SUBJECTS: English
YEARS: 5–6
Changes in the use, pronunciation, and meaning of common everyday English words happen all the time.
Professor Kate Burridge explains that we can see this in the way people increasingly switch the past tense of the verbs 'buy' and 'bring'. She also answers a viewer's question about why 'Roger' is used on two-way and CB radios.
Things to think about
- 1.Bought' is the past tense of the verb 'buy'. 'Brought' is the past tense of the verb 'bring'. Have you ever been told you are using these words incorrectly? Make up sentences that use 'brought' and 'bought' in a way you think is right. Why do you think the name 'Roger', as in 'Roger — over and out', is used in two-way and CB radio transmissions?
- 2.What does Kate say is happening to the words 'bought' and 'brought'? What does she call this process? How does Kate explain why the name 'Roger' is used on two-way and CB radio transmissions? When 'Roger' is used in this way, what does it mean? When did people first start to use 'Roger' in that way? What does 'Roger wilco' mean?
- 3.What is Standard English? Kate uses the terms 'common use' and 'irregular'. What do they mean? How are they connected with 'suppletion'? What other words does Kate say have changed in the past? What are some other words that have been included in international spelling alphabets?
- 4.Do some research to find out more about the NATO international spelling alphabet. Use it to create a message and see if your friends and family can work out what your message says. The change in the use of the words 'bought' and 'brought' is happening all over the English-speaking world. Why do you think this might be the case?
Date of broadcast: 15 Feb 2008
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