WASYLEWSKI Stanisław - NA KOŃCU JĘZYKA Poznań [1930].

WASYLEWSKI Stanisław - NA KOŃCU JĘZYKA

Polish Publisher R.WEGNER, Poznan [1930]. Dimensions 18.5x13.5 cm; pages 200. Hardcover, half cloth. Slight soiling, scuffs. Gentle dampstaining on pages.

Wasylewski not only explains where specific words came from, but sets them in the context of Polish customs and history. He traces the fate of words that changed their meaning, went out of use (archaisms) or came to us from distant countries.

The book has a storytelling character. The author cites numerous dilemmas, quotations from ancient literature, diaries and documents. He shows how the language reflected Polish temperament, fashions (e.g., the influence of French) and social changes.

Wasylewski considers why certain phrases become popular, while others arouse resistance. He analyzes:

How cursing and compliments changed over time.

How the language of the salons differed from the speech of the people.

How the "spirit of the age" affects how we speak to each other.

The book makes you realize that language is not a collection of dead rules, but a living organism that is constantly "working".