Highly Irregular
Why Tough, Through, and Dough Don't Rhyme—And Other Oddities of the English Language
Arika Okrent author Sean O'Neill illustrator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc
Published:11th Nov '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This book explores the peculiarities of English, answering questions about its oddities and providing historical context. Highly Irregular is a fascinating read for language enthusiasts.
Whether you've been speaking English your entire life or learned it later, you may have noticed the peculiarities of the language. Highly Irregular delves into the oddities that can perplex even the most seasoned speakers. From perplexing spelling rules to the curious expressions we use, this book invites readers to explore the many quirks of English that often defy logic. Questions arise, such as why we have multiple ways to pronounce '-gh' or why we say 'How dare you' but not 'How try you.' These moments of confusion are common, and Highly Irregular seeks to unravel them.
Arika Okrent, the author, provides insights into the historical influences that have shaped the English language. Through engaging storytelling, she reveals how factors like invading armies and the decisions of printers have contributed to the idiosyncrasies we encounter today. The book serves as both an entertaining exploration of linguistic oddities and a comprehensive history of English, making it a valuable resource for anyone curious about language.
In addition to addressing the questions that often leave us scratching our heads, Highly Irregular invites readers to appreciate the rich tapestry of English. It encourages a deeper understanding of the language's evolution and the myriad factors that have led to its current form. This book is essential for anyone who has ever wondered about the delightful mess that is the English language.
In more than 40 brief, readable chapters, Okrent brings both erudition and wit to the history of English and the mechanisms of language change and all the quirky consequences ... Every language should have a book like this one. * E. L. Battistella, CHOICE *
Okrent's book provides an all-encompassing and detailed overview of how earlier stages of the English language and language change can explain many present-day English irregularities ... Okrent brings order to the world of irregularities in the English language. * Anke Lensch, Linguist List *
...she explains well why the language remains such a minefield for even educated native speakers, never mind those picking it up as a second or third tongue. * Mark Broatch, NZ Listener *
I love everything about this book. Arika Okrent is insightful, funny, and answers questions you didn't even know you had! * Mignon Fogarty, author of Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing *
Arika Okrent is the best at taking oft-repeated stories about English and pushing them a step deeper. If you buy one 'fun facts about English' book, make it this one. Lively explanations from Okrent plus charming drawings by O'Neill make for a highly engaging book perfect for answering your (or your kid's) questions about the oddities of the English language. * Gretchen McCulloch, author of Because Internet and host of Lingthusiasm *
Don't let the joy of reading these stories fool you. Arika Okrent brings real intellectual heft to researching them. As you find yourself eagerly passing them on, you'll realize how much serious stuff about language you've learned too. * Lane Greene, author of Talk on the Wild Side and You Are What You Speak *
Arika Okrent has done the magic trick of compiling the kinds of questions the general public actually asks about language, instead of the kinds of questions we linguists would LIKE the public to ask. Everybody—including many linguists!—will feast on every page. * John McWhorter, Professor of Linguistics at Columbia University, host of the language podcast Lexicon Valley, and Contributing Editor at The Atlantic *
[A] learned and captivating study of how the weirdness of our language unfolded....[Okrent] wields sharp and powerful tools that satisfyingly scratch our linguaphilic itch. * Michael M. Rosen, National Review *
ISBN: 9780197539408
Dimensions: 152mm x 216mm x 23mm
Weight: 431g
272 pages