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The story of HMP Brixton's conversion in 1853 to a prison solely for female convicts.
Tue 11 Aug 2009 09:00 BBC Radio 4
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Fry's English Delight, Series 2 Episode 1 of 3
Stephen Fry explores the highways and byways of the English language.
Stephen examines how 'wrong' English can become right English. For example, nowadays, more people use the word 'wireless' in a computer context than in a radio one. With help from a lexicographer, an educationalist, a Times sub-editor and a judge, Stephen examines the way in which usage changes language.
He applauds the council leader who claimed the services provided by her local authority should be seen as strawberry-flavoured and castigates attempts at banning government jargon like step change and synergie. Banning words is fruitless; he favours blue sky thinking, and strawberry flavouring.
Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare by Jeremy Butterfield is published by OUP.
BBC Radio 4Tue 11 Aug 2009 09:00 BBC Radio 4
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