Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue

The Untold History of English

By: John McWhorter

Narrated by: John McWhorter

Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

A survey of the quirks and quandaries of the English language, focusing on our strange and wonderful grammar. Why do we say "I am reading a catalog" instead of "I read a catalog"? Why do we say "do" at all? Is the way we speak a reflection of our cultural values? Delving into these provocative topics and more, Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue distills hundreds of years of fascinating lore into one lively history.

Covering such turning points as the little-known Celtic and Welsh influences on English, the impact of the Viking raids and the Norman Conquest, and the Germanic invasions that started it all during the fifth century A.D., John McWhorter narrates this colorful evolution with vigor.

Drawing on revolutionary genetic and linguistic research, as well as a cache of remarkable trivia about the origins of English words and syntax patterns, Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue ultimately demonstrates the arbitrary, maddening nature of English - and its ironic simplicity due to its role as a streamlined lingua franca during the early formation of Britain. This is the book that language aficionados worldwide have been waiting for. (And no, it's not a sin to end a sentence with a preposition.)

©2008 John McWhorter (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"McWhorter's iconoclastic impulses and refreshing enthusiasm makes this worth a look for anyone with a love for the language." (Publishers Weekly)

"McWhorter’s energetic, brash delivery of his own spirited and iconoclastic text will appeal to everyone who appreciates the range and caliber of today’s audio production. In some ways, audio is superior to printed text in portraying tone, attitude, values, and in this case, a discussion whose theme is the sound and grammar of words." (AudioFile magazine)

Second reading--even more intriguing!

First I have to admit that John McWhorter could not be boring if he tried! IReading his books is a delightful experience because they contain a mixture of erudition and whimsy not often found in books about the history and development of language.

A fun & interesting take on the history of English

I can only speak as a layman, since I have little knowledge on the history of English prior to this book & even less on grammar in general. But the author presents the history through the lens of its grammar more than just the words it picked up along the way.

I won't lie though, when he got into the real nitty gritty of grammatical formatting, my head just kinda deflated & I zoned out a bit since I have little to no understanding of it. However, that only happened a few times & the information here is fascinating. No idea if any of it is accurate, but he certainly presents some convincing arguments for his cases. If you're like me & have a general interest in history, then I'd pick this up.

Did you hear what he is claiming?

I literally did and am richer for it! Mr. McWhorter answered
I’ve had regarding English oddities of vocabulary and grammar for most of my adult life. THANK YOU SIR!
And thank you Welsh & Cornish ancestors for making Old English easier to speak and unlike any other Germanic language.
I’ll listen to this again with the book open so I can learn more of the wealth of information presented.

Great but a little hard to follow orally

This book is a compelling telling of McWhorter’s view as to how we really got our English language which is at odds with the “traditional” arguments. While we will never know the actual truth, McWhorter makes a very good argument for his position. I am not a linguist so I cannot tell which position is more likely but am glad to get this view — and McWhorter also gives the “devil” his due as well in presenting the arguments against them.

The only issue is much of the arguments are based on sound patterns which are not clear to my ear in the spoken form of this book but probably are clearer in the written form.

A Book to Make People Interested In Linguistics

The author once again makes an excellent exposition of unorthodox (may I say linguistically heathen) theories that encourages Geographically and Culturally Universal scientific methodology in linguistics. The previous, erudidic sentence seems almost out-of-place, as the book is so accessible and interesting, even fascinating. A must-read/must-listen.

do you have a favorite linguist?

I never thought I would be able to answer who my favorite linguist is but now I have a ready answer. His voice is great, his interspersed humor is chort worthy and he is informative in an interesting way.

Superb

Thoroughly enjoyable history of language! McWhorter is an excellent story teller and teacher. You will likely learn many things about our tongue’s history that you did not know.

Informed, humorous, enjoyable

I wish this author had been my professor as this writing is linguistic anthropology at its finest.

A Somewhat Germanic Tongue

What did you love best about Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue?

I learner new things about English and language in general.

Would you recommend Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, if they are patient.

What three words best describe John McWhorter’s voice?

academic pedantic. Drone

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

The author got into a repetitive rut early on long after he made his main point.

interesting

I would have gotten more out of it if I knew other languages. I enjoyed the historical aspect of it however.