English is a strange language. This occurred to me a few nights ago when I was spelling out numbers to DD. Well, it also occurred to me when I was learning it, actually it occurred to me more than once, but eventually I made peace with it. And now that DD is learning spelling, it is re-occurring to me once again on a regular basis. So here's my discovery:
Don't you find it strange that the word "one" does not have a "W", but the word "two" does? Am I the only one (without a "w") who thinks that?
I've been reading your blog for a while now, but, as is my way in general unfortunately, don't get around to commenting very much. Coming across this post, I couldn't help myself!
ReplyDeleteLol! That's a great question! But I think, think, that the "w" in "two" actually did used to be pronounced.
If you want an absolutely brilliant book on English, get a hold of Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson. It's one of my favorite books of all time. (Just so you're aware, there's a chapter on cursing if that would bother you.)
I am happy you couldn't help yourself! I will try to remember to check this book out. Sounds like something I will enjoy reading. Even the chapter on cursing ;)
DeleteI'm obsessed with the English language, so bring up something to do on the topic and you're pretty much guaranteed a comment ;)
DeleteThere are many of your (and others') posts that I want to comment on, but working up the patience and/or finding the time always gets in my way.
Ya, I got the impression that you would be okay with the cursing, but forewarned is forearmed as they say. The truth is, not many pages focus on contemporary curse words. He talks about, amongst other things, how childishly prudish the English were back in the day. You wouldn't even believe it...
(If you're interested in reading it as an e-book or listening to the audio [I haven't listened to it yet- and not sure how well a book which spends a lot of time on spelling and pronunciation would work as an audio book lol], shoot me an email.)
I'm obsessed with the English language, so bring up something to do on the topic and you're pretty much guaranteed a comment ;)
ReplyDeleteThere are many of your (and others') posts that I want to comment on, but working up the patience and/or finding the time always gets in my way.
Ya, I got the impression that you would be okay with the cursing, but forewarned is forearmed as they say. The truth is, not many pages focus on contemporary curse words. He talks about, amongst other things, how childishly prudish the English were back in the day. You wouldn't even believe it...
(If you're interested in reading it as an e-book or listening to the audio [I haven't listened to it yet- and not sure how well a book which spends a lot of time on spelling and pronunciation would work as an audio book lol], shoot me an email.)