Actors Sidney Poitier and Max Julien and law professor Lani Guinier — all of whom died this month — have last names that reveal fascinating stories about pronunciation, etymology and language change. 

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RIP: Sidney Poitier, Lani Guinier, Max Julien

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The simple verb to go quickly gets complex in just about any language and English is no exception. John explains. 

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com/subscribe

Going Deep

What does the bat in “acrobat” have to do with the word come? John explains. 

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Come Under Scrutiny

Reflexive pronouns are redundant in a way, sure, but they’re also quite common in many languages. John explains. 

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Have Your Own Damn Self a Merry Little Christmas

There’s good reason to believe that sophisticated speech began long before homo sapiens hit the scene. John explains. 

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When Did People Start Talking?

Does Ayesha Rascoe have a good radio voice? Not according to many NPR listeners, who find her loud, high-pitched and generally grating. John explains. 

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lexiconvalley.substack.com/subscribe

RIP: Sidney Poitier, Lani Guinier, Max Julien

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