Fixing English

Prescriptivism and Language History

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Linguistics
Cover of the book Fixing English by Anne Curzan, Cambridge University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Anne Curzan ISBN: 9781139949118
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: May 8, 2014
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author: Anne Curzan
ISBN: 9781139949118
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: May 8, 2014
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

Over the past 300 years, attempts have been made to prescribe how we should and should not use the English language. The efforts have been institutionalized in places such as usage guides, dictionaries, and school curricula. Such authorities have aspired to 'fix' the language, sometimes by keeping English exactly where it is, but also by trying to improve the current state of the language. Anne Curzan demonstrates the important role prescriptivism plays in the history of the English language, as a sociolinguistic factor in language change and as a vital meta-discourse about language. Starting with a pioneering new definition of prescriptivism as a linguistic phenomenon, she highlights the significant role played by Microsoft's grammar checker, debates about 'real words', non-sexist language reform, and efforts to reappropriate stigmatized terms. Essential reading for anyone interested in the regulation of language, the book is a fascinating re-examination of how we tell language history.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Over the past 300 years, attempts have been made to prescribe how we should and should not use the English language. The efforts have been institutionalized in places such as usage guides, dictionaries, and school curricula. Such authorities have aspired to 'fix' the language, sometimes by keeping English exactly where it is, but also by trying to improve the current state of the language. Anne Curzan demonstrates the important role prescriptivism plays in the history of the English language, as a sociolinguistic factor in language change and as a vital meta-discourse about language. Starting with a pioneering new definition of prescriptivism as a linguistic phenomenon, she highlights the significant role played by Microsoft's grammar checker, debates about 'real words', non-sexist language reform, and efforts to reappropriate stigmatized terms. Essential reading for anyone interested in the regulation of language, the book is a fascinating re-examination of how we tell language history.

More books from Cambridge University Press

Cover of the book Mafia Organizations by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book The Internet, Warts and All by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book Applied Social Science Methodology by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book Partisan Priorities by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book Fluid Dynamics by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book The ICSID Convention by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book Practical Philosophy by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book International Law as a Belief System by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book Sustainable Public Procurement under EU Law by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the Jesuits by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book Reading the Bible Theologically by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book Organizing Bronze Age Societies by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book Warfare in Independent Africa by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book Aspects of Symmetry by Anne Curzan
Cover of the book Changing Societies, Changing Party Systems by Anne Curzan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy