Watching the English

Watching the English

Author: Kate Fox

Publisher: Nicholas Brealey

Published: 2014-07-08

Total Pages: 455

ISBN-13: 1857889177

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Updated, with new research and over 100 revisions Ten years later, they're still talking about the weather! Kate Fox, the social anthropologist who put the quirks and hidden conditions of the English under a microscope, is back with more biting insights about the nature of Englishness. This updated and revised edition of Watching the English - which over the last decade has become the unofficial guidebook to the English national character - features new and fresh insights on the unwritten rules and foibles of "squaddies," bikers, horse-riders, and more. Fox revisits a strange and fascinating culture, governed by complex sets of unspoken rules and bizarre codes of behavior. She demystifies the peculiar cultural rules that baffle us: the rules of weather-speak. The ironic-gnome rule. The reflex apology rule. The paranoid pantomime rule. Class anxiety tests. The roots of English self-mockery and many more. An international bestseller, Watching the English is a biting, affectionate, insightful and often hilarious look at the English and their society.


Book Synopsis Watching the English by : Kate Fox

Download or read book Watching the English written by Kate Fox and published by Nicholas Brealey. This book was released on 2014-07-08 with total page 455 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Updated, with new research and over 100 revisions Ten years later, they're still talking about the weather! Kate Fox, the social anthropologist who put the quirks and hidden conditions of the English under a microscope, is back with more biting insights about the nature of Englishness. This updated and revised edition of Watching the English - which over the last decade has become the unofficial guidebook to the English national character - features new and fresh insights on the unwritten rules and foibles of "squaddies," bikers, horse-riders, and more. Fox revisits a strange and fascinating culture, governed by complex sets of unspoken rules and bizarre codes of behavior. She demystifies the peculiar cultural rules that baffle us: the rules of weather-speak. The ironic-gnome rule. The reflex apology rule. The paranoid pantomime rule. Class anxiety tests. The roots of English self-mockery and many more. An international bestseller, Watching the English is a biting, affectionate, insightful and often hilarious look at the English and their society.


The Full English Opening

The Full English Opening

Author: Carsten Hansen

Publisher: New In Chess

Published: 2018-07-20

Total Pages: 464

ISBN-13: 9056917552

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The first one-volume book that covers all variations The English Opening (1.c4) is a popular choice at both club and master level, because it is a chess opening that suits all styles. Elite players as diverse as Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana and Vishy Anand include it in their repertoire. As White you can play aggressively or opt for a more strategic approach, depending on what kind of middlegame positions you are looking for. For a club player who wants to reap the benefits of this multipurpose opening, understanding is much more important than deep theoretical knowledge. The Full English Opening teaches the fundamentals and is the first one-volume book that covers all major variations. Carsten Hansen dedicates special attention to the transition into the early middlegame. You will learn how to identify specific plans, determine your strategic goals and find positional and tactical targets. Supported by examples and exercises, you will be able to enjoy the greatest asset of the English Opening: its versatility. It will serve you well in any mood, against any type of opponent, in any tournament situation.


Book Synopsis The Full English Opening by : Carsten Hansen

Download or read book The Full English Opening written by Carsten Hansen and published by New In Chess. This book was released on 2018-07-20 with total page 464 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first one-volume book that covers all variations The English Opening (1.c4) is a popular choice at both club and master level, because it is a chess opening that suits all styles. Elite players as diverse as Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana and Vishy Anand include it in their repertoire. As White you can play aggressively or opt for a more strategic approach, depending on what kind of middlegame positions you are looking for. For a club player who wants to reap the benefits of this multipurpose opening, understanding is much more important than deep theoretical knowledge. The Full English Opening teaches the fundamentals and is the first one-volume book that covers all major variations. Carsten Hansen dedicates special attention to the transition into the early middlegame. You will learn how to identify specific plans, determine your strategic goals and find positional and tactical targets. Supported by examples and exercises, you will be able to enjoy the greatest asset of the English Opening: its versatility. It will serve you well in any mood, against any type of opponent, in any tournament situation.


