The Prodigal Tongue by Mark Abley

Skip to product information
1 of 1

The Prodigal Tongue by Mark Abley

Regular price €9.99
Condition - very good
3 in stock
Regular price €9.99
Condition - very good
3 in stock
Summary

English has unarguably become the world's dominant language. And languages die out every decade. But what is the future of today's languages? This book explores the wild, wacky, and sometimes baffling road the English language is taking in its evolution and reveals the vernaculars of the world.

The feel-good place to buy books
  • Free delivery in Ireland
  • Supporting authors with AuthorSHARE
  • 100% recyclable packaging
  • Proud to be a B Corp – A Business for good
  • Buy-back with Ziffit

The Prodigal Tongue by Mark Abley

English has unarguably become the world's dominant language. And languages die out every decade. But what is the future of today's languages? "The Prodigal Tongue" explores the wild, wacky, and sometimes baffling road the English language is taking in its astonishing evolution and reveals the extraordinary vernaculars of the world. For example, did you know that the newly-minted term in Japanese for visiting Tokyo's Disneyland translates as 'flogging the mouse?' Were you aware that words now move across languages not over decades but at a cut-and-paste speed?Beginning with the eye-popping prediction that by 2015, half of the world's population will be busy learning English or speaking it, Mark Abley turns his eagle eye on how English is roaming wild around the world, sucking in words, vacuum-cleaner style, from wherever it can get them. Whether you're speaking it as a first language in London, or a third in Singapore, you are by necessity affected by English's breakbeat rate of change. From hip-hop lyrics to text messages and blogs, from the effects of global and Asian English to Spanglish, the author investigates what the future is likely to hold for the ways in which we communicate. The result is an irresistible journey around the linguistic globe, stimulating, provocative and intelligent, and constantly open to the vitality and playful invention that make languages what they are. Evocative and thoughtful, yet always lively, this is a book for anyone who cherishes the words we use.
Mark Abley, winner of Canada's National Newspaper Award, has written for the TLS and the Guardian among other publications. He is the author of one other book on language - the acclaimed Spoken Here, as well as three books of poetry.
SKU GOR001758468
ISBN 13 9780434013906
ISBN 10 0434013900
Title The Prodigal Tongue
Author Mark Abley
Condition very good
Binding type Hardback
Publisher Cornerstone
Year published 2008-06-05
Number of pages 272
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us