AllMovie

Program one in the series The Story of English explores the development of modern English and shows how English has become the language of choice for international business, diplomacy, and popular culture. Public School English as spoken in Britain's finest schools is also discussed. The video includes interviews with American language expert William Safire and an appearance by Moon Unit Zappa as she demonstrates Valley Girl slang. The video also features interviews with ordinary people (a young woman from India and a student from Eton in England) discussing how their knowledge and usage affects their lives and futures. Robert McNeil hosts.