Instruction
Bragg uses words like “ruthless,” obstinate,” and tenacious” to describe the English
language. To what extent do you think that English has a personality apart from the people who
speak it? Here, reconsider Heidegger’s idea from about language speaking before the people who
speak it. In part two, deepen this idea by looking at Bragg pp.49-50. He makes a distinction
between the words English speaking people used and the words used by the Norman occupiers.
His point is, that English, while taking on Norman words, was still, essentially English in that it
expressed a power relationship. In this section I want you to think about the controversy
regarding Spanish and immigration. Brainstorm a list of all the Spanish words you know (and
you do know some) and use daily (and you do). Then what category do these words fall under,
using Bragg’s methodology? What does this tell you about the “real” threat to English?
(3-pages).