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You Are What You Speak: Grammar Grouches, Language Laws, And The Politics Of Identity (2011)

by Robert Lane Greene(Favorite Author)

3.77 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0553807870 (ISBN13: 9780553807875)

languge

English

genre

Fiction

publisher

Delacorte Press

review 1: I think the author's point is a valid one, that language is a living and adaptable tool which changes over time without necessarily degrading in the process. He carefully points out that the educated elite up each age have bemoaned the regression of their language, but that language does continue to function. Once he makes this central point and supports it historically, though, he has little more to say. It gets a little repetitive.
review 2: This approach of languages and multilingualism is very complete and well referenced (even when criticizing not so well referenced misconceptions) and a pleasant read all along. I really liked the common sense in all the observations and conclusions. It needed a multilingual/non linguist person to see the light, and I will... more try now to be a little less prescriptive in my judgements of other people’s errors (at least in speech). I also learnt a lot about the history of languages and nations, and the way some countries or governments have treated/used language as a political tool/weapon… and also that whatever you do, languages are alive and French is safe! (Ouf !) less

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