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Journeys in English

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Journeys in English

By: Bill Bryson
Narrated by: Bill Bryson
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About this listen

 Bill Bryson presents a fascinating exploration of the history of the English language.

This highly entertaining BBC Radio 4 series is written and presented by Bill Bryson and based on his best-selling book Mother Tongue. In it, he romps through the history of Britain to reveal how English became such an infuriatingly complex - but ultimately world-beating - language.

But why English? Why don't we speak Gallic, or any other of the European languages? According to Bryson, it's down to the remarkable ability for the English language to assimilate other vocabularies, to adapt and - above all - to survive.

From the old English words that are still in everyday use, such as 'eat', 'drink', 'man' and 'wife', to the current hybrid language of the 21st century with its many diverse dialects, Bryson, in his unique and ever-affable style, guides us through the development of English into a rich and expressive language.

Bryson explains how English has been shaped through invasion and conquest, as well as the rules that brought order to a disorderly language, the million and one ways to have fun with the English language, and the struggle with phrasal verbs (including the way things often get lost in the translation). And finally, he contemplates the future of English. Does Estuary English really Rule OK?

©2004 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2004 BBC Audiobooks Ltd Entertainment & Performing Arts World

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Bill Brysonis always very entertaining and informative, reads the book in an easy way. Excellent mixture of fact and amusing incidents, one feels to be with him every step of the way. Would recommend it highly.

Amusing, as ever.

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I enjoyed Bryson’s appreciation of the idiosyncrasies and richness of the English language and his gentle humour and accent. His interviews with speakers of minority groups was interesting. I intend to repeat my journey in English, and listen again to this Audible treat.

An Audible Treat

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Initially a radio series Bill Bryson is his usual superb way gives a wide ranging resume of English. Very enjoyable.

Bill Bryson does his usual superb job

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I already have

What did you like best about this story?

It was interesting to hear how our language has evolved.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The part about the different roots of the words for meat and words for live animals.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It could be done because its fascinating but I listened in chunks and I listened to some parts several times.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this book, it is very interesting.

Fascinating and very enjoyable

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I already knew a lot of the facts but found it interesting how the language survived after the 1066 Frog invasion.

Not new,

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Bill Bryson always comes up with such interesting subjects. Ones that we always take for granted but have fabricating insites 😊

Fascinating

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For anyone interested in the English language, this is a fascinating and intriguing book by a knowledgeable writer.

Excellent

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Well worth a listen and pass on to others. Something to re-listen to and enjoy

Fantastic

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Bryson's look at the history, impact and intricacies of the English language is easy to follow with interviews breaking up the narration. These breaks are welcome, however, for even though the content is varied and well put together, Bryson's voice lacks intonation. Overall I enjoyed listening to 'Journeys in English', and if you have even a small interest in our language I'm sure you will too.

Informative

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Would you consider the audio edition of Journeys in English to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but I really enjoyed the way the audio edition allowed people to be interviewed rather than just selected comments to be placed in the text.

What did you like best about this story?

Really interesting to understand the English language more.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I listened to it over several session, which was fine as it was a number of episodes.

Any additional comments?

Fantastic.

Facinating Story

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