Knit to This
Lexicon Valley
Dear Ann,
It’s exciting times for this reluctant podcast-listener. Thanks to my good buddy Stephen Colbert, I’ve found a podcast that I love.
I predict that I will knit my way through every single episode of Lexicon Valley, a podcast about language hosted by Columbia linguistics professor John McWhorter.
I started with Episode 111: Is There a Jewish Way of Talking?
Next up for me: Episode 124: An Accidental Sanctity: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible.
If you’re interested in words, their usage, and how language changes, and changes, and changes, you will be entertained richly by Lexicon Valley. It’s light, smart, and entertaining, and you learn something.
You want I should spell it out for you? Dayenu! I’m verklempt!
Love,
Kay
I second this recommendation. Another good episode is The Language of Female Friendships
This podcast may be my gateway drug to podcasts! Have you ever read Bill Bryson’s The Mother Tongue? It came out forever ago but it riveting. Most libraries will have it.
Sounds right up my alley. Can’t wait to start on it.
A Way With Words is another great podcast on English usage, colloquialisms, and history. The two hosts are informative and lively, never pretentious.
How have I not heard of this? Thank you! For those of us who miss Bill Safire’s On Language column.
Thanks Kay! I’ve been on the hunt for something new in my podcast feed.
I used to listen to Lexicon Valley when it was on Slate.com. Glad to see it’s still around. I’m not one for podcasts, but I love that one.
Edit – just realized it’s still on Slate! Not sure why I missed it there. Happy dance!
John McWhorter has also done a Great Courses series on language (not just English) that is really fascinating. I’m not sure if it’s one you can get on Audible, I bought it years ago and have listened to it a couple of times. I’m not much of a podcast person, but I may make an exception for this. Thanks!
I just started listening to this podcast! (Because I saw Dr Mc Whorter on Stephen’s show) Love it.
I caught that same segment on Stephen Colbert’s show, and immediately checked out the podcast. It’s SOOO good!!!! I too will be knitting my way through every episode! THANKS, KAY!!!
Omg I’m going to love this.
Not on iTunes? So I’m saving this page so I can come back to it…
Kay, thank you for this. It is so good, I’m kveling!
Ah this is new to me. Thanks very much for the tip.
I have tried a few of John McWhorter’s books and always found something interesting.
I had heard he is a dynamic professor. Not surprised!
I always love it when knitting and linguistics collide!
Oh, this is excellent. What a find! My inner professor Higgins is delighted.
Oh, my nerdy heart is beating faster! Off to subscribe!