Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare

Using evidence provided by the world's largest language databank, the Oxford English Corpus, Butterfield uncovers fascinating facts about the English language. Where does our vocabulary come from? How do word meanings change? How is our language really being used? This entertaining book has the up-to-date and authoritative answers to all the key questions about our language. With over 2 billion words contained in the Oxford English Corpus, Butterfield takes a thorough look at the English language and exposes its peculiarities and penchants, its development and difficulties, revealing exactly how it operates. Interpolating his expert knowledge of dictionary-making, Butterfield explains how dictionaries decide which words to include, how they find definitions, and how a Corpus influences the process. Covering all areas of English, from spelling and speech to idioms and idiosyncrasies, including a thoughtful chapter about the future of English, and with entertaining examples and useful charts throughout, this compelling and lively book contains something for everyone.

Title - Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare

Edition -

Author -

ISBN 13 - 9780199239061

Imprint - Oxford University Press

Publisher - Oxford University Press

Date Published - 09/12/2008

Prize -

No. of pages -

Binding Type - Hardback

Dimensions - x x mm

Weight - 307 g

Languages - English