I was talking with a friend about what counts as good writing and mentioned George Orwell’s much celebrated essay on ‘Politics of the English language’. In it Orwell argues writers should think carefully about the language they use as doing so not only produces clear, concise articles for others to read but also enables writers… Continue reading Orwell, Klemperer and language
Tag: writing
Academic writing retreats: are they worth it?
The university in which I work puts on two-day writing retreat events – these are not residential but just an opportunity to work on something in a dedicated space, in the presence of colleagues all doing their own writing. I try to go to these when I can, I find I can concentrate better in… Continue reading Academic writing retreats: are they worth it?
Is it few or less people?
I have to read a lot of essays and theses recently and notice that I am getting a obsessive about the 'correct' use of language. I don't like myself for it as I consider myself as flexible and tolerant about the way that language is used. More specifically, I think language rules should be descriptive… Continue reading Is it few or less people?
Michael Hammond 