Word of Mouth

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BBC Radio 4 LW

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Series exploring the world of words and the ways in which we use them

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Word of Mouth: Grammar Table

Grammar Table

BBC Radio 4 - Word of Mouth, Grammar Table

Michael Rosen is joined by grammar fanatic Ellen Jovin.

Overcoming grammar insecurity. Michael Rosen is joined by grammar and language fanatic Ellen Jovin.

Ellen Jovin is a grammar and language fan. Her book Rebel With A Clause: Tales and Tips From A Roving Grammarian details her travels with her Grammar Table. Keen to engage with people face to face rather than online Ellen purchased a fold up table and set off on a road trip around the United States setting up on street corners and waiting for people to talk to her. The idea was that people could come and ask her about language and grammar without being made to feel stupid. Common questions included when to use commas and semi-colons and the right way to say 'nuclear' (think George Bush). Although she had lots of fun on her trip and met many interesting people along the way, Ellen's main intention is to help people with written and spoken English presentation in their public and working lives without the need for grammar books.

Producer: Maggie Ayre

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