Why Is This a Question?: Everything About the Origins and Oddities of Language You Never Thought to Ask

The book "Why Is This a Question?" explores linguistic questions you've never thought to ask, such as why eleven and twelve end in -teen, why our language operates the way it does, and why some letters look the way they do. It is a fascinating and enlightening exploration of the origins of our alphabet and writing system, grammatical rules and conventions, sound structure of language, and how our brains and bodies interpret and communicate language.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Elliott & Thompson Limited

Enlightening, delightful, and thought-provoking, John Banville's The Library delves into the origins and peculiarities of language, offering a captivating exploration of linguistic questions that may never have crossed your mind.

The book begins by examining the reasons why the numbers eleven and twelve end in -teen, while the rest of our counting system follows a neat arithmetical pattern of ten. This discrepancy raises intriguing questions about the evolution and structure of language.

Banville then delves deeper into the workings of language, exploring the origins of our alphabet and writing system, grammatical rules and conventions, the sound structure of language, and even how our brains and bodies interpret and communicate language. Through his insightful analysis, Banville sheds light on the complexities and quirks of our language, challenging our assumptions and revealing the rich tapestry of linguistic phenomena.

What sets this book apart is its ability to make linguistic concepts accessible and engaging to a wide audience. While books explaining the origins of our most intriguing words and phrases have long been popular, they often overlook the true nuts and bolts of language. Banville fills this gap by providing a comprehensive and accessible account of the origins of our alphabet and writing system, grammatical rules and conventions, the sound structure of language, and even how our brains and bodies interpret and communicate language itself.

Every page of The Library is a testament to Banville's expertise and storytelling abilities. The book is filled with fascinating anecdotes, surprising revelations, and thought-provoking questions that will make you stop, think, and wonder. Whether you are a language enthusiast, a curious reader, or simply someone who enjoys exploring the mysteries of the world, this book is a must-read.

In conclusion, John Banville's The Library is an enlightening, delightful, and thought-provoking exploration of linguistic questions that will captivate readers of all ages and backgrounds. With its comprehensive and accessible approach, the book offers a fresh perspective on language and its evolution, challenging our assumptions and revealing the rich tapestry of linguistic phenomena. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the world of language and discover the secrets of our most intriguing words and phrases.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 145 x 224 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783966646