All Ears English Podcast AEE 1976: 3 Benefits of 'Like' with Linguist Valerie Fridland
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Apr 19, 2023 In this engaging discussion, Valerie Fridland, a linguist and author of "Like Literally Dude," shares her insights on the word 'like.' She challenges negative perceptions, revealing its role as a communicative tool that enhances dialogue and connection. Valerie recounts personal experiences with Southern accents and explains how 'like' serves beyond being a filler. She delves into its function in storytelling and highlights the evolving nature of language, suggesting that often-criticized features can enrich communication.
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Southern Accent Interference
- Valerie Fridland's Southern accent almost derailed her plans to major in Chinese.
- Her drill master said she sounded like she was singing Chinese opera, not speaking Chinese.
The Power of "Like"
- English speakers frequently use "like" as a discourse marker, not just a verb or preposition.
- While often criticized, "like" adds meaning by projecting opinions and evaluations, especially in conversations.
"Like" and the Frequency Illusion
- Overusing any word, even "tasty," can become annoying.
- The negativity towards "like" stems from the frequency illusion; we notice it more because we've been told it's bad.
