About This Book
Words on the Move (2016) is a whistle-stop tour through the history of the English language, from its Anglo-Saxon roots to global lingua franca. Packed with illuminating insights into the evolution of words and meaning, John McWhorter’s entertaining look at language dispels plenty of myths along the way. He argues that emoticons and the new use of “like” aren’t a threat to our language, but quite the opposite – they’re the latest chapters in a story of endless evolution.
Who Should Read This?
- Language learners and enthusiasts
- Anyone who’s wondered where words come from
- History buffs
About the Author
John McWhorter is a professor of English literature at Columbia University. He’s best-known for his writing on the English language and its history. His previous books include The Language Hoax (2014) and Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue (2009). McWhorter is also a regular contributor to major newspapers including the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times.
