Letter: Who says that dialects and grammar do not mix?

Sunday 14 February 1993 00:02 GMT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

IF I WERE an A-level examiner, I too would be alarmed at the slang used by candidates and the banality of thought it represents: Jane Eyre was 'over the top', King Lear 'round the twist', William the Conqueror 'had to let the English know who was boss'.

If I were an education minister, before springing to accuse 'trendy' teachers, I would pause to recall where I had heard this kind of language before. Not too far from home. Cabinet ministers have been sprinkling their speech with expressions like 'loony left', 'double whammy' and 'on yer bike', and talking of giving Saddam Hussein 'a bloody nose' ever since Lady Thatcher set the tone with her own brand of playground machismo.

John Parke

London SW13

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Letter: Who says that dialects and grammar do not mix?

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering