Do's and Taboos of Using English Around The World

by Roger E. Axtell

Axtel is a former VP of Worldwide Marketing for the Parker Pen company who has spent 30 years living and traveling abroad.This book is aimed at anyone trying to be understood while speaking English with non-native speakers at home or abroad.Axtel also makes important distinctions between English speakers from different countries.The book features both amusing anecdotes and helpful advice.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Language

208 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1995

Reviews

[Erikka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't impressed. Some of the things were interesting, but most of it was outdated and even sometimes offensive to the cultures mentioned. Even some things that weren't outwardly offensive were stereotypical thoughts that could be construed as offensive. Also, and this is just something that bothers me, when you teach me a word in another language, don't just write it phonetically, show me what it looks like spelled properly!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light read with a lot fun anecdotes to illustrate particular points. Very rudimentary discussion of cultural differences that influence communication.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Books about words have to be very good to hold up over time. It is a high bar and certainly this is not the only book ever published that falls short.

[John Gentry · Rating 2 out of 5]

you know I really pondered whether to keep this book or give it away. I went back and forth throwing pros and con's out. on one hand I enjoyed the humor and I thought, "wouldn't this type of book always contain valuable information?" on the other hand I couldn't help thinking it was dated. after an additional read through the other hand one out.

[Lindig · Rating 4 out of 5]

useful stuff, though not an indepth study.

[Peterson]

fgh

[Blue Caeruleus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! It's both a humorous and an informative account of the difficulties that people all over the world have the English language, particularly the American dialect(s).