The birth of punctuation: from oral traditions to silent reading. Noun clusters. A wing wang in a mucket.
23 April - 16 mins979. In the first segment, we unravel the mysteries surrounding the origins and transformation of punctuation. From the early days when words ran together without spaces, to the introduction of punctuation systems by scholars like Aristophanes, we explore how punctuation has played a pivotal role in shaping written communication.
In the second segment, we look at noun clusters that can gum up your writing. You'll see how simple steps like reordering, adding clarifying words, and transforming nouns into verbs can transform noun clusters from mind-bending to crystal clear.
> The punctuation segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada in R...
Series Episodes
Air worms and fire breathing dragons: Old English animal stories with Hana Videen
982. Delve into the fascinating world of Old English with medievalist Hana Videen, author of "The Deorhord." We'll uncover the secrets of Old English animal names, from "walking weaver" for spider to the ominous "unland" for a whale's deceptive island.
30 mins
2 May Finished
When (and How) Should You Cite AI? 'Critters,' 'Varmints,' and Beyond. Choobers.
981. Major style guides now have advice on when and how you should cite AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. We look at what you need to include in your writing so you're handling this kind of information credibly and professionally. Then, we take a linguistic safari through the world of animal terminology, including the histories and nuances behind words such as "critter," "varmint," and "beast."
17 mins
30 April Finished
Exploring the 'Funnest' Parts of Language with Anne Curzan
980. This week, I talk with with Anne Curzan about the fascinating world of language evolution, her new book, "Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Language," and why linguists should take marketing tips from Apple and why Ben Franklin thought the word "colonize" was bad.
33 mins
25 April Finished
How to become a supercommunicator, with Charles Duhigg
978. Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, Charles Duhigg, as we talk about mastering the art of communication and his new book, "Supercommunicators." We explore the skills anyone (yes, you!) can learn to become a powerful communicator. (Grammar Girl Conversations)
19 mins
18 April Finished
Big changes in Associated Press style. The 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' finale was catawampus. Bappy
977. This week, we cover the latest AP Stylebook updates that were just revealed at the ACES conference. From the switch to Merriam-Webster to easing up on the word "unique," we look at what these changes mean for writers and editors. Plus, we explore "catawampus" thanks to its cameo in the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" finale. Learn about its quirky origins, regional differences, and wordy friends like "kitty-corner."
13 mins
16 April Finished
