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A College Professor Explains Why "Like" and "Literally" Are Actually Good English

May 8, 2024
Sociolinguist Valerie Fridland explains why common filler words like 'like' and 'literally' are actually beneficial in communication. She discusses the history and psychology behind these words, challenging misconceptions about linguistic decline. Fridland highlights the importance of language diversity, the evolution of words like 'like' in English, and the function of intensifiers like 'literally'. The podcast explores the adaptability of language over time and the significance of slang terms like 'dude' in various subcultures.
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