Grant Barrett

Grant Barrett, a linguist and lexicographer at Dictionary.com, talks about the American Dialect Society's Words of the Year vote. Tim Brookes, an author and advocate for preserving writing systems, discusses World Endangered Writing Day and the importance of preserving endangered writing systems. The podcast covers topics like language variation, regional variations in soft drink names, and the historical significance of writing systems like Glagolytic and Tifuna.

Grant Barrett, a California-based linguist and co-host of A Way With Words, reveals the intriguing dynamics of California English. He discusses how cultural and geographical factors shape this variant, highlighting the distinctions between Northern and Southern accents. Listeners learn about the evolving language, including the Cot merger, slang terms like 'dude,' and the influence of Spanish on place names. Barrett emphasizes the importance of using proper terms, showcasing the rich tapestry of regional dialects and local pronunciations.