Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 123, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 May 1919 — Americans Speak Numerous Languages Merged in One; Greek Quite in Evidence [ARTICLE]

Americans Speak Numerous Languages Merged in One; Greek Quite in Evidence

* The American in his everyday conversation speaks Greek, Latin, French, Saxon, Chinese, Indian and a dozen other languages all merged in one. The English language is more varied and full than any other, says Dr. C. H. Weller, head of the department of Greek, in a service bulletin of the University of lowa. Latin derivatives, along with Saxon, form the large part of our common speech. Scarcely a sentence is spoken in English without the use of Latin. Professor Weller mentions a would-be purist who gave this advice: “Avoid Latin derivatives; use terse, pure simple Saxon.” This sentence is found to contain but one single Saxon word—" Saxon.” The other seven words in the sentence are all Latin derivations. The Greek element in our words Is widespread and is especially prominent in science. The doctor cannot discuss medicine without speaking Greek. From this source more than any other is our language now being enriched.