Reviews
The Prodigal Tongue: The Love-Hate Relationship Between American and British English by Lynne Murphy
crickedcactus's review against another edition
4.0
i thoroughly enjoyed this book, underlined practically every page and will love to read it again at some point in the future. I learnt a lot about what brings American and British English together - and apart- and I learnt a lot of fallacies that exist concerning the language. It made me laugh a lot and it made me wonder! It is also written in a very nonchalant style, so even if you aren't a linguist, it will not feel like a dry read at all. It even comes with quizzes at the end!
floraltiger's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
decafplease's review against another edition
4.0
As an American expat teaching linguistics in the UK, the author has a decidedly centrist approach to philological differences between the two nationalects (as she calls them). Yes, they will continue to cross-pollinate. Yes, no one can stop it.
BUT I DONT CARE.
I will strive to maintain my dignity as I insist on the use of fortnight! And maths! And avoid using unnecessary prepositions and quite as an intensifier! And…and…noun-ed verbs and verb-ed nouns! And…and…write with feather quills!
Lol I kid. But really it’s worth the read if you’ve ever experienced communication breakdown of any kind.
BUT I DONT CARE.
I will strive to maintain my dignity as I insist on the use of fortnight! And maths! And avoid using unnecessary prepositions and quite as an intensifier! And…and…noun-ed verbs and verb-ed nouns! And…and…write with feather quills!
Lol I kid. But really it’s worth the read if you’ve ever experienced communication breakdown of any kind.
apatrick's review against another edition
4.0
Anglophiles and language lovers alike will probably enjoy this. It's well-researched, and the author demonstrates her expertise frequently. She's not a dilettante -- linguistics is her full-time gig (that was my undergrad focus, so yay!). This is a thorough examination of the differences between the two nationlects, as she calls them. Not just vocabulary and spelling but even grammar and how we relate to our dictionaries. I learned so many things.
lisa_mc's review against another edition
4.0
What a fascinating romp through the history and structure of English, as it is spoken here in the U.S. and "across the pond." Linguist Lynne Murphy really knows her stuff, and presents it in an interesting, engaging and appropriately funny writing style. Along the way she busts more than a few myths about vocabulary, usage and grammar. This is a great read for anyone who wants to know more about the richness of the English language.
tilted_back's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting, but the book could have benefited from a better overall structure. Seemed a bit unfocused, so that was kind of annoying. Otherwise, a fun read.
dracovulpini's review against another edition
This book was painfully long for a topic that just goes in circles. “Is it really British? No, it’s American! But do Americans use this word? No, the British do!” Ad infinitum.
tonseus's review against another edition
4.0
Most of the book felt like the American author was yelling at British people, which I’m sure we all love to see (I did, immensely).
I know she ended the book saying that there would be no need for “British” English or “American” English and the coming generations would probably learn an “International” English, but I say we make Indians the authority of the language if for no other reason than my own personal amusement. :)
Fun read.
I know she ended the book saying that there would be no need for “British” English or “American” English and the coming generations would probably learn an “International” English, but I say we make Indians the authority of the language if for no other reason than my own personal amusement. :)
Fun read.