54 episodes

A podcast about language, with host John McWhorter.

lexiconvalley.substack.com

Lexicon Valley from Booksmart Studios Lexicon Valley

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.9 • 432 Ratings

A podcast about language, with host John McWhorter.

lexiconvalley.substack.com

    What Is Miami English?

    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

    • 26 min
    Report of the Trial of Levi Weeks

    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

    • 29 min
    I Got My Nails Did!

    I Got My Nails Did!

    Many English verbs have three forms — sing, sang and sung, for example. The problem is that speakers seem to want only two. 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

    • 29 min
    To v. Too

    To v. Too

    Too — whether about excess, addition or contradiction — evolved from to. 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

    • 27 min
    Picture of Health

    Picture of Health

    Some languages adopt their “health” word from the concept of wholeness — a metaphor that makes perfect sense. Other languages, however, adopt their “health” word from trees. 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

    • 23 min
    The Right Stuff

    The Right Stuff

    Like the French word droit, English’s right has taken on a number of useful metaphorical meanings. 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

    • 28 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
432 Ratings

432 Ratings

Xbound24 ,

Loved his books, love this podcast

I have loved John McWhorter’s books and am sad that I have only JUST learned about this podcast…but I relish being able to go back through its archives! Prof. McWhorter makes his subject such a joy to learn about, and his broad breadth of knowledge about so MANY languages gives the listener such a wide base to learn from. Thank you, Professor! Your podcast is a joyful speck in my day.

Update: every episode I’ve listened to so far is great and makes me laugh.

J_Live215 ,

Perspective-enlarging and FUN

Love your voice, John!

Lenticular Thoughts ,

Words of Reason, Voice of Sanity

He’s changed me from a petty prescriptivist to someone who appreciates a changing landscape. Not only is his pretty much the only calm voice of reason on what we(‘re allowed to) say and why, but his delivery is effectively calming. I listen to this when I need meditation and want validation. We’re with you, John!

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Unwell Network
PJ Vogt, Audacy, Jigsaw
iHeartPodcasts
On Being Studios
Jay Ruderman
This American Life

You Might Also Like

Slate Podcasts
Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne
Glenn Loury
Kevin Stroud
Peach Fish Productions
Helen Zaltzman