Bad English: a History of Linguistic Aggravation Pdf Free

BAD ENGLISH: A HISTORY OF LINGUISTIC AGGRAVATION PDF, EPUB, EBOOK

See the word "aggravation," which could mean "to make a problem worse" or the informal definition "to exasperate," in the title above. Provides historical analysis of the usage of favorites such as: hopefully, literally, decimate, enormity, enervate, aggravate, unique, belittle, balding, stupider, irregardless, impact, finalize, contact, fun, very, inter alia. History Paperback Nonfiction Books in English. However, as delightful parts of the book were, it was more like a taste, rather than drinking from a deep well of knowledge. Now, I thought this book is going to make me feel stupid and inadequate. They were touched on briefly though not by name with the history of cocoa from cacao as that is a ghost word which became real, so to speak. I enjoyed the book and I will now be more permissive when editing other people's writing. LC Subjects. Tantor Media, Inc. I would add unnecessary serial commas, which Shea doesn't mention, to the over-corrections list. Whether you consider yourself a stickler, a nitpicker, or a rule-breaker in the know, Bad English is sure to enlighten, enrage, and perhaps even inspire. Choose a Format. Published Reviews. This is a good thing. Only later did I catch on to Shea's juxtaposition trap. Chapter Five: The Continuing Deterioration of the Language humorously takes on different ways in which English is changing, which to some who see all change as decline is cause for aggravation; it discusses the history of misuse of the apostrophe, the spelling of "potato e ", discussion of "textspeak, emoticons" and initialisms especially in digital contexts, "ain't", leg vs. Of course its meaning might shift over time. Like, I mean, what could possibly go wrong, you know? Shea is a very humorous writer. While I'm definitely on the descriptivist side of such debates so is the author , this book reminds me of the lively energy the writing of Mr David Crystal as that is more than a bit lacking here. English is not my first language. Even writing this review, which is why I don't write many reviews, I have to use spell check and re-read, have software that aids me in this, so what I wrote to see if it makes sense. Feb 26, Christine rated it liked it Shelves: reads. Popular Fiction. The author then sets about explaining clearly the aim of his work, which is the presentation of a history of English words commonly considered "mistakes" by more prescriptive speakers, who retain a largely conservative view of language as immutable — a view Shea does not share. Quotes from Bad English: A Hi Feb 02, Becky Loader rated it really liked it. Here the author presents a historical analysis on each of these contested English usage. Likewise, I would have loved a sections on sniglets - those words which were created because someone thought they were needed such as chortle which again, were touched on briefly, though not by name. Aug 12, Dave rated it it was amazing. It is funny and it appealed to my nerdy linguist side. I think this book was more enjoyable that, in some ways, this book shows that my English, though I still struggle writing and reading, is better than the 'native' speakers of the language. Sep 11, Phil rated it really liked it. Similar Series From NoveList. While strict adherence to English rules is not necessary for effective communication, some rules are necessary in every language for its speakers to be able to communicate without confusion. I have to admit, I did lik Ah, I do so love a book about words, and word uses. What we think is correct was not always so, even very recently. Jakes Christian Inspirational No ratings or reviews yet. I could care less about utilitarian signage and everyday usage. Shea takes an in-depth look at the evolution of our English language. Clearly that is false, as rules and words change all the time. Whether you consider yourself a stickler, a nitpicker, or a rule-breaker in the know, Bad English is sure to enlighten, enrage, and perhaps even inspire. Lists with This Book. Shea's book does not seek to solve any grammatical conundrums; instead he traces the historical origins of the discrepancies and offers fair-minded research in favor of both sides such as ending a sentence with a preposition, or the modern usages of LOL, OMG and : I found this book at times laugh-out-loud funny, which is to me always a welcome diversion in a world where egocentric no talents grow continually richer and egocentric loudmouths amass more political power. Bad English: A History of Linguistic Aggravation Writer

Principally, the problem lies in assertions that there is only one correct way, or that the right way is the original way, to do things. Perigee, xiv, pages ; 22 cm. From the same guy who read the entire OED and then read the phone book , this book was not what I expected. By Ilana Masad. About this product Product Information The author of Reading the OED presents an eye-opening look at language "mistakes" and how they came to be accepted as correct--or not. By Margaret Atwood. Preview — Bad English by Ammon Shea. The author then sets about explaining clearly the aim of his work, which is the presentation of a history of English words commonly considered "mistakes" by more prescriptive speakers, who retain a largely conservative view of language as immutable — a view Shea does not share. Can anyone support this example, and, if so, where? Language Availability There are a multitude of words that began life as nouns and now are acceptable to use as verbs and adjectives. His explanations and narration was too long winded for me. The introduction ends with a Note On Terminology , followed by a Note On Pronouns , announcing the use of the third-person neuter singular they to refer to any single persons of either sex; this is followed by a brief Note On Notes. Did anyone cringe at my deprived use of the English language in that opening sentence? Instead, he shows that language is alive, that it is an interesting subject for study, debate and conversation. Semantics shifting meaning of words. Shea's book does not seek to solve any grammatical