DR. WODEHOUSE'S ENGLISH
SIR,—In your issue of July 28th, " Janus" expresses the view that in recommending foreign students to read P. G. Wodehouse as a means of perfecting their English I have been guilty of giving " shocking advice." He then proceeds to give an example taken at random from the particular P. G. W. volume which is having its turn at his bedside. The phrase he quotes is precisely of the type which induces me to recom- mend this author to foreign students who wish to perfect their knowledge of English, and surely no foreigner can be said to have mastered our language if he is unable to appreciate one of our most widely read authors. I do not, of course, re- commend P. G. W. to beginners, nor do I ask that the advanced student should imitate him. Why, I don't know of any Englishman who can do that! But I do maintain that the careful study of the works of Dr. Wodehouse will give the foreigner not only a better understanding of our colloquial usage, but also a better knowledge of the English themselves. To know English well it is essential to learn as far as possible what every Englishman understands, and no Englishman requires to have explained to him what is meant by " green about the gills " however " poor an old bird " he may be.—
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