'Madam, how dare you distort, desecrate and defile the English language....'(reaction to Reith lectures on language; Perspective)

Article Abstract:

Jean Aitchison, Rupert Murdoch professor of language and communication at Oxford University, England, reflects on the fury aroused by her 1996 BBC Reith lectures on the subject of language broadcast on Radio 4. The complaints she received fell into a number of categories, the most straightforward being objections to her pronunciation of a particular word. Other complaints stemmed from people not hearing what she had said. She also received complaints from people whose dislike of something she had said led them to disapprove of what they perceived to be her lifestyle.

Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Public opinion, Radio addresses, debates, etc., Radio addresses, Aitchison, Jean

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What is so great about lectures? (the demise of conventional one-way teaching)

Article Abstract:

The software teaching of modular physics (SToMP) is an alternative to conventional lectures. It involves distance learning principles and the development of integrated multimedia documents and interactive programs. The Microcosm multimedia document management system handles the hyperlinking and provides information retrieval facilities. A study into the use of SToMP in universities found that students learned as well or slightly better than when conventional methods were used.

Usage, Study and teaching, Physics, Interactive computer systems, Interactive media

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A standard complaint

Article Abstract:

Some observers have complained of declining standards in written English and poor levels of literacy, but different types of English are appropriate to meet different needs. Informal language can sometimes be desirable, although verbs should be used. The use of formal language is declining in reflection of changes in English life, and students are developing other skills instead of writing techniques, such as skills for using Email and searching the Internet.

Methods, English language, Written communication

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