Canadian-speak
When I lived in Canada (I’m Australian) I noticed a common phrase used by interviewers and reporters was “could you speak to that” used in the sense of “Prime minister I believe you have discussed changes to the immigration policy... could you speak to that?” I found it a little uncomfortable and wondered if it was a new journalistic lingo phrase or a perfectly correct Canadian expression. Could any Canadians speak to that? : )
It goes back to the 17th century, meaning "to deal with or discuss or comment on". So it's not just a Canadian usage.
http://www.grammarphobia.com/blog/2007/04/so-to-speak.html
John4 Oct-18-2007
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