Eliminating an unwanted language, and Shakespeare in Shona

Top five language stories this month with Patrick and Carol: Shakespeare’s plays will be performed in 38 languages next year in London; two new studies on texting focus on grammar acquisition and the habits of Australians; an effort to eradicate a Colonial-era pidgin still used by South African mineworkers; attempts to keep Russian and Chinese free of English words; and a new book by Nicholas Ostler sparks a debate about the staying power of English.