Mother Tongue: English

THE MOTHER TONGUE

English and How It Got That Way

BILL BRYSON

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Are you a linguist, or do you care to know where the words in the UK and American English came from? Then, this book gives you the history you are looking for.

Swearing, Spelling, and Names are three chapters that piqued my interest. Mr. Bryson delves into all areas of the language - some boring and others interesting.

There are boring parts, such as when he over-explains an item after making a point. His understanding of word origins and how he explains them is fascinating.

Reading THE MOTHER TONGUE will take time. Unlike the dictionaries he describes, Bill Bryson packs a lot into a 274-page book. It could have been a shorter narrative with an index.

THE MOTHER TONGUE is a good non-fiction book to read—however, not Mr. Bryson's best.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3UlHNiC