Foreign Words

Foreign Words

Author: Vassilis Alexakis

Publisher:

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 9780975444412

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Crossing countries and continents, this narrative follows a son lost for words over the death of his father. Unable to write the phrase "My father is dead" in either his native Greek or his adopted French, he heads for Africa to undertake the learning of Sango. Traveling across both borders and time, he examines his past, his family history, and the colonial and political ties of his homelands. While at first he does not know why learning a new and uncommon language has become vital to him, he comes to discover that the new language enables him to easily write of his father's passing. But as he truly experiences Sango--meets its speakers, travels where it emerged and has struggled to survive--his intimacy with it grows, and he is once again unable to utter the telling phrase. Meditating on language, loss, and the power of words to express or constrain human emotion, this tale of speaking, living, and letting go is filled with delicate suspense, humor, and honesty.


Book Synopsis Foreign Words by : Vassilis Alexakis

Download or read book Foreign Words written by Vassilis Alexakis and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Crossing countries and continents, this narrative follows a son lost for words over the death of his father. Unable to write the phrase "My father is dead" in either his native Greek or his adopted French, he heads for Africa to undertake the learning of Sango. Traveling across both borders and time, he examines his past, his family history, and the colonial and political ties of his homelands. While at first he does not know why learning a new and uncommon language has become vital to him, he comes to discover that the new language enables him to easily write of his father's passing. But as he truly experiences Sango--meets its speakers, travels where it emerged and has struggled to survive--his intimacy with it grows, and he is once again unable to utter the telling phrase. Meditating on language, loss, and the power of words to express or constrain human emotion, this tale of speaking, living, and letting go is filled with delicate suspense, humor, and honesty.


The Fall of Language in the Age of English

The Fall of Language in the Age of English

Author: Minae Mizumura

Publisher: Columbia University Press

Published: 2015-01-06

Total Pages: 237

ISBN-13: 0231538545

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Winner of the Kobayashi Hideo Award, The Fall of Language in the Age of English lays bare the struggle to retain the brilliance of one's own language in this period of English-language dominance. Born in Tokyo but raised and educated in the United States, Minae Mizumura acknowledges the value of a universal language in the pursuit of knowledge yet also embraces the different ways of understanding offered by multiple tongues. She warns against losing this precious diversity. Universal languages have always played a pivotal role in advancing human societies, Mizumura shows, but in the globalized world of the Internet, English is fast becoming the sole common language of humanity. The process is unstoppable, and striving for total language equality is delusional—and yet, particular kinds of knowledge can be gained only through writings in specific languages. Mizumura calls these writings "texts" and their ultimate form "literature." Only through literature and, more fundamentally, through the diverse languages that give birth to a variety of literatures, can we nurture and enrich humanity. Incorporating her own experiences as a writer and a lover of language and embedding a parallel history of Japanese, Mizumura offers an intimate look at the phenomena of individual and national expression.


Book Synopsis The Fall of Language in the Age of English by : Minae Mizumura

Download or read book The Fall of Language in the Age of English written by Minae Mizumura and published by Columbia University Press. This book was released on 2015-01-06 with total page 237 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Winner of the Kobayashi Hideo Award, The Fall of Language in the Age of English lays bare the struggle to retain the brilliance of one's own language in this period of English-language dominance. Born in Tokyo but raised and educated in the United States, Minae Mizumura acknowledges the value of a universal language in the pursuit of knowledge yet also embraces the different ways of understanding offered by multiple tongues. She warns against losing this precious diversity. Universal languages have always played a pivotal role in advancing human societies, Mizumura shows, but in the globalized world of the Internet, English is fast becoming the sole common language of humanity. The process is unstoppable, and striving for total language equality is delusional—and yet, particular kinds of knowledge can be gained only through writings in specific languages. Mizumura calls these writings "texts" and their ultimate form "literature." Only through literature and, more fundamentally, through the diverse languages that give birth to a variety of literatures, can we nurture and enrich humanity. Incorporating her own experiences as a writer and a lover of language and embedding a parallel history of Japanese, Mizumura offers an intimate look at the phenomena of individual and national expression.


Lady of the English

Lady of the English

Author: Elizabeth Chadwick

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.

