A Proposal For Correcting, Improving And Ascertaining The English Tongue

Jonathan Swift's 1712 letter to the Earl of Oxford outlines a proposal to reform the English language, which he views as chaotic and lacking clear standards. He advocates for the establishment of a language academy and a standard dictionary, urging government involvement in promoting proper English usage and mandating its teaching in schools. This work is significant in the history of linguistics, emphasizing the need for clarity and consistency in language, and remains relevant in contemporary discussions about English language standards.