Language Myths

Language is a part of us all and is tightly woven into human experience. Yet, although research into language has increased at a phenomenal rate over the last fifty years, misconceptions abound. This illuminating and highly readable collection of essays explores some of the myths, for example- standards of children’s speech and writing have declined; women talk too much; the ‘purity’ of the English language is under threat; some languages are more attractive to the ear or are harder to learn than others; and, the media has a detrimental effect on language. Written by a team of leading linguists, Language Myths contains many valuable insights. The contributors are- Jean Aitchison; John Algeo; Lars-Gunnar Andersson; Laurie Bauer; Winifred Bauer; Edward Carney; J.K. Chambers; Jenny Cheshire; John H. Esling; Nicholas Evans; Howard Giles and Nancy Niedzielski; Ray Harlow; Janet Holmes; Anthony Lodge; James Milroy; Lesley Milroy; Michael Montgomery; Dennis R. Preston; Peter Roach; Peter Trudgill and Walt Wolfram.