The question “Why do we use language?” seems hardly to require an answer. But, as is often the way with linguistic questions, our everyday familiarit… - David Crystal

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The question “Why do we use language?” seems hardly to require an answer. But, as is often the way with linguistic questions, our everyday familiarity with speech and writing can make it difficult to appreciate the complexity of the skills, we have learned. This is particularly so when we try to define the range of functions to which language can be put.

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About David Crystal

OBE FBA FLSW (born 6 July 1941) is a British linguist, academic, and author.

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The subject matter ranges from subtle forms of intellectual sarcasm and humor to the crudest possible attacks on a person's courage, sexual prowess, or relatives. At one level, attacks may be subtle and indirect, involving allusion and figurative speech; at another, there may be explicit taunts, boasts, name calling, and jokes at the other's expense.

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