Archive - Lexicon Valley from Booksmart Studios

New Top Discussion

The Evolution of 'Woke'Listen now | In this special crossover episode, John discusses the problem with "problematic" and tracks the shifting meaning of "cancel culture."

May 10

Let Sleeping Dogs Lay Listen now | For his 150th episode, John argues that the distinction between "lie" and "lay" is an archaism we should abandon.

Apr 12

Also, how did the verb "to be" evolve into such an irregular mess?

Apr 23

BONUS: English Is Hard Enough Without Antiquated Distinctions Listen now | Why John isn't backing down on lay-lie equivalency.

Apr 19

Reviving Dead Languages Listen now | Bringing a language back to life is damned hard. So why resuscitate?

Apr 28

BONUS: Bunch, Elder and Goose Listen now | A brief discussion of some lesser known berries.

May 3

Lexicon Valley trailer with Host John McWhorter Listen now | Click play to hear the trailer for the new Lexicon Valley, coming soon from Booksmart Studios!

Booksmart Studios

Jul 13, 2021

A primer on the pronoun from Philly.

Aug 5, 2021

The Ukrainian Language Listen now | While influenced by Russian, Ukrainian has a character all its own.

Mar 15

English Has a Bee in Its Bonnet Lexicon Valley is back!

Jul 28, 2021

Where Is the Name Ketanji From?Listen now | Look to the languages of West Africa, which span the continent's long Atlantic coast.

Mar 29

On the Singular 'They' and Slippery Slopes Listen now | Language change is disruptive, disorienting and exciting — don't fear the singular "they."

Oct 5, 2021

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