Paulclem

I would lke to keep track of what I am reading, and my thoughts about the books and poems for my future reference.

I also have another idea that I would like to keep a track of.

I have always been interested in language and its use. I suppose I have a liberal attitude towards language and its development. I like the idea that doable - the word - was not an acceptabe word 15 years ago. It has been used, grown in usage and become an acceptable part of everyday language. That's not to say that I like the word, I just like the process and what it stands for.

It has been a great feature of the English language that it has been able to maintain a certain porous quality, drawing in words from other cultures, absorbing words from sub-cutures and movements, and generally being welcoming to the multi-ethnic world of language. I did hear that the French have a commission which tries to keep the French language distinct by allowing or disallowing foreign words. Perhaps this commission has folded now, but certainly we have nothing in the UK that does that, and we are certainly the richer for it.

In terms of new words, I want to specifically focus upon phrases used in the media and by politicians. Recent examples have been talk of "tightening our belts" during the recession, and "broken Britain".

I really object to the use of "tightening our belts" in reference to the credit crunch. This is is what actually happened in the 19th century strikes, where, without any social security, families would go without whilst some worthy dispute was being fought by working people through the unions. People went hungry and starvedfor their rights. To use that phrase on well-fed TV is inaccurate and offensive to the many who suffered establishing workers rights in this country.

The other phrase "Broken Britain" is similarly offensive. Used by certain politicians, it tries to play upon current social fears, and even with reference to the two boys who tortured the kids in Doncaster. I don't think many politicians could describe their own neighbourhood as broken in any way. Nor are many of the towns and cities in a bad way. There are poor and run down areas, but it is an insult to suggest that Britain is broken. It is merely a jump onto the tabloid bandwagon which seeks out and dishes the dirt every morning.

How the language is used is fascinating. I'll have to keep the finger on the pulse.