To enchain syllables, and to lash the wind

Britain's fascination with its changing language is renowned. Unlike our neighbours on the mainland of Europe, we have resisted creating an academy to legislate over proper English. We each have our linguistic bugbear, but few of us would want to freeze our mother tongue. Even Dr Johnson realised that his hope of keeping pure the English he adored was a futile proposition: "To enchain syllables, and to lash the wind, are equally the undertakings of pride."

Così comincia l'articolo di Susie Dent che cerca di spiegare preché i britannici siano tanto affascinati dalla loro lingua. Susie Dent è una nota linguista, che tra l'altro è l'esperta l'esperta del gioco di parole televisivo Countdown di Channel 4. independent.