Lexicon Valley from Booksmart Studios Lexicon Valley

There are at least five defining features among hundreds of related languages from English to Hindi to Russian. And what does any of that have to do with the Hittites? John explains.


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The simple verb to go quickly gets complex in just about any language and English is no exception. John explains.


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What does the bat in “acrobat” have to do with the word come? John explains.


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Reflexive pronouns are redundant in a way, sure, but they’re also quite common in many languages. John explains.


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There’s good reason to believe that sophisticated speech began long before homo sapiens hit the scene. John explains.


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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