Fair
Copy 8ceabac366e
Condition notes
Tidy condition, shows signs of wear, binding is good.
Available now
Skip to product information
Grade guide
$4.00
Mother Tongue : The English Language
$4.00
Brief description
How did English, 'treated for centuries as the inadequate and second-rate tongue of peasants' become the undisputed global language? How did words like shampoo, sofa and rowdy (and others drawn from over fifty languages) find their way into our dictionary? In this revealing and often hilarious book, Bill Bryson examines the mother tongue and explores...
Read full description- Paperback
- Published 1991
- Pre-owned
Every copy is individually graded
Choose your condition
Each option is one physical pre-owned copy. Condition notes describe the copy you will receive.
About this book
Description
How did English, 'treated for centuries as the inadequate and second-rate tongue of peasants' become the undisputed global language? How did words like shampoo, sofa and rowdy (and others drawn from over fifty languages) find their way into our dictionary? In this revealing and often hilarious book, Bill Bryson examines the mother tongue and explores the countless varieties of English and the perils of marketing brands with names like Pschitt and Super Piss. With entertaining sections on the oddities of swearing and spelling, spoonerisms and Scrabble, and a consideration of what we mean by 'good English', "Mother Tongue" is one of the most stimulating books yet written on this endlessly engrossing subject.
Tidy condition, shows signs of wear, binding is good.
Buying pre-owned books
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what condition my book is in?
Every physical copy has a grade and its own condition note. Choose the copy you want on the product page and read that note before adding it to your cart.
What do the book grades mean?
Our grades run from As New through to Binding Copy. They provide a quick overall guide, while the condition note records the wear or damage specific to that copy.
Can I return a second-hand book?
Because our books are pre-owned, sales are generally final. If your book arrives in a condition that is significantly different from its description, please contact us so we can help.
How much does shipping cost?
New Zealand orders of $40 or more receive free shipping. For smaller orders, Christchurch delivery to postcodes beginning with 8 is $5, metro New Zealand delivery is $9, and rural New Zealand delivery is $14.
If your address is rural, please choose the rural delivery option at checkout.
Do you ship outside New Zealand?
We currently ship to Australia for a flat rate of $37. We do not currently ship to other countries.
Can I collect my order?
Yes. Choose local pickup at checkout and collect from 9 Penbury St, Waltham, Christchurch 8023. Pickup orders are usually ready within 24 hours, and we will email you when your order is ready.
Check our current store hours before visiting.
When will my order arrive?
We ship with NZ Post. Standard delivery usually takes 3–5 working days, with rural delivery sometimes taking a little longer. We will email your tracking number after dispatch.