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The Next Big Idea Daily

Finding for the Good in Bad English

Jun 12, 2024
12:43
Snipd AI
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.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

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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