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 Lost for Words - John Humphrys
Newest Review: ... ourselves by asserting traditional prescription over the healthy mutation whereby language evolves to cope with the needs of ... more  ... an evolving world. Language drifts, as it always has, but that does not necessarily mean that it degenerates.
The test is clarity, but clarity is in the eyes of the reader or the ears of the listener. The use of jargon, for example, does not always serve to obfuscate. Some specialised meanings require specialised language for their expression, and if the uninitiated don't understand the language it may be because they don't understand the meanings. Like informal slang, jargon can convey clear meaning so long as b...more |
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Lost for Words - John Humphrys: Watch your Language (1863 words)
by duncantorr - written on 18/04/07 (Very useful, 403 readings)
Rating:
John Humphrys is one of a number of writers and media luminaries who have lately turned their attention to modern trends in the use of the English language. Like most of his confrères, he finds much to deplore. Humphrys' book 'Lost for Words' is aptly subtitled 'The Mangling and Manipulating of the English language'. In 'mangling' and 'manipulating' it encompasses two distinct themes. The first is how clumsy or convoluted usage can rob words of their meaning and impede clear thought. The second is how cynically contrived usage can mislead people and manipulate their thinking. On the first of these themes he is interesting and often amusing, but he ...
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