Published: 2011-09-01

Total Pages: 528

ISBN-13: 1402250932

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"Everyone who has raved about Elizabeth Chadwick as an author of historical novels is right."—Devourer of Books From New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick comes a gripping, never-before-told, medieval battle of the sexes that sheds light on one of medieval royalty's most fascinating women—Queen Matilda. 1135, England: Matilda, daughter of Henry I, knows that there are those who will not accept her as England's queen when her father dies. But the men who support her rival, and cousin, Stephen do not know the iron will that drives her. She will win her inheritance against all odds, and despite all men. Adeliza, Henry's widowed queen and Matilda's stepmother, is now married to a warrior who is fighting to keep Matilda off the throne. But Adeliza knows that Britain's crown belongs to a woman this time. Both women will stand and fight for what they know is right for England's royalty. But for Matilda, pride comes before a fall. And for Adeliza, even the deepest love is no proof against fate. Written with great historical accuracy, Lady of the English is a captivating novel of Medieval England. Fans of Philippa Gregory, Susanna Kearsley, Hilary Mantel, and Diana Gabaldon will be spellbound by this vividly detailed look into medieval history. Praise for Lady of the English: "Lady of the English is a riveting historical fiction novel with thrilling drama and characters that fairly leap off of the page."—Laura's Reviews "A detailed and very readable medieval era novel full of political intrigue and fascinating depictions of the people surrounding the throne of England."—Historical-Fiction.com "The story is vividly described with a depth of historical detail that is rarely matched by other novelists in the genre."—Historical Novel Review Blog


Book Synopsis Lady of the English by : Elizabeth Chadwick

Download or read book Lady of the English written by Elizabeth Chadwick and published by Sourcebooks, Inc.. This book was released on 2011-09-01 with total page 528 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Everyone who has raved about Elizabeth Chadwick as an author of historical novels is right."—Devourer of Books From New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick comes a gripping, never-before-told, medieval battle of the sexes that sheds light on one of medieval royalty's most fascinating women—Queen Matilda. 1135, England: Matilda, daughter of Henry I, knows that there are those who will not accept her as England's queen when her father dies. But the men who support her rival, and cousin, Stephen do not know the iron will that drives her. She will win her inheritance against all odds, and despite all men. Adeliza, Henry's widowed queen and Matilda's stepmother, is now married to a warrior who is fighting to keep Matilda off the throne. But Adeliza knows that Britain's crown belongs to a woman this time. Both women will stand and fight for what they know is right for England's royalty. But for Matilda, pride comes before a fall. And for Adeliza, even the deepest love is no proof against fate. Written with great historical accuracy, Lady of the English is a captivating novel of Medieval England. Fans of Philippa Gregory, Susanna Kearsley, Hilary Mantel, and Diana Gabaldon will be spellbound by this vividly detailed look into medieval history. Praise for Lady of the English: "Lady of the English is a riveting historical fiction novel with thrilling drama and characters that fairly leap off of the page."—Laura's Reviews "A detailed and very readable medieval era novel full of political intrigue and fascinating depictions of the people surrounding the throne of England."—Historical-Fiction.com "The story is vividly described with a depth of historical detail that is rarely matched by other novelists in the genre."—Historical Novel Review Blog


The English and Their History

The English and Their History

Author: Robert Tombs

Publisher: Vintage

Published: 2016-11-29

Total Pages: 1106

ISBN-13: 1101873361

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Named a Book of the Year by the Daily Telegraph, Times Literary Supplement, The Times, Spectator, and The Economist The English first materialized as an idea, before they had a common ruler and before the country they lived in even had a name. From the armed Saxon bands that descended onto Roman-controlled Britain in the fifth century to the travails of the Eurozone plaguing the prime-ministership of today's multicultural England, acclaimed historian Robert Tombs presents a momentous and challenging history of a people who have a claim to be the oldest nation in existence. Drawing on a wealth of recent scholarship, Tombs sheds light on the strength and resilience of English governance, the deep patterns of division among the people who have populated the British Isles, the persistent capacity of the English to come together in the face of danger, and not the least the ways the English have understood their own history, have argued about it, forgotten it and yet been shaped by it. Momentous and definitive, The English and Their History is the first single-volume work on this scale for more than half a century.


