The author begins by reviewing how Americanisms "had gone over into English" and how English had begun to "get a foothold in the U.S." Both, he reminds, usually happened frequently and quickly. After giving an example, Mencken refers to Farmer, who surveys the introduction and assimilation process of a word. He discusses how this process transpires in four ways or means: 1) by American books, newspapers and magazines; 2) by sailors; 3) by travel/travelers; and 4) by American plays and movies.
It is important for Mencken to note the treatment of Americanisms. He studies the disdain for "American pollutions of the well of English." He shows how the English assimilated numerous Americanisms and documented them as having English origins. He also reiterates how at first the English denounce the language but then treat so.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 559 words. This
study guide contains 36,636 words (approx. 122 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our The American Language Access Pass.
