

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.
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Transcript
Episode notes
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Etymology and Education: A Lighthearted Look
01:37 • 3min
Grading Biases and Decision-Making
05:03 • 6min
Grading Bias and Sound Symbolism
10:52 • 12min
Language Play and Etymological Exploration
23:06 • 14min
Unraveling Etymology's Mysteries
36:48 • 17min
Unraveling Etymology: The Intricacies of Language Origins
53:24 • 15min
Exploring New Linguistic Concepts: Centaur and Reverse Centaur
01:08:22 • 1min
Centaurs and Automation: Balancing AI and Human Roles
01:09:52 • 6min
Wheels, Wit, and Arsenal
01:15:28 • 11min
Sporeulate and Environmental Solutions
01:26:08 • 4min
The Decomposition Dance: Plastics, Spores, and Listener Engagement
01:29:49 • 2min
Celebrating Supporters with Humor and Creativity
01:32:10 • 2min
Anecdotes and Appreciation
01:33:56 • 5min
Evolving Representation in Media
01:38:40 • 5min