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Breeding the Mongrel: Language Wars in Early Modern England

John Gallagher of Cambridge University outlines the impact 16th and 17th-century global exploration and trade had on the English language.

Defenders of traditional English language and grammar often present themselves as purists but New Generation Thinker John Gallagher, from Cambridge University, argues that we have always borrowed words and adapted phrases. His essay outlines the impact C16th and C17th global exploration and trade had on our native tongue.

Producer: Neil Trevithick

First broadcast in October 2013.

Available now

15 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Thu 31 Oct 2013 22:45
  • Wed 27 Aug 2014 22:40

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The Arts & Ideas Podcast

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