Language wars: the 19 greatest linguistic spats of all time

Words are ever evolving – but not without controversy. From creative applications of an apostrophe to the overuse of literally, what makes you rage?What is it about language that gets people so hot under the collar? That drives them to spend hours arguing with strangers on the internet, to go around correcting misspelt signs in the dead of night, or even to threaten acts of violence? The languages we speak are central to our sense of self, so it is not surprising that their finer points can become a battleground. Passionate feelings about what ’s right and wrong extend from the use of “disinterested” to what gay people are allowed to call themselves. Here are some of the most memorable rows, spats and controversies.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Language Science George Bush Donald Trump France Richard Nixon New Zealand Bosnia-Herzegovina Turkmenistan Belgium UK news Source Type: news