Freakonomics Radio 300. Why Don’t We All Speak the Same Language? (Earth 2.0 Series)
Sep 14, 2017
Exploring the impacts of linguistic diversity, the influence of language on ideas and emotions, the challenges of communication barriers, and the language conflict in Sri Lanka. Also discusses the future of communication in a globalized world.
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Childhood Moment That Sparked a Career
- John McWhorter recalled hearing a four-year-old speak Hebrew and feeling devastated he couldn't understand her.
- That moment sparked his lifelong fascination with linguistic diversity.
Language Splinters Naturally Over Time
- Language changes naturally as it's passed between generations, like clouds changing shape.
- This mutability explains how one original tongue can split into thousands over time.
Big Languages Eat Small Ones
- A few large 'big fat' languages absorb many smaller ones, often via imperial or economic power.
- English's global dominance today stems from British imperialism and later American influence.