Why do some Americanisms irritate people?

This is a very interesting article on lexis, especially words we use today which once outraged people long ago!

'British people are used to the stream of Americanisms entering the language. But some are worse than others, argues Matthew Engel.

I have had a lengthy career in journalism. I hope that's because editors have found me reliable. I have worked with many talented colleagues. Sometimes I get invited to parties and meet influential people. Overall, I've had a tremendous time.

Lengthy. Reliable. Talented. Influential. Tremendous.

All of these words we use without a second thought were never part of the English language until the establishment of the United States.'

Why do some Americanisms irritate people?

"Why I want a Wife" an interview with Judy Syphers

Listen to part of the interview to understand the context, purpose, audience and (genre) form.

http://thestory.org/archive/the_story_334_Why_I_Want_A_Wife.mp3/view

Read the essay before trying these questions

1. Discuss Judy's use of stative verbs.

2. Select two or more examples of satire and explore through the device - purpose - effect  method.

3. Identify two or more prosodic features and how they add meaning to this piece ( words or phrases which change the intonation or pitch).

4. Look closely at two or more examples of Judy's syntax. How does she use her syntax to add meaning to her essay?

5. Examine Judy's lexis and consider two or more examples of the connotations of her words and phrases. Discuss these lexical choices.

7. Identify and discuss Judy's high frequency and low frequency lexis.

6.  How does her lexical choices determine the register in this piece?

7. What is the context? Who is the audience? What is her purpose?

8. How does she use rhetoric to make her argument?

9. What is the effect of the role-reversal in this piece?

10. Is this piece just as relevant today as it was when it was written? Discuss.