Because Language - a podcast about linguistics, the science of language. cover image

Because Language - a podcast about linguistics, the science of language.

98: Origin Uncertain (with Anatoly Liberman)

May 20, 2024
Anatoly Liberman, a leading etymologist and author of *Origin Uncertain*, takes listeners on a journey through the tangled roots of English words. He discusses the fascinating complexities of etymology and the challenges of tracing word origins. The conversation includes playful guessing games that illustrate the quirks of language and how it evolves. Liberman also highlights how biases can influence grading in education, connects linguistic sound symbolism to cultural perception, and explores new terms relevant to technology and AI.
01:43:19

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast explores the complexities of etymology, highlighting how words like 'jet' connect language to historical contexts.
  • Dr. Anatoly Liberman dispels myths about acronyms in linguistics, emphasizing the intricate historical evolution of most words instead.

Deep dives

Etymology Game Fun

The podcast features a lively discussion about the word game 'Related or Not,' where participants guess if two words are etymologically related. Throughout the conversation, there's humor and playful banter as hosts engage with each other's speculations and hypotheses around the origins of words. One interesting example explored is the word 'jet,' which traces its roots to a black stone used since antiquity, demonstrating the fascinating connection between language and history. This segment reflects the show's casual atmosphere while highlighting the complexities and quirks of language development.

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