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Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue

The Untold History of English

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Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue

Written by: John McWhorter
Narrated by: John McWhorter
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About this listen

 A survey of the quirks and quandaries of the English language, focusing on our strange and wonderful grammar. Why do we say "I am reading a catalog" instead of "I read a catalog"? Why do we say "do" at all? Is the way we speak a reflection of our cultural values? Delving into these provocative topics and more, Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue distills hundreds of years of fascinating lore into one lively history.

Covering such turning points as the little-known Celtic and Welsh influences on English, the impact of the Viking raids and the Norman Conquest, and the Germanic invasions that started it all during the fifth century A.D., John McWhorter narrates this colorful evolution with vigor.

Drawing on revolutionary genetic and linguistic research, as well as a cache of remarkable trivia about the origins of English words and syntax patterns, Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue ultimately demonstrates the arbitrary, maddening nature of English - and its ironic simplicity due to its role as a streamlined lingua franca during the early formation of Britain. This is the book that language aficionados worldwide have been waiting for. (And no, it's not a sin to end a sentence with a preposition.)

©2008 John McWhorter (P)2009 Audible, Inc. Linguistics Social Sciences World Thought-Provoking Witty England Viking

What the critics say

"McWhorter's iconoclastic impulses and refreshing enthusiasm makes this worth a look for anyone with a love for the language." (Publishers Weekly)

"McWhorter’s energetic, brash delivery of his own spirited and iconoclastic text will appeal to everyone who appreciates the range and caliber of today’s audio production. In some ways, audio is superior to printed text in portraying tone, attitude, values, and in this case, a discussion whose theme is the sound and grammar of words." (AudioFile magazine)

What listeners say about Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue

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Profile Image for Sara Hicks

I’ll just buy anything he writes

A few dry places, perhaps, if I wasn’t multitasking, assuming it came with a PDF, that may have been a little more helpful in those spots!
I always enjoy his books.

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Profile Image for PAUL

Worth the listen

Great book on the languages he used to describe the language he speaks, also to understand the history of english.

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Profile Image for T. Shaw

Great listen!

McWhorter is wonderful to listen to as is material. Humour, history and facts all here.
Loved it.

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