English Stew: English 11/12

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

English 11/12

Tomorrow will be the synthesis composition. You may bring some notes to class, but not a full rough copy. English to English paper dictionaries are acceptable. You will have from 9:00 to 10:30 to write the essay. After break, we will discuss "The Pigeon, Icarus" and the weekend writing assignment on the novel.

Why English Stew?

Why call this blog English Stew? Well, I've always thought that the English language is very much like a stew - thick, hearty, and satisfying! Its ingredients are a mixture of all the other languages and cultures with which it has come into contact over the past 1500 years: from the invading Germanic and Scandinavian tribes to the Norman French conquerors to more far-flung groups met during the age of exploration and colonization. Used by over a billion people every day, it is the international language of commerce. English is also vast - a truly global dish with one of the most extensive vocabularies of all the world's languages. It is estimated that over 25,000 new words are added each year (that's about 70 a day). The power and popularity of our language stems from this dynamism and flexibility. No bite is ever the same!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

English 11/12

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