Are Americans trashing the English language?

Summary

The video explores the influence of American English on British English, featuring language expert Lane Greene. It discusses the historical origins of words and the blending of the two dialects. Despite some British resistance to Americanisms, Greene argues that many 'American' words have British roots. He concludes that British English remains robust, with language evolution being a sign of richness, and Americanisms are actually enriching the English language rather than detracting from it.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The script discusses the influence of American English on British English, highlighting the debate over the adoption of Americanisms in the UK.
• 📚 Language expert Lane Greene, an American living in London, is introduced as a commentator on the evolution of English.
• 🇬🇧 British slang and expressions are noted, with examples like 'motor' for car, showing the cultural differences in language.
• 🤔 There's a noted resistance among some Britons to the influx of American words and phrases into British English.
• 📖 The term 'Americanisms' originally referred to words found in the Americas by British settlers but later evolved to mean words from America that entered British English.
• 🎭 The influence of American media, such as Hollywood and television, is cited as a significant factor in the spread of Americanisms.
• 📝 Noah Webster, an American lexicographer, is credited with standardizing American spellings, which differ from British English.
• 🌐 The script suggests that the global dominance of American culture contributes to the spread of American English worldwide.
• 🧳 Despite concerns about the dilution of British English, many American words have British origins, indicating a shared linguistic history.
• 🌍 Lane Greene argues that British English is in good health and that the adoption of new words, including Americanisms, is a sign of a rich and evolving language.
• 🌐 The script concludes that Americanisms are not destroying the English language but are instead enriching global English, contributing to its diversity.

Q & A

What is Lane Greene's profession and area of expertise?

Lane Greene is an American living in London and is a language expert, particularly interested in the history of words and their origins.

What is the general sentiment of some Britons towards Americanisms in British English?

Some Britons express a general dislike for American words and expressions entering British English, considering it a form of cultural encroachment.

What does the term 'Americanisms' originally refer to?

Originally, 'Americanisms' referred to things found in the Americas by British and other colonists and settlers, such as 'moccasin' and 'canoe'.

How did Americanisms come to be associated with words arising in America and later entering British English?

Over time, the term 'Americanisms' evolved to refer to words that originated in America and were later adopted into British English as new words.

Who was Noah Webster and what was his influence on American spellings?

Noah Webster was an American lexicographer who decided on the spellings of many words, such as 'center' with an 'er' instead of 're', and removing the 'u' from words like 'color'.

What impact did Hollywood and later television have on the adoption of Americanisms in British English?

Hollywood and later television popularized Americanisms, making it fashionable to speak like American movie stars, which led to a significant increase in the adoption of American words and phrases.

How does the presence of Americanisms in British English reflect on the language's evolution?

The presence of Americanisms reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of the English language, indicating its adaptability and richness.

What is Lane Greene's perspective on the future of British English in relation to Americanisms?

Lane Greene believes that British English is in good and healthy shape and that the adoption of new words, including Americanisms, is a sign of a rich and evolving language.

What is the significance of the sidewalk example in the script?

The term 'sidewalk', despite being considered an Americanism, originated in Britain in the early 1800s, illustrating the complex and intertwined history of English words across different regions.

What does the script suggest about the future of English dialects and the potential homogenization of language?

The script suggests that despite the influence of Americanisms, British English and other dialects are not likely to be homogenized into a single global variety, as languages naturally evolve and maintain regional differences.