Baby talk - that's saying something
With speech difficulties among pre-school children on the rise, John-Paul Flintoff says that talking to toddlers is a 'civic duty'. (The Sunday Times, January 22nd 2006)
The worst word in the language
There are several twee and unnecessary words in the English language. Tasty. Meal. Cuisine. Nourishing. And the biblically awful "gift". I also have a biological aversion to the use of "home" instead of "house". (The Sunday Times, January 22nd 2006)
Chinese A-level to oust Spanish 'in three years'
The number of sixth formers taking Mandarin Chinese A-level is set to overtake Spanish and German, according to recent examination entry figures. (Daily Telegraph, January 22nd 2006)
How hard is it to learn Chinese?
An independent school has become the first in the UK to make Mandarin Chinese compulsory for pupils, reflecting the growing importance of China on the world stage. But it's not an easy language to master. (BBC News, January 17th 2006)
Chinese nanny state takes root in US
Demand for Chinese-speaking nannies in US soars among parents keen to push children linguistically. (BBC News, January 16th 2006)
College makes Chinese compulsory
Brighton College says Mandarin Chinese will become a compulsory language subject from September. (BBC News, January 16th 2006)
BBC Thai service ends broadcasts
The BBC's Thai language service makes its final broadcast after more than 60 years on air. (BBC News, January 13th 2006)
Foreigners flock to learn Chinese
Thousands of foreigners are flocking to China in increasing numbers to learn Mandarin, writes Helen Leavey. (BBC News, January 9th 2006)
BT bring in voice of Baker
Little Britain narrator Tom Baker, will be soon be heard reading out text messages on UK landlines. (Daily Record, January 28th, 2006)
Web to preserve Romani heritage
A website to record and promote Romani gypsy language is launched by the University of Manchester. (BBC News, January 29th 2006)
Mind your PMQs? It's eff this and eff that
I cannot recall the moment it happened but there has been a significant change in the past six months or so in TV language. (The Telegraph, January 23rd 2006)
The C word
It's the last taboo of the English language. Germaine Greer used to swear by it. Here the academic explains her change of heart to Anthony Barnes. (The Independent, January 22nd 2006)
Are indigenous languages dead?
With some of Africa's 2,000 languages under threat, do you mind if the continent's mother-tongues die out? (BBC News, January 6th 2006)