Book Synopsis The English and Their History by : Robert Tombs

Download or read book The English and Their History written by Robert Tombs and published by Vintage. This book was released on 2016-11-29 with total page 1106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Named a Book of the Year by the Daily Telegraph, Times Literary Supplement, The Times, Spectator, and The Economist The English first materialized as an idea, before they had a common ruler and before the country they lived in even had a name. From the armed Saxon bands that descended onto Roman-controlled Britain in the fifth century to the travails of the Eurozone plaguing the prime-ministership of today's multicultural England, acclaimed historian Robert Tombs presents a momentous and challenging history of a people who have a claim to be the oldest nation in existence. Drawing on a wealth of recent scholarship, Tombs sheds light on the strength and resilience of English governance, the deep patterns of division among the people who have populated the British Isles, the persistent capacity of the English to come together in the face of danger, and not the least the ways the English have understood their own history, have argued about it, forgotten it and yet been shaped by it. Momentous and definitive, The English and Their History is the first single-volume work on this scale for more than half a century.


The Politically Incorrect Guide to English And American Literature

The Politically Incorrect Guide to English And American Literature

Author: Elizabeth Kantor

Publisher: Regnery Publishing

Published: 2006-10-01

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 1596980117

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Citing declining coverage of classic English and American literature in today's schools, a "politically incorrect" primer challenges popular misconceptions while introducing the works of such core masters as Shakespeare, Faulkner, and Austen, in a volume that is complemented by a syllabus and a self-study guide. Original.


Book Synopsis The Politically Incorrect Guide to English And American Literature by : Elizabeth Kantor

Download or read book The Politically Incorrect Guide to English And American Literature written by Elizabeth Kantor and published by Regnery Publishing. This book was released on 2006-10-01 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Citing declining coverage of classic English and American literature in today's schools, a "politically incorrect" primer challenges popular misconceptions while introducing the works of such core masters as Shakespeare, Faulkner, and Austen, in a volume that is complemented by a syllabus and a self-study guide. Original.


The Handy English Grammar Answer Book

The Handy English Grammar Answer Book

Author: Christine A. Hult

Publisher: Visible Ink Press

Published: 2015-08-17

Total Pages: 633

ISBN-13: 1578595711

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Researching, writing, and citing. Hiring, firing, and selling. Texting, blogging, and posting. Proper grammar and usage for every occasion is explored through nearly 500 answers to common questions on English grammar and language. The first, best place to turn for an overview of English grammar! Whether you are writing a term paper, a scientific article, a résumé, a business email, a text message, or presenting information in the social media, The Handy English Grammar Answer Book is an engaging guide to writing with clarity. It offers fundamental principles, grammar rules, and punctuation advice, as well as insights on writing for different occasions and audiences. From a brief history of the English language to the deconstruction—and explanation—of the different parts of a sentence, and from showing how to punctuate correctly to how to organize a well-argued essay, this easy-to-use reference answers nearly 500 questions and offers fun facts on the English language and its usage, including ... How did language begin? How did English become a language spoken worldwide? What is Middle English? How did Noah Webster affect the English language? What efforts have been made toward reforming spelling? Are there any language universals? What is an adverb? What is a compound sentence? What is a dialect? What is jargon? What is a noun? What is a split infinitive? What is passive voice and when should you avoid it? Why are English words so hard to spell? What is the i-before-e rule How do I use commas correctly in sentences? When should I use parentheses? How do I use capitalization on the Internet? When do I use “that” versus “which”? What types of dictionaries are there? How do I find the right level of formality in my writing style? What is a sentence fragment? What is a misused modifier? Should I use its or it's? What is academic writing? What is the difference between primary and secondary research? How do I respect copyright laws? How do I use materials ethically on my own websites? What is plagiarism and how do I avoid it? How do I plan a structure for my term paper? How do I write an outline? How do I avoid writer's block? What is considered good essay form? How do I write business emails? Should I include personal data in a résumé? What is “netiquette”? How do I write an effective blog? For speakers and writers of all ages and skill levels, The Handy English Grammar Answer Book brings you straightforward explanations, tips on avoiding and fixing grammatical mistakes, as well as numerous examples of good writing. This helpful book includes an appendix of model papers, letters, and sample writing for every occasion—from business or social communications to academic papers or Internet forums. Appendices on irregular verbs, idioms, homophones, prepositions, frequently misspelled words, wordy phrases, frequently confused word pairs, and other common mistakes bring a deeper understanding to readers. There is also a glossary of commonly used terms, a bibliography, and an index.