conundrums; instead he traces the historical origins of the discrepancies and offers fair-minded research in favor of both sides such as ending a sentence with a preposition, or the modern usages of LOL, OMG and : I found this book at times laugh-out-loud funny, which is to me always a welcome diversion in a world where egocentric no talents grow continually richer and egocentric loudmouths amass more political power. Its pedagogic aim is aided by a conversational, at times quite informal style, which never takes away from the primary i I can't tell you how many times this book has made me laugh out loud. Did you know it was once considered hopelessly vulgar to use the word lunch as a noun? See details for additional description. As if I, an English major in college, don't know that according to grammar rules I was taught in elementary school, the proper response to "How are you? The writing itself was nimble and clear. Shea has researched the history of usage for dozens of words and phrases whose use is closely monitored by those who would defend proper English. Cleverly divided into small segments devoted to individual words, the book is engaging and easy to read. He points out the many changes in English over time. Chapter One: Arguing Semantics discusses nine examples of words which have shifted in meaning in ways that have been strongly opposed by dogmatic defenders of the English language. Language is alive and as such it evolves with the times. This book presents a lot of information about grammar, and I really enjoyed that the author was objective in presenting various words, phrases, or rules that some view as correct or incorrect. Its pedagogic aim is aided by a conversational, at times quite informal style, which never takes away from the primary informational concern of the text. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. Shea introduces a solecism with an authoritative quote against it and then an authoritative author violating the supposed rule. While I'm definitely on the descriptivist Between You and I, split infinitive, hopefully and more? He declares the "ir" prefix both "utterly unnecessary" and a "tumor-like growth," but in the end he considers the tumor benign, at least when compared to the far more grave disease of being a language scold. When Women Pray Hardcover T. These quotes can be from different authors, or the same, and often the quote arguing against the semantic shift dates from several years later than the usage quote. What we think is correct was not always so, even very recently. Good stuff. Thanks for telling us about the problem. This is one of those books that someone gave me and it took up residence in my book pile for quite some time. Can't find what you want? I plan to use his new book to split the lip of the next insufferable language prig who saunters into my office to accuse me of bad English. About this product. He demonstrates that it is not necessary to fight over language. To wit, "the be- prefix offers some fine opportunities for people who liked to be irked about language Bad English: A History of Linguistic Aggravation Reviews Oct 18, CM rated it it was ok Shelves: language. I got a kick from the Potato e chapter, on how all Americans now know how to correctly spell potato due to the unfortunate Dan Quayle. Overall an interesting read that puts the evolution of the English language in perspective. By Peter Baker , Susan Glasser. Showing I thoroughly enjoyed this book, primarily for the movie informed rebellious nature of it. Only later did I catch on to Shea's juxtaposition trap. But the idea is that rigidity that some may wish, simply cannot win over popular usage like starting sentences with "but". One sample- "Let's beat him before his whore " is from Shakespeare. What Can I Do? I think both interpretations were intended, since this book has examples from several centuries of From the same guy who read the entire OED and then read the phone book , this book was not what I expected. Whether you consider yourself a stickler, a nitpicker, or a rule-breaker in the know, Bad English is sure to enlighten, enrage, and perhaps even inspire. Borrower Reviews. Loading Author Notes Loading Excerpt Table of Contents. Now, if only some fool person hadn't "corrected" the copy of this I checked out from the library. More Details. Hardcover , pages. Shea does not only look at the words themselves but also at punctuation and grammar. Date Edition Publisher Phys Desc. Chapter Two: Words That Are Not Words opens with a discussion of "artificial" neologisms, created by single people trying to express a particular meaning; these are scofflaw , but also skycap, undefendable , as well as staycation , and more. There is fun section yep, I used "fun" as an adjective about Shakespeare and the many errors in his writing. Shea fails distinguish between standard written English and all other forms. Go ahead. As the author himself states in the introduction, the intentional avoidance of jargon whenever possible makes the book appropriate and enjoyable for readers of any background. Silly, right? If you want to fit in and be accepted by the group, then you need to speak the language of the group. This book presents a lot of information about grammar, and I really enjoyed that the author was objective in presenting various words, phrases, or rules that some view as correct or incorrect. Linguistics Books in English. That said, there could have been more written about ghost words. I also know that language needs to follow some standards in order to effectively and credibly communicate. His previous book, about reading the Oxford English Dictionary, apparently produced some small amount of scathing commentary about perceived deviations in his book from accepted writing style. Preview — Bad English by Ammon Shea. Shea, Ammon. I disagree. By providing a detailed account of the history of preferences for grammar and word usage, Shea provides a heaped big dose of reality l check to the otherwise authoritative approach of grammarians. Instead of criticizing abusers of the English language, he more often criticizes the criticizers. Feb 02, Becky Loader rated it really liked it.

