Our Language

by Simeon Potter

A clear and up-to-date picture of the English language as it is spoken and written in all its amazing variety

Genres: Language, Nonfiction, History, Linguistics

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Nick Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

More historical than linguistic in places, this was different to what I expected (and different from the more cognitive aspects of the other Simeon Potter book I have read) but nevertheless interesting and quirky for all that I struggled to find the best way to consume it. Particularly intriguing were some of the non standard aspects of English, from what these derive, and also I enjoyed sitting in bed trying to get my mouth round some of the phonetics and how vowel shifts etc. have changed the way 'old' English words are said.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

More historical than linguistic but for the length, I think this is a good introduction for a non-linguist looking to understand the foundations of the English language

[Mdaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining and erudite book about the development of the English language starting in first millennium with Old English and working up to present day, the 1960s, when this book was last revised.
Interestingly in the last chapter, Tendencies and Trends, the author decries the reductionism and linguistic crudity of journalistic headlines and adverts where information has to be conveyed as briefly as possible. So much so that short words are favoured over the right words. He gives numerous examples of this; transaction, bargain or negotiation becomes 'deal'; impediment, hindrance or obstacle becomes 'snag'.
He has interesting information about the etymology and meaning of words and why there are so many irregular pronunciations in English.
I found the discussion on the specialization and extension of meaning of words and how the various meanings radiate out from a central meaning very interesting.
I'd be curious to know what the author made of social media platforms and their effect on English.

[Rudi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been meaning to learn more about English linguistics and grammar, and when I stumbled over this book, I thought it'd do for a neat introduction. I guess in that sense, I was a bit disapointed. It doesn't delve that far into the grammar, but rather touches upon several aspects of the (British) English language. But in the end, that probably made the book way more readable. It's obvious that Potter is aiming at a wide audience with this book, but that doesn't stop him from enjoying himself. In almost every chapter he has a section where he throws out a long list of examples of whatever he's talking about. These lists does break up the flow of reading, but it does brings his examples home.

The book is a bit dated, but most of what he writes probably still holds true. He makes some predictions that are a bit off the mark, but more often than not, his predictions are dead on.

[Rory Deary]

While somewhat out of date, this gives an enjoying and insightful overview of the English language, with everything from history to understanding pronunciation. Potter's love for long lists can however get slightly tedious, though it does mean the book is very thorough.
The age of the book also can work in it's favour, as it offers insight as to what language was like at the time of writing. (1950, revised 1978)

It is generally aimed at British-English speakers, though those who speaks other forms of English will probably have a lot to gain from it as well.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a book of entertainment. Nor is it a book about structure or grammar. However, it is a text book that describes how our language developed over a relatively short period of time to become the lingua franca that it is today with the most abundant number of words of any language in the world. Although it was written in the first half of the 20th century, it is still relevant today although it has moved on and developed substantially.

Having been brought up as a British service kid from the 1950's with two mother tongues, my education was sadly lacking so this was a huge jolt in one of them for me. The other language has a relatively small vocabulary! There were words in Prof. Potter's book that I could hardly pronounce let alone know their meaning.

[Ruthie]

Not adding a rating because can't recall anything about it. Must have got this when I was doing my BA Hons in Drama and English. I'm having a clear out and this one's going to the charity shop. Although, as it was first published in 1950 it's probably an interesting historical record of our attitude to the English language at the time and the changes that have happened.

[Óscar Méndez · Rating 3 out of 5]

En realidad me ha costado cuatro meses. Pero joder, no he tenido tiempo ni para leer libros de clase, de los cuáles me examino en un par de semanas. Fingamos que o he leido en una semana y así me cuenta para mi reto de lectura. No quiero fracasar en esto. Otra vez

[Aerol · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of what makes English English. A bit dry at times but a good start for any amateur philologist.

[Mar Escribano · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an excellent book if you are into languages

[Freya Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting!!!