Book Synopsis The Handy English Grammar Answer Book by : Christine A. Hult

Download or read book The Handy English Grammar Answer Book written by Christine A. Hult and published by Visible Ink Press. This book was released on 2015-08-17 with total page 633 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Researching, writing, and citing. Hiring, firing, and selling. Texting, blogging, and posting. Proper grammar and usage for every occasion is explored through nearly 500 answers to common questions on English grammar and language. The first, best place to turn for an overview of English grammar! Whether you are writing a term paper, a scientific article, a résumé, a business email, a text message, or presenting information in the social media, The Handy English Grammar Answer Book is an engaging guide to writing with clarity. It offers fundamental principles, grammar rules, and punctuation advice, as well as insights on writing for different occasions and audiences. From a brief history of the English language to the deconstruction—and explanation—of the different parts of a sentence, and from showing how to punctuate correctly to how to organize a well-argued essay, this easy-to-use reference answers nearly 500 questions and offers fun facts on the English language and its usage, including ... How did language begin? How did English become a language spoken worldwide? What is Middle English? How did Noah Webster affect the English language? What efforts have been made toward reforming spelling? Are there any language universals? What is an adverb? What is a compound sentence? What is a dialect? What is jargon? What is a noun? What is a split infinitive? What is passive voice and when should you avoid it? Why are English words so hard to spell? What is the i-before-e rule How do I use commas correctly in sentences? When should I use parentheses? How do I use capitalization on the Internet? When do I use “that” versus “which”? What types of dictionaries are there? How do I find the right level of formality in my writing style? What is a sentence fragment? What is a misused modifier? Should I use its or it's? What is academic writing? What is the difference between primary and secondary research? How do I respect copyright laws? How do I use materials ethically on my own websites? What is plagiarism and how do I avoid it? How do I plan a structure for my term paper? How do I write an outline? How do I avoid writer's block? What is considered good essay form? How do I write business emails? Should I include personal data in a résumé? What is “netiquette”? How do I write an effective blog? For speakers and writers of all ages and skill levels, The Handy English Grammar Answer Book brings you straightforward explanations, tips on avoiding and fixing grammatical mistakes, as well as numerous examples of good writing. This helpful book includes an appendix of model papers, letters, and sample writing for every occasion—from business or social communications to academic papers or Internet forums. Appendices on irregular verbs, idioms, homophones, prepositions, frequently misspelled words, wordy phrases, frequently confused word pairs, and other common mistakes bring a deeper understanding to readers. There is also a glossary of commonly used terms, a bibliography, and an index.


Uncovering the Logic of English: A Common-Sense Solution to America's Literacy Crisis

Uncovering the Logic of English: A Common-Sense Solution to America's Literacy Crisis

Author: Denise Eide

Publisher: Logic of English, Inc

Published: 2011-01-27

Total Pages: 204

ISBN-13: 1936706075

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"English is so illogical!" It is generally believed that English is a language of exceptions. For many, learning to spell and read is frustrating. For some, it is impossible... especially for the 29% of Americans who are functionally illiterate. But what if the problem is not the language itself, but the rules we were taught? What if we could see the complexity of English as a powerful tool rather than a hindrance? --Denise Eide Uncovering the Logic of English challenges the notion that English is illogical by systematically explaining English spelling and answering questions like "Why is there a silent final E in have, large, and house?" and "Why is discussion spelled with -sion rather than -tion?" With easy-to-read examples and anecdotes, this book describes: - the phonograms and spelling rules which explain 98% of English words - how English words are formed and how this knowledge can revolutionize vocabulary development - how understanding the reasons behind English spelling prevents students from needing to guess The author's inspiring commentary makes a compelling case that understanding the logic of English could transform literacy education and help solve America's literacy crisis. Thorough and filled with the latest linguistic and reading research, Uncovering the Logic of English demonstrates why this systematic approach should be as foundational to our education as 1+1=2.


