Do you know the difference between a rabbit and a hare? And what then is a bunny? Follow John through the etymological warrens of these several words. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com

It may seem apparent how we got from busyness to business, but the origins of the word “busy” itself are shrouded in mystery. John explains. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com

As a daily listener to WNYC Public Radio in New York City, John has noticed that a certain announcer frequently mispronounces words on air. He has thoughts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com

John, a skilled linguist with expertise in reconstructing Proto-Indo-European, shares fascinating insights into the intricacies of language families. He discusses how linguists have made strides in unraveling the mysteries of Indo-European languages while tackling the challenges of older, primarily oral languages. The conversation highlights the profound impact of global languages like English and Spanish on indigenous tongues and features a captivating story about the evolution of a unique language in Ukraine.

John, a language expert, discusses the impact of Indo-European languages on English, comparing the complexity of Russian and English grammar. The evolution of Germanic languages and possessive forms in English are explored, along with discussions on Ladino, Pashto, and Kurdish within the realm of Indo-European languages.

Explore the origins of Proto-Indo-European language through the Yamnaya people, the complexities of ancient languages like the Hittite language, and the unique sound changes in language development. Delve into the intriguing Hindi number system with unexpected changes and challenges in numerical naming conventions.

Delve into the complexities and evolution of the verb 'go' in English, exploring its historical roots and connection to Old English. Explore the impact of heavy language usage on irregular verb forms and the intricacies of 'go' in various languages. Discover the multifaceted uses of 'go' in songwriting and language, highlighting its idiomatic expressions. Compare the nuances of English language usage to other languages and explore the complexities of expressing 'go' in different languages.

Exploring language evolution, the podcast delves into the origins of words like 'acrobat' and 'come'. From superhero attire to English spelling quirks, the discussion covers the transformation of sounds and meanings spanning from Old English to Proto-Indo-European. Unraveling the complexity of prefixes and verb shifts in English and Germanic languages reveals the dynamic nature of language.

Reflexive pronouns are redundant in a way, sure, but they’re also quite common in many languages. John explains. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com

This podcast explores the origins and timeline of human language, challenging the belief that it originated in Europe and presenting evidence that points to Africa. It also delves into the mental capabilities of Homo erectus and the purpose of language in coordinating activities. The podcast touches upon the genetic connection between language and the Fox P2 gene, as well as the linguistic capabilities of Neanderthals and early humans.