Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare

Butterfield, Jeremy

ISBN 10: 0199239061 / ISBN 13: 9780199239061

Published by OUP Oxford, 2008

About this Item

Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged.

Seller Inventory # rev2568322458

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare
• Publisher: OUP Oxford
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0199239061
• ISBN 13: 9780199239061
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

Using evidence provided by the world's largest language databank, the Oxford English Corpus, Butterfield uncovers fascinating facts about the English language. Where does our vocabulary come from? How do word meanings change? How is our language really being used? This entertaining book has the up-to-date and authoritative answers to all the key questions about our language. With over 2 billion words contained in the Oxford English Corpus, Butterfield takes a thorough look at the English language and exposes its peculiarities and penchants, its development and difficulties, revealing exactly how it operates. Interpolating his expert knowledge of dictionary-making, Butterfield explains how dictionaries decide which words to include, how they find definitions, and how a Corpus influences the process. Covering all areas of English, from spelling and speech to idioms and idiosyncrasies, including a thoughtful chapter about the future of English, and with entertaining examples and useful charts throughout, this compelling and lively book contains something for everyone.

About the Author

Jeremy Butterfield is a freelance lexicographer who has contributed to many dictionary research programs. He is the author of theOxford A to Z of English Usage. He lives in the UK.