Parts of Speech: Essays on English

"Parts of Speech: Essays on English" by Brander Matthews, is a series of writings that explores the nature of the English language, primarily from the viewpoint of the people that actually speak it. Expect insight into how language grows, how its used, and what makes it change over a given time. The book's structure hints at the author's academic credentials with discussions of spelling, regional variations between American and British English, and how literature and culture shape our language. It seems that Matthews starts by establishing English's deep history, going all the way back to King Alfred, and he suggests that literature is critical for uniting English speakers, giving them a way to share ideas and cultural traditions. The essays point to the significant impact of different cultures and dialects, like those from Teutonic, Celtic, and Norman backgrounds combined together. Despite these changes, Matthews appears to maintain that English still embraces its poetic side, its unique qualities and the language continues to be shaped by the experiences and innovative ideas of its users.