathan Swift, H. W. Fowler and George Orwell as well as the more disparate figures of Lewis Carroll, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Lenny Bruce, The Language Wars is an essential volume for anyone interested in the state of the English language today or intrigued about its future.
 

Exploring the contentious evolution of English.

If you're fascinated by the ebb and flow of language and how cultural attitudes shape speech, "The Language Wars" is a thought-provoking journey through English's history and its battles over "proper" usage. Henry Hitchings artfully combines historical anecdotes with contemporary issues, making it a compelling read for anyone intrigued by the power dynamics embedded in our everyday communication. Whether you're a stickler for grammar or curious about language's adaptability, this book offers a rich context for understanding the debates that continue to shape English today.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.