The Language Web: The Power and Problem... A source page for quotes linked to Jean Aitchison. 0 quotes
“Word meanings are like stretchy pullovers, whose outline contour is visible, but whose detailed shape varies with use.” WritingUseShapesVisibleVaryOutlines Book:The Language Web: The Power and Problem of Words - The 1996 BBC Reith Lectures Source: The Language Web: The Power and Problem of Words - The 1996 BBC Reith Lectures
“Purists behave as if there was a vintage year when language achieved a measure of excellence which we should all strive to maintain. In fact, there was never such a year. The language of Chaucer's or Shakespeare's time was no better and no worse than that of our own - just different.” IfsShouldWritingYearsDifferentFactsLanguageExcellenceStriveBehaveVintageChaucer Book:Language Change: Progress Or Decay? Source: Language Change: Progress Or Decay?
