Concerning the American Language by Mark Twain - Essay Example

Concerning the American Language by Mark Twain The essay talked about the difference between the American and English languages. For most people, both languages are the same. It would be hard to distinguish one from another, but for the author of the essay, it is easy to distinguish the difference. The pronunciation is different for both languages. English language is spoken through the nose while the American language is not. The debate between the Englishman and the author may show the clash between the two languages.

For the author this scenario is very important because as the title tells the reader, American language is important. The essay points out the “problem” concerning the American language. It should not just be compared to English language because American language is distinct in terms of pronunciation and meaning of words. Although the history shows that the American language came from the English language, it is still unfair to consider the English language as the correct language and the American language is incorrect.

According to the author’s point of view, there is no point of comparison since American language evolved from English language and developed its own identity as proven by 250 years of existence as the English language spread in the American region. As it spread, the meanings, pronunciation and other words also change. The language evolution was greatly affected by geographical locations and culture of people in certain regions. Despite of the changes in the language, the New England is still somehow heavily influenced by the England itself.

The Yankees are the small population about four million people residing in the New York area. This was the region where the Englishmen planted English language in the American region. Although time has passed by, English dictionary like Webster’s dictionary still calls the language as English language instead of American language. The basis for the language is still English language that causes the dilemma to the identity of the American language which is the very soul of the American people.