Reviews for Blooming English: Observations on the Roots, Cultivation and Hybrids of the English Language

The average rating for Blooming English: Observations on the Roots, Cultivation and Hybrids of the English Language based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2016-04-13 00:00:00 Sheila R Desranleau Using the metaphoric backdrop of gardening, Kate Burridge strings together a linguistic mélange of changing language preferences and their effect. This includes the pronunciation of words and often their meaning as well. Using excerpts from a compilation of "talk back,"" respondents (radio show callers), who Burridge characterizes as "language gardeners," who are always on the lookout for weeds (misuse of grammar, punctuation, and the like), indicating the strong inclination to maintain order in an ever-changing system of language. Individuals, various organizations, educators, as well as linguists all have a vested interest in the variations which occur to language. Nevertheless, changes are always occurring, as Burridge effectively demonstrates throughout the text. The complexity of human language has no equal with any other species on earth. While primates, and more intelligent species communicate in various fashions, these animals lack the depth, complexity, and context with which humans can communicate. The subtle meanings communicated in human languages and the seemingly exhaustive ways with which words can change, makes human language incredibly unique. Burridge demonstrates that the addition and subtraction of suffixes and prefixes as clearly being used to change language as societies change. Moreover, she points to the changing pronunciation of words as a critical element of change. Sometimes these pronunciations ae constructed to intentionally confuse anyone wishing to eavesdrop on a conversation. As an example the development of "pig Latin(s)," which Burridge contends is omnipresent among numerous languages and cultures. Language is in many ways an eye into the past as well as the present. Burridge presents a compelling example in her analysis of "blending" words. Words commonly accepted today, such as alcoholic and "flush (flash + gush)," are two obvious examples of blended words. In more recent times, the term "Watergate," "referring to the famous cover-up of the Nixon administration and "Reganomics", used to describe the economic policies of Ronald Regan's presidency, presents a widely known variation this phenomena (53). Additionally, the use of acronyms is another example of how words resonate from a specific time and place. From the World War II era, F.U.B.A.R is an excellent example. While initially used during that period, it was used again in the Korean as well as the Vietnam War eras, while today having broader meaning. While many words can be made from thin air, old words can be remade into something new. This is particularly seen in the changing meanings of words. The word "whore," once was used to describe a "lover of either sex," later came to refer to "sexually promiscuous women only" (60). Politicians are another example of a word which has, due to a changing definition, has become more synonymous to corruption and deceit, than its original wrote word stemming from the Greek "polis" (61). This process of "pejoration" of words involves many different aspects of society, and reflects the dynamic societal norms associate with particular words. Burridge points to the development of a "linguistic cloud," around the terms "academic" and "intellectual," perhaps more venerated in a bygone era, now conveying with more suspicious connotations (65). Burridge maintains that metaphors make up a considerable part of language. Some words have dualistic meanings communicating two or more concepts. These words and phrases, developed for the purpose of describing a particular thing, becoming broader in scope and depth. As these words continue to be used through time, their meanings, while related to their original context, are expanded to encompass broader meanings. A great example pointed out by Burridge, is the word hot. While commonly referred to regarding temperature, this word can convey spiciness, as well as the slang form of the word, referring to the appearance of an object of attraction denoting an individual's sexual appeal. Burridge also points to the presence of metaphor words or phrases in sports. Phrases such as "throw down the gauntlet," once having a very specific meaning deriving from the middle ages, now is more associated with a challenge of some sort (69). Similarly, word compounds are an example of how societies, "reinterpret…old words…to make more sense of them" (82). Words such as kinfolk and bashful are excellent examples of these occurrences. Burridge points out the inclusiveness of the English language throughout its development. Presenting a surprising statistic that seventy-five per cent of the English language has a non-English origin, thus illuminating the language's complexity (85). French, Scandinavian, Germanic, Latin, and Greek all have a large footprint in the English Language. This illustrates how the combining of cultures usually results in a middling of language between cultures and not the complete suppression of one language over another. From there, Burridge moves on to the use and resiliency of "bad language." This category is represented using "sloppy pronunciation, poor grammar, slang, meaningless little fillers like you know'and of course swearing" (92). Beginning with redundant terms such as, safe haven, Burridge points out are accepted because the usage is now so wrapped up in the language, it would likely be impossible to remove. Filler words are often used in place of a silent pause such as umm and err. Furthermore, terms such as "you know, I mean, I think," representing the "discourse particles" people continue to uses, however grammatically wrong they may be. Their resiliency is undeniable (98). Even so, while these terms are often reluctantly accepted in speaking, they have not been accepted in written language. Burridge points to the need to distinguish written speech from the spoken word, by grammarians. Additionally, she addresses the frequency with which words are often modified when speaking, adding or subtracting vowels and consonants, changing the sound of a word. Often, this has to do with the ease with which a commonly used word can be pronounced. Colloquial language is a broad category with reflects the regional origin, class, and education of its speakers and writers. Colloquial language often has a negative connotation in professional writing, however, the prevalence of this type of communication is necessary to communicate the uniqueness of a particularly culture. Slang is a powerful example of how colloquial language is used to distinguish a variety of groups. Burridge points out, slang has an "irritation and solidarity function: (114). The users of a particular type of slang identify as a particular group, recognizing some as kin, while others are outsiders. Additionally, shortened words have a long-established presence stemming from colloquial language. Common words such as "fridge, flu, phone, ad, maths, gym…and bio" all demonstrate the ever-present nature of these occurrences in language. Burridge contends that the shortening of words is a natural process for language usage and development. Interestingly, words or phrases often change their meanings due to a similarity with other words. A terrific example is the often misused, ripe and rife; two words with very different meanings are, nevertheless, used interchangeably in speech (149). Kate Burridge concludes with the need for acceptance of a language that has and likely always will be changing. The urge for people to bring out their "best language on special occasions," demonstrates the desire for individuals to adhere to an ideal language, which likely doesn't exist. Furthermore, she contends that language is not an exact science and must be pliable to remain relevant. It is the human element, what Burridge refers to as the "wild card," which, "will eventually undermine even the most perfectly constructed language" (160). Her book addresses the pointlessness of those who believe that words can be maintained forever. Nevertheless, she believes that words should not be allowed to disappear, and though they may have fallen out of usage, they must be available when needed. Societies change, and so does their language. For Burridge, this change does not occur in any one place or specific time. The changes with which occur in language is eternal.

Review # 2 was written on 2014-01-11 00:00:00 Gregory Shrader if you like words and language and the history of how it developed...and I do. however it is pretty dry reading. not a relaxing read