Andrew (imported) wrote: Tue Jul 29, 2003 5:25 am
> "The problem with defending the purity of the English language is
> that English is about as pure as a cribhouse whore. We don't just
> borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages
> down alleyways to beat them unconscious and rifle their pockets
> for new vocabulary." -- James D. Nicoll
"English is the result of Norman soldiers trying to make dates with
Saxon bar maids and no more legitimate than any of the other results."
-- Robert A. Heinlein
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The question is "Why would anyone want to defend
Andrew (imported) wrote: Tue Jul 29, 2003 5:25 am
the purity of the English language?
"
It's just great the way it is. We don't have a body of academics to say what's right and what's wrong with English. We can use it just how we please. And, of course, we do. As a result of that English is the most flourishing, fastest developing language in the world.
Can you imagine any fool government in the English speaking world actually being stupid enough, like for example the French, to pass legislation to ban foreign words?
That would be even more futile than banning booze in the 20s.
Kortpeel