Close menu

Programme Index

Discover 11,128,835 listings and 279,799 playable programmes from the BBC

The Routes of English: 1,000 Years of Spoken English: 5: Freezing the River

BBC Radio 4
on BBC Radio 4 FM

Melvyn Bragg continues his exploration of the history of the spoken language of Britain.

Incessantly changing, shifting styles and phraseology, restless as a waterway, the English language has often been compared to an onrushing river. Yet for at least 350 years people have been trying to pin the language down, catalogue its components and fix its grammar and pronunciation. Bragg follows the trail of the language fixers and their opponents, from the 16th century to today.

(Repeated Tuesday 1.30pm)

Contributors

Presenter:
Melvyn Bragg
Producer:
Tom Alban
Producer:
Simon Elmes
Source: Radio Times

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Appears in

Suggest an Edit

We are trying to reflect the information printed in the Radio Times magazine.

  • Press the 'Suggest an Edit' button
  • Type in any changes to the title, synopsis or contributor information using the Radio Times Style Guide for reference.
  • Click the Submit Edits button.
    Your changes will be sent for verification and if accepted, will appear in due course More