THE dynamics of language change is certainly ever-present now as Estuary English invades every television programme and youngsters pick it up from there. I was certainly surprised that a researcher seemingly hadn't heard the word "speug", a term used by "auld folk" ("Huams and speugs become a force of nature", The Herald, September 10).

What I have noticed is the use of "but". You have won £10 million, "but". You've won the holiday of a lifetime, "but". You're now on the priority list for that much needed operation, "but". The grandchildren are doing wonderful at school, "but". Straight talking is difficult with people now as everybody seems to be Philadelphia lawyers with their take on this and that, offering a counter-point that defies logical discussion and then introducing well-constructed havering, leaving you wondering if you are the daft one.

Jack Minnock,

9 Wallace Place, Falkirk.

NORMAN Brown (Letters, September 12) is not being pedantic. I learned at my golf club that instead of saying that he or she is going for the messages, the modern shopper "goes for a shop". I trust that said shopper is armed with a large cheque or a mortgage.

David Miller,

80 Prestonfield, Milngavie.