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Language A to Z cover art

Language A to Z

By: John McWhorter, The Great Courses
Narrated by: John McWhorter
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Publisher's Summary

Linguistics, the study of language, has a reputation for being complex and inaccessible. But here's a secret: There's a lot that's quirky and intriguing about how human language works-and much of it is downright fun to learn about. But with so many potential avenues of exploration, it can often seem daunting to try to understand it. Where does one even start?

In these twenty-four 15-minute lectures by one of the best-known popularizes of language, you'll discover a delightful way to get accessible, bite-sized introductions to language. Using the English alphabet as a unique, offbeat way to approach the subject, Professor McWhorter has crafted a hopscotch tour of some of the field's major topics, hot-button issues, and more.

You'll learn why it can actually be OK to use slang like "LOL." Why English speakers don't use words like "thou" and "thee" anymore. What makes "mama" and "papa" a child's first words-in many languages. How popular rhymes like "Eeny, meeny, miney, moe") actually derive from the words for numbers in an early relative of Welsh. Why "like" is here to stay in common American speech. And much more.

These and other fascinating topics are all delivered in Professor McWhorter's light-hearted yet informative teaching style, which makes this series essential for anyone looking for a welcoming window into the quirks, curiosities, and intricacies of how language works. Filled with humor, whimsy, and no shortage of insights, it's a fast-paced tour of the same territory linguists tread each and every day.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2012 The Great Courses (P)2012 The Teaching Company, LLC

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Never fails

Great content, really interesting and great delivery. This is the second course of John McWhorter that I have really enjoyed.

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Love love love

I am so enjoying the courses that are included with Audible - this one is particularly good. John McWhorter is a fun insightful and engaging lecturer- I highly recommend this course and the history of Language both offer by the great courses. Excellent exploitation of language and linguistics as it intersects with history and culture.

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Great short pop-linguistics

John McWhorter is very engaging and a great teacher. This is a great starting point for those interested in languages and linguistics. The ~15 minute lectures are succinct and enjoyable.

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Great easy to understand intro into the subject

this is a great way to start to learn and become more interesred in lingusitics.
the narator is fun, interesting and makes the talks fun and engaging.

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