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Bad English: A History of Linguistic Aggravation belongs to the genre of learned exposition, although the language used is only occasionally academic. It's more of a chore than it is usually worth. Limb instead of Leg is the most glaring example of faux-solecism, but we've also accepted Hopefully to start a sentence and a preposition to end one. To wit, "the be- prefix offers some fine opportunities for people who liked to be irked about language Between You and I, split infinitive, hopefully and more? While strict adherence to English rules is not necessary for effective communication, some rules are necessary in every language for its speakers to be able to communicate without confusion. Verbing nouns- many linguists believe verbed nouns are not acceptable. Examples include hopefully, literally, enormity, ag The author discusses many word usage and grammatical errors that we love to pick on. It must not be a synonym. His excellent new book tours our irrational prejudices about language, showing that an appreciation for the quirks and ironies of language history can put our understanding on a firmer basis and restore our sense of humor. Oct 06, Michael rated it really liked it Shelves: nonfiction-read. Staff View. It is funny and it appealed to my nerdy linguist side. Show More Show Less. What Shea lacks in cohesion he makes up for in sass, his dry sarcasm well worth the frequently missing explanations and definitions that would make this book an essential and comprehensible read. Save on Nonfiction Trending price is based on prices over last 90 days. Average rating 3. Gene Splicing. Shea is a very humorous writer. Hip-hop: who said it? I'm seeing myself yelling at this guy while reading -- I only agree with his "common usage trumps inflexible rules" in as much as it's accurate. Hardcover , pages. Be clear, be elegant, don't be an uptight butt! Shea fails distinguish between standard written English and all other forms. Grouped Work ID:. The first word he chose, Hopefully, he quotes, "anyone who uses Hopefully to start sentence is an imbecile". I suppose that, although I have been known to go on about the effect of restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses on the uses of "which," I am more in the descriptive camp with Shea and McWhorter and somewhat sanguine about the chances of English continuing to be a creative and elegant language despite inevitable changes. Nov 30, Lauryn Smith du Toit rated it liked it. Place Hold. Oct 06, Courtney rated it it was amazing Shelves: absolute-favorites , pop-linguistics. This book takes the reader on a journey through English language usage, and specifically which usages are or were considered "bad" English. The introduction ends with a Note On Terminology , followed by a Note On Pronouns , announcing the use of the third-person neuter singular they to refer to any single persons of either sex; this is followed by a brief Note On Notes. I just didn't know the why, or reasons for them being considered as such. So I am predisposed to pan a descriptivist book and Shea's sneaky ways and filler fulled writing doesn't help his cause. This book presents a lot of information about grammar, and I really enjoyed that the author was objective in presenting various words, phrases, or rules that some view as correct or incorrect. There are rules, and languages mix, morph and cross over. Ammon Shea brings to Bad English what most linguists lack in their prescriptivist rants: a humorous rather than indignant look at the ever-changing English language. Principally, the problem lies in assertions that there is only one correct way, or that the right way is the original way, to do things. Now, if only some fool person hadn't "corrected" the copy of this I checked out from the library. Borrower Reviews. Shea makes a substantial case that English is a vibrant language that is constantly adding new words, rediscovering old words, and finding new ways to communicate email, texting, etc. Shea, Ammon. Date Edition Publisher Phys Desc. That said, there could have been more written about ghost words. He points out the many changes in English over time. https://cdn.starwebserver.se/shops/razmusblomqvistao/files/set-theory-boolean-valued-models-and-independence-proofs-749.pdf https://cdn.starwebserver.se/shops/malinivarssonhk/files/ada-twist-scientist-282.pdf https://files8.webydo.com/9583482/UploadedFiles/0ADC64CA-E564-A446-7693-F1B26CA96D2B.pdf https://files8.webydo.com/9582730/UploadedFiles/4363B731-D116-05D8-E73D-6161B3841EA8.pdf https://files8.webydo.com/9583357/UploadedFiles/AEFB9E7C-AFCF-3151-E9DB-9B60CF6734D8.pdf