There are three stages in scientific discovery. First, people deny that it is true, then they deny that it is important; finally they credit the wrong person.
Bill BrysonRead
Those who sniff decay in every shift of sense or alteration of usage do the language no service. Too often for such people the notion of good English has less to do with expressing ideas clearly than with making words conform to some arbitrary pattern.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques those who resist language changes, suggesting they hinder communication.
In this quote, Bill Bryson reflects on the importance of language as a living, evolving entity. He critiques individuals who resist changes in language, indicating that their stringent adherence to outdated or arbitrary standards can obstruct the clarity of expression. Rather than enhancing communication, such attitudes toward language create barriers to effectively conveying ideas, illustrating that the essence of good English lies in its ability to adapt and reflect contemporary usage.
Themes
LanguageCommunicationExpressionEvolutionClarity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about modern slang and its role in culture.
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