The American Language
A Preliminary Inquiry into the Development of English in the United StatesBy H. L. Mencken
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.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 4.1 (554)
Includes Goodreads
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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