June 3, 2004

Sometimes you just have to say what is on your mind!

... in "The American HeritageŽ Dictionary of the English Language", which is of course an oxymoron.

Now repeat after me: "The Oxford English Dictionary is the ONLY accepted reference for English!"
Feel free to write it on the blackboard a few times as well, just to make sure it sinks in.

English is English, "through" is not spelled "thru", "night" is not spelled "nite", and there is no such word as "burglarize". The verb is "burgle".

Of course, you chaps in the colonies can do what you like with your language, but don't call it English ! ;)

Posted by Markie at June 3, 2004 3:42 PM to Ramblings


Comments

I happen to like the Queen's English, but the OED have been moving towards American English also. They have hired American Lexicographers for the purpose of integrating American English into the OED.

American English is the dominant form of English in the world or so I read when researching. I guess it really is a moot point since the English language as we know it today is no more pure than American English since it is a hodge podge of different languages that over time became known as English. It really is an interesting topic for those who like to research. Thanks Vic for posting this subject which led me to want to learn more about it.


Posted by: Jenny at June 3, 2004 9:23 PM

Hey - It wasn't me!


Posted by: Vic at June 3, 2004 11:17 PM

Oops! Sorry Vic. Thanks Mark. What I love about research is you look up one topic and you get sidetracked and learn about a lot of other stuff. I learned about the Normandy Invasion. Very interesting indeed.

Hey Mark! Now I know every time you hear me speak you probably thinking to yourself, "why can't she bloody well learn to speak" and cringing as I drawl out each and every sound. rofl


Posted by: Jenny at June 4, 2004 8:12 AM

Have to admit I love the Queen's English and it really grates hearing Americans calling their language 'English'. I'm sure it was once - but hey, it's pure Americanese now chaps!

I do though love the different words that have developed: What we call a pavement, you call a sidewalk. What we call a nappy, you call a diaper. What we call football, you call soccer. What we call a deranged lunatic, you call Mr President


Posted by: Stephen at June 4, 2004 8:42 AM

I was fiercely defensive of British English but am mellowing after a few years in the States. However, the Americans annoy me with their use (or misuse) of the word "licence". The noun in BEng (British English) is spelled with a c, as in "Driving licence" or "fishing licence". This corresponds with the spelling of the noun "advice". In BEng, the verb is "license" with an s, as in "Are you licensed to wear that Speedo, old chap?" or "This is in breach of licensing laws." In the States I have a "Driven's License" and I itch to get my Tippex out and change it.

The Brits often complain that it is the Americans who are responsible for poor grammar but I think they manage to mess this up themselves, quite well enough and there are plenty of erudite American writers, who could wipe the floor with mediocre English ones.

My kids' teachers have been wonderfully patient and forgiving, in a way that British teachers wouldn't if a Left Pond kid was in a Right Pond school. Best of all, my neighbour (without a u) accepts British spellings as an alternative spelling when we play Scrabble - so I am at an immediate advantage.


Posted by: Jane at June 9, 2004 4:01 PM