THE KING'S ENGLISH
Sir-The NZBS sets a high standard in English grammar and pronunciation. (Maybe a bit too high for some people.) But, sir, when we hearmtwo announcements following closely on each other, asking us to "contact the nearest police station," and some good advice in which we are enjoined to "contact" our grocer or baker or car salesman we wonder whether our education is being neglected in the use of the word. We recall a learned judge expressing his distaste for the term. Not alone is the NZBS. IL have seen several letters written by senior men in Government service who so use "contact"; and at this moment I have a letter from a head teacher of no small school suggesting we "contact so-and-so."
STANDARD VI
(New Plymouth).
Sir,-While concurring with "A.M.’s" plea for simple English, may I point out that the BBC is not incorrect in referring to "medical advisers" rather than to "doctors"? Legally a doctor is a person who has been granted a doctorate by a recognised university, it usually being the highest degree available in any faculty. Doctorates are available within the British Empire ‘in science, music, law, divinity, literature, medicine and dentistry, while the degree of Doctor of Philosophy covers a wider range of subjects. Originally the honorary title of "doctor" was adopted by those who were Licentiates or Bachelors of Medicine in order to conform in stvle with those who did actually hold doctorates of the Royal College of Physicians, and the word has been adopted into our language as a colloquialism, meaning one who doctors or treats medically. In view of the increasing number of persons, both here and overseas, who do hold doctorates within their own faculties, the time is possibly ripe for the clarification of the position regarding the honorary use of the title.
NO FALSE COLOURS
(Auckland). —
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19530522.2.12.3
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 28, Issue 723, 22 May 1953, Page 5
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308THE KING'S ENGLISH New Zealand Listener, Volume 28, Issue 723, 22 May 1953, Page 5
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