Prodigal Tongue: The Love-Hate Relationship Between British and American English

A funny and informative book about the differences between American and British English, written by an American linguist living in Britain. It challenges common misconceptions and reveals the origins and evolution of English words and phrases.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2019
Publisher: Oneworld Publications

The first and possibly the only book on the relative merits of American and British English that is dominated by facts and analysis rather than nationalistic prejudice. Despite its scholarly depth, this book is also a hilarious and entertaining read.

The Economist, Books of the Year

Only an American would call autumn "fall" or refer to a perfectly good pavement as a "sidewalk." Not so, says Lynne Murphy. The English invented "sidewalk" in the seventeenth century, and in 1693, John Dryden wrote the line, "Or how last fall he raised the weekly bills." Perhaps we don't know our own language quite as well as we thought.

Murphy, an American linguist in Britain, dissects the myths surrounding British and American English in a laugh-out-loud exploration of how language works and where it's going.

She reveals that the English language has a rich and complex history, with influences from various languages and cultures. For example, the word "hockey" comes from the Middle French word "hoquet," which was used in the seventeenth century to describe a stick-and-ball game played on ice.

Murphy also challenges some common assumptions about American English, such as the idea that it is more informal and less precise than British English. She argues that American English has its own unique grammar and vocabulary, and that it is just as capable of precision and clarity as British English.

In addition to its linguistic insights, the book also offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural differences between Britain and America. Murphy explores how language is used to express social and political attitudes, and how it can shape our perceptions of the world.

For example, she discusses how the word "hockey" has different meanings in Britain and America. In Britain, it is primarily associated with the sport of ice hockey, while in America, it is more commonly used to refer to field hockey or roller hockey. This difference in usage reflects the different cultural attitudes towards these sports in each country.

Overall, "The English Language: A Biography" is a must-read for anyone interested in the English language, its history, and its cultural significance. It is a witty and informative book that will appeal to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 128 x 196 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786074973