Many of the column inches devoted to the US presidential elections focus on ‘the things that Donald Trump says’; the way the President-Elect talks is a cause of concern for many, and his sexist and/or racist language causes particular alarm. In a Panorama programme shown on 14 November 2016, Pastor Frederick Haynes was interviewed saying … Continue reading “Trump’s racist and sexist language”
Clinton versus Trump: a question of (language) style
So, the first televised debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump has taken place. Much has already been written about the two speakers – who scored the most points, who sounded most authoritative, whose gestures were the most statesmanlike, who interrupted who most. As a small contribution to this, I am going to look at … Continue reading “Clinton versus Trump: a question of (language) style”
Jeremy’s ram-packed train
The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Jeremy Corbyn, was photographed sitting on the floor of a train from London to Newcastle, because he was not able to find a seat. He said the train was ‘ram-packed’. This has led to some dispute about whether seats were or were not available, and what should be done … Continue reading “Jeremy’s ram-packed train”
Sexism and the implicature of comparisons
I recently came across the School Magazine published in my final year at a girls’ grammar school in Leeds in the early 1970s. In it was an advertisement from a well-known high street bank that encouraged girls to apply for jobs there. One of the advertised advantages of working for the bank was that the … Continue reading “Sexism and the implicature of comparisons”
Brexit: coining a noun to help a campaign
According to Prime Minister Theresa May, ‘Brexit means Brexit’. But what does ‘Brexit’ mean? Or, more properly, how did coining the new word ‘Brexit’ help the ‘leave’ campaign? The questions in the EU referendum were posed around verbs: Do you want the United Kingdom to remain part of the European Union? and Do you want … Continue reading “Brexit: coining a noun to help a campaign”