Immigrant Tongues - by Patrick Foote (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Patrick Foote's Immigrant Tongues is the ultimate language history book, blending stories of migration, culture, and evolution to uncover how languages have shaped our world. Perfect for fans of linguistics gifts and etymology dictionaries, this book combines the fascinating history of English language development with tales of other lingua francas and their profound global impact.

Discover how languages transform and adapt.

From the history of the English language's arrival in the United States to the spread of Arabic across North Africa and the enduring legacy of the Latin language, Immigrant Tongues explores the journeys of tongues across continents. Each chapter delves into the origins of a language, the native tongues it encountered, and how it adapted and evolved in its new home. With a style that balances entertainment and depth, this linguistics book also highlights the cultural exchanges that enriched language along the way.

Uncover the stories behind linguistic diversity. Whether you're intrigued by etymology gifts or searching for the perfect language book, this engaging narrative reveals the deep connections between geography, history, and the evolution of words. Explore the native languages spoken before immigrant tongues arrived, how languages like French and Māori transformed over time, and why some evolved into today's modern lingua francas.

Inside, you'll find:

• A detailed exploration of language origins and their journeys across the globe.


• Insight into how languages like English, Latin, and Arabic adapted to new cultural landscapes.


• Stories that deepen your appreciation for the interplay of linguistics and history.

Immigrant Tongues is more than a book--it's a treasured gift for history buffs, etymology lovers, and anyone fascinated by how words have shaped our world. The perfect linguistics present, this book celebrates the power and beauty of human communication.

If you liked Why Do We Say That?, Dictionary of Word Origins, or The Origin of Names, Words and Everything in Between: Volume II, you'll love Immigrant Tongues.

Review Quotes

"Patrick has always had the unique ability to get you caring about things you didn't realize you cared about. This book will make you care about why you talk the way you talk."

--Mr. Beat, educational YouTuber and author of The Power of Our Supreme Court