World leading language expert was Crystal-clear on visit to Cambridge
- Release Date: 12/06/2009
- Country of Issue: United Kingdom
- Category: Corporate
A world-renowned expert on language paid a flying visit to Cambridge yesterday to help Cambridge University Press mark its 425th anniversary.
David Crystal is revered around the world for his expertise in linguistics and has written two specialist encyclopedias for the University Press: The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language and The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language.
Passionate about English and its many uses around the world, David is often the expert on TV and radio programmes about language and he is a regular contributor to internet discussions.
His fascinating analysis of the way language was used by President Barack Obama in his inaugural speech is a popular internet read.
David pointed out in his speech that 2009 marks 20 years since his work on the general-interest Cambridge Encyclopedia and reflected at length on the tensions between publishing deadlines, accurate reference book entries and world events. Clearly, putting the finishing touches to entries on European politics is tricky when the Berlin wall is crumbling around your ears.
Crystal spoke to an invited audience at the West Road Concert Hall on the theme of anniversaries. Chief Executive of Cambridge University Press, Stephen Bourne, said: “David Crystal has long been acknowledged around the world as one of the most influential thinkers and writers on the English language. As English is the medium through which the University Press publishes its many thousands of titles, he was the ideal person to speak to us in our anniversary year and we were delighted to welcome him to Cambridge.”
The David Crystal lecture also features music from Britten Sinfonia, a chamber orchestra based in Cambridge and an arts partner of the University Press.
The University Press is celebrating 425 years as the world’s oldest publisher and business brand.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
1. For more information contact Public Relations Manager Hannah Gregory on 01223 325544, or 07984 181540.
2. To discover more about David Crystal, visit his website at www.davidcrystal.com
About Cambridge University Press
Cambridge University Press is the publishing business of the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s leading research institutions. It is the oldest University Press in the world, having been operating continuously since 1584.
Throughout its history, the Press has maintained a reputation for innovation and enterprise, through its use of printing technologies, through publishing the latest research, and through supporting the latest methodologies for teaching and learning. Its purpose is to advance learning, knowledge and research worldwide. It publishes over 240 journals and between 2,500 to 4,000 books annually for distribution in most countries around the world.
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