This story particularly caught my eye today both in the papers this morning and then Radio 5 Live earlier this evening. There is a move by the Queen’s English Society to form an Academy of English to protect and adjudicate on the proper use of English worldwide.

It’s interesting on a number of levels. A lot of people will say “who knows what the correct version of English is?” and the answer to that one is simple – anyone who understands the rules of grammar and cares enough to stick to them. The next question is “So which version of English are we talking about?” and the answer to that again is simple – the original, English one.

Then we move onto “How do you expect to get people to speak English according to the rules?” and the answer to that is that there is no expectation to be able to do this – the academy is simply there to preserve the heritage and providence of the language. In France and Spain, similar academies exist.

The final objection is usually one of snobbery – the idea that correct use of English is somehow a statement of class and superiority. I don’t accept that  our great language should become a pawn  through which people express their desired status. It may be that there are differences in English proficiency between socio-economic groups but the academy wouldn’t seek to highlight those and nor should it. Neither must it be held hostage by any perceived taboo within them.

It is important that we understand the unique place our language has served in the world in modern historical times. Those who enjoy it in a purer form than one typically encounters in everyday life should have an establishment that ensures future generations can do so too.