The Next Big Idea Daily
Finding for the Good in Bad English
Jun 12, 2024
Linguist Valerie Fridland discusses how speech habits like 'like' and 'literally' improve communication. She challenges prescriptivism, explores the evolution of language, and debunks misconceptions. The podcast also delves into the influence of specific groups on linguistic changes and the benefits of filled pauses in speech.
12:43
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Quick takeaways
- Speech patterns like 'like' and 'literally' may improve communication efficiency despite being criticized.
- Filled pauses in speech, such as 'ums' and 'uhs', aid in cognitive processing and memory recall.
Deep dives
Evolution of Language Norms
Language norms are often mistaken for rules, yet they actually stem from social preferences developed over time. Valerie Friedland suggests that speech patterns perceived as annoying could signal a healthy, evolving language. Throughout history, prescriptivism emerged to dictate correct language features, reinforcing class distinctions. Linguistic evolution, led by various societal influencers, challenges traditional notions of language correctness.
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