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The Mother Tongue - English And How It Got That Way Paperback – January 1, 1990
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“Vastly informative and vastly entertaining…A scholarly and fascinating book.” —Los Angeles Times
With dazzling wit and astonishing insight, Bill Bryson explores the remarkable history, eccentricities, resilience and sheer fun of the English language.
From the first descent of the larynx into the throat (why you can talk but your dog can’t), to the fine lost art of swearing, Bryson tells the fascinating, often uproarious story of an inadequate, second-rate tongue of peasants that developed into one of the world’s largest growth industries.
- Print length272 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherWilliam Morrow Paperbacks
- Publication dateJanuary 1, 1990
- Dimensions5.31 x 0.72 x 8 inches
- ISBN-100380715430
- ISBN-13978-0380715435
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Bryson displays an encyclopedic knowledge of his topic, and this inevitably encourages a light tone; the more you know about a subject, the more absurd it becomes. No jokes are necessary, the facts do well enough by themselves, and Bryson supplies tens per page. As well as tossing off gems of fractured English (from a Japanese eraser: "This product will self-destruct in Mother Earth."), Bryson frequently takes time to compare the idiosyncratic tongue with other languages. Not only does this give a laugh (one word: Welsh), and always shed considerable light, it also makes the reader feel fortunate to speak English.
From Publishers Weekly
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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From the Back Cover
With dazzling wit and astonishing insight, Bill Bryson—the acclaimed author of The Lost Continent—brilliantly explores the remarkable history, eccentricities, resilience and sheer fun of the English language. From the first descent of the larynx into the throat (why you can talk but your dog can't), to the fine lost art of swearing, Bryson tells the fascinating, often uproarious story of an inadequate, second-rate tongue of peasants that developed into one of the world's largest growth industries.
About the Author
Bill Bryson's bestselling books include One Summer, A Short History of Nearly Everything, At Home, A Walk in the Woods, Neither Here nor There, Made in America, and The Mother Tongue. He lives in England with his wife.
Product details
- Publisher : William Morrow Paperbacks; Reissue edition (January 1, 1990)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 272 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0380715430
- ISBN-13 : 978-0380715435
- Item Weight : 8.5 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.31 x 0.72 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #87,052 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #74 in Linguistics Reference
- #259 in Humor Essays (Books)
- #418 in Historical Study (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors

Bill Bryson was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1951. Settled in England for many years, he moved to America with his wife and four children for a few years ,but has since returned to live in the UK. His bestselling travel books include The Lost Continent, Notes From a Small Island, A Walk in the Woods and Down Under. His acclaimed work of popular science, A Short History of Nearly Everything, won the Aventis Prize and the Descartes Prize, and was the biggest selling non-fiction book of the decade in the UK.
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Bryson seemingly effortlessly traverses all aspects of language, from the biological formation of sound to inventive uses of those sounds such as swearing and wordplay. By utilizing a large timescale, Bryson sets us up to childishly wonder at the trivialities of language and question the particular grammatical and spelling rules upon which teachers, social organizations, and political bodies insist. This questioning breaks down social and national barriers, as the reader becomes familiar with how languages intersect and inform each other. In a political environment where English is oft prioritized, this text reminds the reader that English cannot exist without influence of and continued exposure to other languages. Politics aside, the book also provides the reader with a stunning variety of trivia which, while not necessarily directly important information, illuminates language use and brings a new joy to using and choosing words to speak and write.
If the book suffers from any particular fault, it would be that it was written in 1990. With the advent of the internet, I suspect that this book could use an update, specifically when speculating about “The Future of English.” As national boundaries seem to dissolve when confronted with the all-encompassing rhizome of the internet, the language that matters most may be the one the is most common on the internet. While this is still English, it is a form of English which I would love to read Bryson’s thoughts on. Having said this, the scope of the history of the English language is so vast that even though Bryson does not analyze the last 30 years, the reader accrues a wealth of knowledge and ignited love of language that is well worth dipping into this book and seeing what gems it has in store.
My one criticism (which really isn't a criticism) is that the book is a bit dated. It appeared in the early 1990s before we really entered the Internet age and most of the examples comes from the 1980s and earlier. Obviously, everything in the book remains valid -- but the language has developed by leaps and bounds since then. We now communicate through texting, tweets and emoticons. I think there is a good case for this book to be updated.
Top reviews from other countries
One of the book's strengths lies in Bryson's ability to present complex linguistic concepts in an accessible and entertaining manner. He effortlessly weaves together historical anecdotes, etymological explanations, and humorous observations, making the subject matter both educational and enjoyable for readers of all backgrounds.
Bryson delves into the diverse origins of English, highlighting how the language has absorbed elements from various Celtic, Latin, French, and Germanic languages over the centuries. He explores the impact of historical events such as the Norman Conquest and the Renaissance, which profoundly influenced the vocabulary and grammar of English. Additionally, he discusses the often overlooked role of everyday individuals in shaping the language, from playwrights like Shakespeare to ordinary people who have contributed new words and phrases.
Throughout the book, Bryson also sheds light on the quirks and idiosyncrasies of English, addressing topics such as spelling, pronunciation, and regional dialects. He provides illuminating insights into why English is such a challenging language to learn, and he delves into its ever-evolving nature, where words continually change in meaning and new terms are constantly being added.
"The Mother Tongue" not only presents a comprehensive account of the history of the English language but also explores its global impact. Bryson delves into how English has become a dominant language worldwide, focusing on its spread during the British Empire and its current prevalence as a lingua franca.
Overall, "The Mother Tongue" is an engaging and informative exploration of the English language. Bryson's wit, extensive research, and passion for his subject shine through, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in language, history, or culture.










