Subject
English language -- Idioms Books
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John Hendricks Bechtel
Slips of speech : $b a helpful book for everyone who aspires to correct the everyday errors of speaking and writing
"Slips of Speech" by John H. Bechtel is a guidebook on linguistic improvement written in the late 19th century. The text addresses common errors in everyday speaking and writing, aiming to aid anyone who aspires to refine their command of language. The opening of the book presents the author's rationale for creating a resource to address the pitfalls of language usage that pervade both speech and writing. It reflects on the distinction between the natural genius of legendary writers like Homer and the need for systematic rules and guidelines that can help average individuals communicate more effectively. Bechtel discusses the importance of taste in language, establishing that good writing and speaking require careful choice and arrangement of words, as well as awareness of common mistakes. The introduction sets the stage for the detailed examination of various speech errors and recommendations for correction that follow in the subsequent chapters.
Anonymous
English as She is Wrote Showing Curious Ways in which the English Language may be made to Convey Ideas or obscure them.
"English as She is Wrote" by Anonymous is a humorous compilation of misuses of the English language, likely written in the late 19th century. The book showcases an assortment of examples where the English language is used incorrectly, highlighting common mistakes made by both the educated and uneducated. It plays with the theme of how language can obscure meaning, making it an amusing exploration of linguistic blunders. The book is organized into various sections, each containing amusing vignettes, snippets from advertisements, signs, epitaphs, and correspondence that exemplify the quirks and inaccuracies of spoken and written English. Through these examples, the author illustrates the absurdity and humor that arise when language is improperly employed, whether in everyday communication or formal contexts. The collection provides a light-hearted reflection on the complexities of English usage, offering entertainment for language enthusiasts while subtly encouraging accuracy in expression.
Unknown
Conversation: Its Faults and Its Graces
"Conversation: Its Faults and Its Graces" by Andrew P. Peabody is a compilation exploring the principles governing effective communication, written in the mid-19th century. The work aims to provide insights on how to engage in refined conversation while identifying common pitfalls in English speech. The text addresses young ladies and emphasizes the importance of their role in establishing social discourse, highlighting the need for eloquence and correctness in both spoken and written language. The opening of the work consists of an address delivered to the Newburyport Female High School, where the author expresses his gratitude for the invitation and his desire to offer useful advice on the topic of conversation. He outlines the many roles that conversation plays in human life, from personal connections to the cultivation of friendships and public interactions. Peabody emphasizes the significance of forming good habits in pronunciation and grammar early on, warning against common vulgarisms and extravagant expressions that can detract from one's ability to communicate effectively and gracefully. The address sets the tone for the exploration of etiquette in conversation, encouraging both thoughtful language choices and the moral implications of speech.
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