Edited by Patrick Andrews, Tuesday, 5 Apr 2011, 12:01
Interesting issues are raised here. To me, it seems that all languages are complex overall although they tend to be relatively simple or difficult in different aspects - eg Chinese is simple in terms of days of the week (day 1, day 2 etc) but very complex compared to English in terms of words for family relationships.
Review of McCRum book
Interesting issues are raised here. To me, it seems that all languages are complex overall although they tend to be relatively simple or difficult in different aspects - eg Chinese is simple in terms of days of the week (day 1, day 2 etc) but very complex compared to English in terms of words for family relationships.
http://www.tnr.com/blog/john-mcwhorter/75710/english-special-because-its-globish