63: Mailbag of Yeah-No (with Isabelle Burke)
Just two words, but they do so much. But what exactly? Here to answer that question is Dr Isabelle Burke, who has studied yeah-no in depth. She's also going to help us with these Mailbag questions. Why is LIKE so resilient? Why can we say "I very much enjoy…" but not "I much enjoy…" or "I very enjoy…"? When is a loanword not a loanword? Do word processors have a problem with singular THEY? Why doesn't English have diacritics?
3 Nov 20221h 27min
62: Language in Spaaaaace (with Hannah Little)
Yes, linguistics is all through the world of sci-fi, but science fiction has had a surprising impact on linguistic research as well. Dr Hannah Little is cataloguing the ways in a new book, and she joins us for this episode.
22 Okt 20221h 47min
61: Together at Last
It's Ben, Hedvig, and Daniel all together in the same place for the first time. We're talking about the state of the show, the state of linguistics communication, and where we are after all these years.
8 Okt 20221h 15min
60: The Crossworld (with Hayley Gold)
Language isn't just for communication — it's fun. For over a hundred years, crosswords have served as entertainment, and even been blamed for society's ills. Turns out crosswords are serious business. Author and illustrator of Letters to Margaret and crossword enthusiast Hayley Gold takes us into the history and the discussions happening in the world of crosswords — the Crossworld. You can buy Hayley's book Letters to Margaret at this link: https://shop.lonesharkgames.com/collections/letters-to-margaret
13 Sep 20221h 49min
59: Mailbag of Ew
In which we get together for a chat, talk about stuff we like, and — oh, yeah — answers a few questions from our great listeners. Other languages have a word for late morning, before noon. Why doesn't English have one? Why is EW the sound some English speakers make when disgusted? Why can you have potatoes, but not broccolis? Who started calling the YouTube description the DOOBLEYDOO? Is it WHOA or WOAH? Why do we use capital i for the pronoun I?
30 Aug 20221h 13min
58: Expression Unleashed (with Thom Scott-Phillips and Joshua Blackburn)
Today, we communicate. But once, we didn't. What had to happen in our brains to make communication possible? And why don't other animals do it like we do? We talk to Dr Thom Scott-Phillips about his new work in the social and cognitive origins of communication. And game creator Joshua Blackburn is going to test Daniel's linguistic prowess with questions from the hottest game on Kickstarter, League of the Lexicon.
3 Aug 20221h 46min
57: Potluck (live, with friends)
Our friends, listeners, and patrons give us so many great stories, news, and words, so for this live episode, we're having them tell these language stories in their own words. Thanks to PharaohKatt, Lord Mortis, Ariaflame, seejanecricket, Aristemo, O Tim, Ditte, Rodger, and Ben (not the host one).
27 Juli 20221h 26min
56: Diego's Digest
Our listeners and patrons send in so many great ideas, stories, and words. For this episode, listener and prolific contributor Diego has put together an entire show for our edification. ASL may have changed to include copular BE What's going on with French-only laws in Quebec? Why is an Indian airport broadcasting covid information in Sanskrit? And more.
14 Juli 20221h 5min