Book Synopsis Uncovering the Logic of English: A Common-Sense Solution to America's Literacy Crisis by : Denise Eide

Download or read book Uncovering the Logic of English: A Common-Sense Solution to America's Literacy Crisis written by Denise Eide and published by Logic of English, Inc. This book was released on 2011-01-27 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "English is so illogical!" It is generally believed that English is a language of exceptions. For many, learning to spell and read is frustrating. For some, it is impossible... especially for the 29% of Americans who are functionally illiterate. But what if the problem is not the language itself, but the rules we were taught? What if we could see the complexity of English as a powerful tool rather than a hindrance? --Denise Eide Uncovering the Logic of English challenges the notion that English is illogical by systematically explaining English spelling and answering questions like "Why is there a silent final E in have, large, and house?" and "Why is discussion spelled with -sion rather than -tion?" With easy-to-read examples and anecdotes, this book describes: - the phonograms and spelling rules which explain 98% of English words - how English words are formed and how this knowledge can revolutionize vocabulary development - how understanding the reasons behind English spelling prevents students from needing to guess The author's inspiring commentary makes a compelling case that understanding the logic of English could transform literacy education and help solve America's literacy crisis. Thorough and filled with the latest linguistic and reading research, Uncovering the Logic of English demonstrates why this systematic approach should be as foundational to our education as 1+1=2.


That’s The Way It Crumbles

That’s The Way It Crumbles

Author: Matthew Engel

Publisher: Profile Books

Published: 2017-06-08

Total Pages: 219

ISBN-13: 1782832629

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Are we tired of hearing that fall is a season, sick of being offered fries and told about the latest movie? Yeah. Have we noticed the sly interpolation of Americanisms into our everyday speech? You betcha. And are we outraged? Hell, yes. But do we do anything? Too much hassle. Until now. In That's The Way It Crumbles Matthew Engel presents a call to arms against the linguistic impoverishment that happens when one language dominates another. With dismay and wry amusement, he traces the American invasion of our language from the early days of the New World, via the influence of Edison, the dance hall and the talkies, right up to the Apple and Microsoft-dominated present day, and explores the fate of other languages trying to fend off linguistic takeover bids. It is not the Americans' fault, more the result of their talent for innovation and our own indifference. He explains how America's cultural supremacy affects British gestures, celebrations and way of life, and how every paragraph and conversation includes words the British no longer even think of as Americanisms. Part battle cry, part love song, part elegy, this book celebrates the strange, the banal, the precious and the endangered parts of our uncommon common language.


Book Synopsis That’s The Way It Crumbles by : Matthew Engel

Download or read book That’s The Way It Crumbles written by Matthew Engel and published by Profile Books. This book was released on 2017-06-08 with total page 219 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Are we tired of hearing that fall is a season, sick of being offered fries and told about the latest movie? Yeah. Have we noticed the sly interpolation of Americanisms into our everyday speech? You betcha. And are we outraged? Hell, yes. But do we do anything? Too much hassle. Until now. In That's The Way It Crumbles Matthew Engel presents a call to arms against the linguistic impoverishment that happens when one language dominates another. With dismay and wry amusement, he traces the American invasion of our language from the early days of the New World, via the influence of Edison, the dance hall and the talkies, right up to the Apple and Microsoft-dominated present day, and explores the fate of other languages trying to fend off linguistic takeover bids. It is not the Americans' fault, more the result of their talent for innovation and our own indifference. He explains how America's cultural supremacy affects British gestures, celebrations and way of life, and how every paragraph and conversation includes words the British no longer even think of as Americanisms. Part battle cry, part love song, part elegy, this book celebrates the strange, the banal, the precious and the endangered parts of our uncommon common language.