The Stories of English

My current reading includes The Stories of English.  It is written by David Crystal a well known linguist who has written volumes on the English Language.

Most books on English recount the progression of what we typically learn in school, typically called Standard English. This books tells the story of the non-standard and fringe developments that helped make English what it is today.

It starts way back with English’s Germanic roots and progresses up to modern day.  I never realized how much influence the Scandinavians had on English and how few words in English actually have Celtic roots.  I’m currently only 100 pages into the book with another ~400 to go, but it is definitely holding my attention.

End of May

This has been my second May in Iowa and it is my favorite month. The cold lets go, the rain is plentiful and and the world is green again. Until next year May.