Punch as a satirical usage guide
Punch as a satirical usage guide
Punch magazine is a primary source for popular attitudes to language in the nineteenth century. This chapter presents the findings of a comprehensive search of the issues published in the Victorian era, between 1841 and 1901, to determine which linguistic topics provided the motivation for articles and cartoons. Particular attention is devoted to grammar (especially the ongoing influence of Lindley Murray) and pronunciation (especially the use and abuse of ‘letter H’), but a number of other themes also emerged, notably in relation to vocabulary, slang, orthography, and style. Languages other than English (especially French) also receive satirical attention. A chronologically organized appendix lists all the items found.
Keywords: Punch, grammar, pronunciation, Lindley Murray, attitudes to language, Victorian period
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