Green MP Tamatha Paul’s Parliament speech on English language sparks debate
A viral parliamentary speech describing English as a 'bastard language' has prompted discussion about the history and nature of English in Aotearoa.
A Green MP's recent speech in Parliament characterising English as a 'bastard language' has generated wider conversation about the language's history and power dynamics in New Zealand. Language experts have weighed in on the accuracy of the claims made, with debate over whether major languages can be considered linguistically 'pure' and the extent to which English functions as a dominant force.
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NZ Herald
Green MP Tamatha Paul’s claim English ‘a bastard language’ is broadly correct, but her speech had errors – Professor Paul Moon
OPINION: There are no major languages which could stake a claim to be absolutely 'pure'.
RNZ
Is English a 'predator language?'
A viral speech in Parliament calling English a "bastard language" has opened up a wider conversation about the history and power of the language in Aotearoa.