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The American Language

The American Language

A Preliminary Inquiry into the Development of English in the United StatesBy H. L. Mencken

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The American Language

Length10h 51m

About this audiobook

In "The American Language," H. L. Mencken embarks on an incisive exploration of American English, meticulously examining its distinct characteristics, regional dialects, and evolving syntax. Mencken's literary style is characterized by wit, erudition, and a fervent enthusiasm for language, making his observations both accessible and engaging. The book is set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, a period of profound social change and burgeoning national identity, providing a rich context for Mencken's assertions about language as a living entity that reflects cultural values and societal norms. Mencken, a prominent journalist and social critic, was deeply influenced by his observations of American society and its peculiarities. His love for language, combined with his unyielding skepticism of American cultural pretensions, propelled him to document the idiosyncrasies of American English. As a member of the so-called 'Lost Generation,' Mencken's work synthesizes the tumult of his era, examining how English was reshaped to accommodate the American experience. For anyone intrigued by linguistics, American culture, or the evolution of language, "The American Language" is an indispensable read. Mencken'Äôs articulate arguments, peppered with humor and irony, challenge readers to reconsider their perceptions of language, making this book a thought-provoking companion for scholars and casual readers alike.

Identity World War Rebellion Parody

Audiobook details

GenreOther

Length10 hrs 51 mins

Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices

FormateBook with Audio

Publish dateJan 9, 2020

LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1The View of Writing Men

19Pronunciation

2Foreign Observers

20Spoken American As It Is

3The Characters of American

21The Verb

4The Materials of American

22The Pronoun

5Sources of Early Americanisms

23VII Differences in Spelling

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6New Words of English Material

24Typical Forms

7Changed Meanings

25General Tendencies

8Archaic English Words

26The Influence of Webster

9Colonial Pronunciation

27Exchanges

10The Expanding Vocabulary

28Simplified Spelling

11Loan-Words

29IX Miscellanea

12Pronunciation

30Proverb and Platitude

13V Tendencies in American

31American Slang

14International Exchanges

32The Future of the Language

15Points of Difference

33List of Words and Phrases (pt. 1)

16Lost Distinctions

34List of Words and Phrases (pt. 2)

17Foreign Influences Today

35General Index

18Processes of Word Formation

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