Intelligence Squared
Susie Dent On the Wonders of the English Language (Part 2)
Jan 12, 2025
Susie Dent, a renowned lexicographer and etymologist from Channel 4’s Countdown, dives into the charm of the English language. She shares captivating insights into its evolution, the emergence of slang, and how emojis shape modern communication. The discussion touches on the complexities of language in mystery writing and hilariously misinterpreted emojis. Dent also highlights the beauty of profanity, its historical significance, and the creative richness it brings to the language, all while connecting these themes to her debut novel.
29:20
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Quick takeaways
- Susie Dent discusses how language acts as a tool for both inclusion and exclusion, particularly through evolving slang that adapts against attempts at decoding.
- The episode explores the emotional resonance of language and swearing, revealing how they serve as outlets for stress and reflect significant historical ties.
Deep dives
The Power of Language and Codes
The episode delves into the fascinating relationship between language and codes, emphasizing how language serves both as a means of communication and a barrier to create in-groups and out-groups. Susie Dent highlights the evolution of slang and its purpose to exclude outsiders, showcasing how quickly it adapts when authorities attempt to decode it. Emojis are examined as a modern form of language that can be both transparent and opaque, with their meanings often misunderstood, leading to humorous misinterpretations. The discussion further touches on the historical connection between written language, such as hieroglyphs, and the current use of emojis, revealing the complexities of how we communicate through visual symbols.
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