Mother Tongue: The English Language
This book is in a Controlled Release!
2 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by rockyhorror1978 from not specified, not specified not specified on Thursday, April 23, 2009
I started to read this book when I was in England and wasn't able to finish the book. I look forward to finishing it one day.
"Who would have thought that a book about English would be so entertaining? Certainly not this grammar-allergic reviewer, but The Mother Tongue pulls it off admirably. Bill Bryson--a zealot--is the right man for the job. Who else could rhapsodize about "the colorless murmur of the schwa" with a straight face? It is his unflagging enthusiasm, seeping from between every sentence, that carries the book.
Bryson displays an encyclopedic knowledge of his topic, and this inevitably encourages a light tone; the more you know about a subject, the more absurd it becomes. No jokes are necessary, the facts do well enough by themselves, and Bryson supplies tens per page. As well as tossing off gems of fractured English (from a Japanese eraser: "This product will self-destruct in Mother Earth."), Bryson frequently takes time to compare the idiosyncratic tongue with other languages. Not only does this give a laugh (one word: Welsh), and always shed considerable light, it also makes the reader feel fortunate to speak English."
"Who would have thought that a book about English would be so entertaining? Certainly not this grammar-allergic reviewer, but The Mother Tongue pulls it off admirably. Bill Bryson--a zealot--is the right man for the job. Who else could rhapsodize about "the colorless murmur of the schwa" with a straight face? It is his unflagging enthusiasm, seeping from between every sentence, that carries the book.
Bryson displays an encyclopedic knowledge of his topic, and this inevitably encourages a light tone; the more you know about a subject, the more absurd it becomes. No jokes are necessary, the facts do well enough by themselves, and Bryson supplies tens per page. As well as tossing off gems of fractured English (from a Japanese eraser: "This product will self-destruct in Mother Earth."), Bryson frequently takes time to compare the idiosyncratic tongue with other languages. Not only does this give a laugh (one word: Welsh), and always shed considerable light, it also makes the reader feel fortunate to speak English."
I really enjoyed this book. I found it interesting to learn more about one of the most used languages. While some parts were a bit dry, overall I found this book a worthy read. It is a great introduction to someone who is interested in linguistics and language, but not too full of jargon to be overwhelming.
I was going to send this book to liguistkris, however, I noted that she has already read it. Her review and insight into the book was interesting, so I thought I would make it available here: http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/610872/
I was going to send this book to liguistkris, however, I noted that she has already read it. Her review and insight into the book was interesting, so I thought I would make it available here: http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/610872/
WELCOME TO BOOKCROSSING! YOU'VE COME TO A FRIENDLY PLACE!
Congratulations on finding this book and hope you enjoy it. I would be thrilled if you take the time to let me know what you thought of it by making a journal entry when you find this book and/or when you have finished reading it. Please feel free to explore bookcrossing and if you decide that you would like to join, tell them rockyhorror1978 sent you! :) It's a free and fun way to liberate your literature!
If you are going to share this book by passing it on or leaving it somewhere in the world to be found as a "wild release," let the world of bookcrossers know where and when by using it's unique BCID number and following the instructions!
Enjoy this book! "Make the whole world a library"
RELEASE NOTES: Being given to a co-worker to read and release! :)
"Anyway -- because we are readers, we don't have to wait for some communications executive to decide what we should think about next -- and how we should think about it. We can fill our heads with anything from aardvarks to zucchinis -- at any time of night or day."
— Kurt Vonnegut
Congratulations on finding this book and hope you enjoy it. I would be thrilled if you take the time to let me know what you thought of it by making a journal entry when you find this book and/or when you have finished reading it. Please feel free to explore bookcrossing and if you decide that you would like to join, tell them rockyhorror1978 sent you! :) It's a free and fun way to liberate your literature!
If you are going to share this book by passing it on or leaving it somewhere in the world to be found as a "wild release," let the world of bookcrossers know where and when by using it's unique BCID number and following the instructions!
Enjoy this book! "Make the whole world a library"
RELEASE NOTES: Being given to a co-worker to read and release! :)
"Anyway -- because we are readers, we don't have to wait for some communications executive to decide what we should think about next -- and how we should think about it. We can fill our heads with anything from aardvarks to zucchinis -- at any time of night or day."
— Kurt Vonnegut
I was actually looking for another book in Second Cup, but I found this one instead. Also great, because I was planning on reading this for a long time. Nice to know something more about the English language. Especially since I am studying it.
Thanks for releasing it rockyhorror1978!
Thanks for releasing it rockyhorror1978!
It took me quite a while to finish to book, because it contains so much fun information. I am glad I have read it. Interesting stuff, learned quite something about the English language.
Now I will give this book to a friend who is a fan of Bill Bryson, but he haven't read this one. Enjoy!
Now I will give this book to a friend who is a fan of Bill Bryson, but he haven't read this one. Enjoy!
Gave it to friend.
