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Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold Story Of English
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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).
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold Story Of English
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How long does it take to read Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold Story Of English?
It takes about 3 Hours and 20 minutes on average for a reader to read Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold Story Of English. This is based on the average reading speed of 250 Words per minute.
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What is the reading level for Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold Story Of English?
The recommended reading level for Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold Story Of English is College Freshman and Up .
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How long is Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold Story Of English?
Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold Story Of English is 256 pages long.
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