About

My name is David Bryden. I have taught English in secondary school for over twenty years. I also taught English to students in Japan for nearly ten years.

As the title of my blog suggests, I like to write about things to do with language and literature.

I now realise that my degree in English and American Literature was only the starting point of my understanding of this subject. Since then, I’ve been building up my knowledge and understanding of this subject – and how it applies in the classroom.

Therefore, this site contains tips, ideas, and practical explanations about language and literature that, I think, will be of use to both teachers and students.

It also contains explorations of things to do with language and literature, because, well, as I said at the start, I like to write about those sort of things.

I don’t make any great claims to originality. Nor can I say that everything on here has been tried and tested in the classroom.

I’m really just following my nose and seeing where it takes me. If you know where I can get more information on the particular things I write about, then do let me know …

When reading, please bear in mind that I’m usually very busy and don’t always have time to check, correct and perfect.

It’s worth keeping in mind something Daniel Defoe wrote about his works: “I shall be cavilled at about my mean style, rough verse and incorrect language, things I indeed might have taken more care in. But the book is printed, and though I see some faults it is too late to mend them.”