Breeding the Mongrel: Language Wars in Early Modern England

Available for over a year

Defenders of traditional English language and grammar often present themselves as purists but New Generation Thinker John Gallagher, from Cambridge University, argues that we have always borrowed words and adapted phrases. His essay outlines the impact C16th and C17th global exploration and trade had on our native tongue. Producer: Neil Trevithick First broadcast in October 2013.