Our Marvelous Native Tongue
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Traces the history of the English language, starting several hundred thousand years ago with the Indo-Europeans. Robert Claiborne then continues with the Anglo-Saxon invaders of England whose language developed into Old English, which in turn slowly developed into Middle English after the Norman Invasion. He also gives an overview of the various dialects of English and slang.
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“If you want more of the same (history), start with these.”
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Why is Q Always Followed by U?: Word-Perfect Answers to the Most Asked Questions About Language
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Spellbound: The Surprising Origins and Astonishing Secrets of English Spelling
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A Hog on Ice and Other Curious Expressions
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The Etymologicon: A Circular Stroll through the Hidden Connections of the English Language
