At any one time language is a kaleidoscope of styles, genres and dialects.

A feature of English that makes it different compared with all other languages is its global spread.

Ever since the arrival of printing - thought to be the invention of the devil because it would put false opinions into people's minds - people have been arguing that new technology would have disastrous consequences for language.

Texting has added a new dimension to language use, but its long-term impact is negligible. It is not a disaster.

As I get older and I get a few more years experience I become more like Dad, you know, King Lear.

Language has no independent existence apart from the people who use it. It is not an end in itself; it is a means to an end of understanding who you are and what society is like.

Vocabulary is a matter of word-building as well as word-using.