58 episodes
Lexicon Valley from Booksmart Studios Lexicon Valley
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- Society & Culture
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4.8 • 39 Ratings
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A podcast about language, with host John McWhorter.
lexiconvalley.substack.com
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Come Under Scrutiny
What does the bat in “acrobat” have to do with the word come? John explains.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com/subscribe -
Have Your Own Damn Self a Merry Little Christmas
Reflexive pronouns are redundant in a way, sure, but they’re also quite common in many languages. John explains.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com/subscribe -
When Did People Start Talking?
There’s good reason to believe that sophisticated speech began long before homo sapiens hit the scene. John explains.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com/subscribe -
Who's Afraid of Ayesha Rascoe?
Does Ayesha Rascoe have a good radio voice? Not according to many NPR listeners, who find her loud, high-pitched and generally grating. John explains.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com/subscribe -
What Is Miami English?
A recent study suggests that a new dialect is emerging in the southern part of Florida. John explains.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com/subscribe -
Report of the Trial of Levi Weeks
The trial transcript of a 225-year-old murder is filled with fascinating evidence of the way we used to talk. John explains.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com/subscribe
Customer Reviews
An intellectual and fascinating dive though language — and much else!
McWhorter is one of the world’s great thinkers. His NYT pieces are great reads, but his warmth and personality really come though best in this podcast.
It’s great even if you’re only a lowly monolingual speaker!
What a wonderful show!
John McWhorter is absolutely fantastic as the host of my favorite podcast ever. His laid back style, smooth delivery and focus on real life examples are what I love. He’s not afraid of getting into the details that others tend to avoid and that’s where the best parts are. I was a huge fan of the original Lexicon Valley podcast with Mike and Bob, but John has totally won me over. I’m even beginning to like the show tunes. Never stop John!
A favourite!
I loved this show on it’s previous network, it’s wonderful to find that my favourite show exists in a new place, because I was really sad to see it go!