Ocean State Libraries

Teaches English as a second language to Vietnamese speakers through the use of pictures dealing with everyday topics such as thebody, post office, law, travel, and family.

"From the creator of the New York Times dialect quiz that ignited conversations about how and why we say the words we say, a stunning and delightful exploration of American language." --

Bill Bryson, bestselling author of The Mother Tongue, now celebrates its magnificent offspring in the book that reveals once and for all how a dusty western hamlet with neither woods nor holly came to be known as Hollywood . . . and exactly why Mr. Yankee Doodle called his be feathered cap "Macaroni."

Provides definitions of thousands of words and phrases found in American English, with information on origins and usage; identifies notable people and places; and offers advice on grammar and spelling and other details.