Episode Summary: In this debut episode of Language Law and Order, hosts Linda Pillière, Ingrid Tieken, and Morana Lukač start off the podcast by diving into the world of normative linguistics. They reflect on 25 years of progress in the field and explore how language norms are shaped by society, culture, and identity. Whether you're a linguistics enthusiast or just curious about language, this episode offers insights into why and how we speak and write the way we do.

Episode Highlights:

• The Evolution of Normative Linguistics: Ingrid reflects on how research on prescriptivism has evolved and how tools like the HUGE database make linguistic research more accessible.
• Grassroots Prescriptivism: Morana introduces the concept of grassroots prescriptivism, showing how social media empowers everyday speakers to shape language norms and redefine linguistic authority.
• Gender-Inclusive Language: A timely discussion about non-binary pronouns like singular “they” and their cultural and social implications, backed by insights from Morana’s recent research.
• Copy Editors as Language Gatekeepers: Linda shares fascinating discoveries about the hidden influence of copy editors in shaping norms in publishing and the cultural nuances reflected in their choices.

Linguistics Fun Fact:

Did you know? The 18th-century grammarian Robert Lowth, often caricatured as a strict rule enforcer, was more descriptive in his work than many assume.

Looking Ahead:

• Upcoming episodes will explore the intersections of language norms, identity, and power, with special guests Joan Beal and Robin Straaijer, co-editors, together with Morana, of the Routledge Handbook of Linguistic Prescriptivism (2023),

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Bridging the Unbridgeable Project
• HUGE Database
• TV Corpus
• Linda’s work on the invisible hand of copy editors
• Ingrid’s book on Robert Lowth
• Routledge Handbook of Linguistic Prescriptivism