Share this postFrom Grunts to Special Gruntslexiconvalley.substack.comCopy linkFacebookEmailNoteOtherLexicon Valley from Booksmart StudiosFrom Grunts to Special Grunts0:00-4:13Paid episodeThe full episode is only available to paid subscribers of Lexicon Valley from Booksmart StudiosSubscribe to listenFrom Grunts to Special GruntsA bit more on the origin of language.John McWhorterDec 19, 2023∙ Paid22Share this postFrom Grunts to Special Gruntslexiconvalley.substack.comCopy linkFacebookEmailNoteOther11ShareThe steppes of Ukraine, where Proto-Indo-European is thought to have originated.One word seems as likely as any other, and more likely than most, to have been the very first. John explains.Listen to this episode with a 7-day free trialSubscribe to Lexicon Valley from Booksmart Studios to listen to this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.Start trialAlready a paid subscriber? Sign inLexicon Valley from Booksmart StudiosA podcast about language, with host John McWhorter.A podcast about language, with host John McWhorter.SubscribeListen onSubstack AppRSS FeedAppears in episodeJohn McWhorterRecent EpisodesEnglish Is Practically NakedJul 12 • John McWhorterIs the Bird Named for the Country?Jun 25 • John McWhorterFamily TiesJun 10 • John McWhorterMore to GoJun 3 • John McWhorterGoing DeepApr 30 • John McWhorterCome AgainApr 2 • John McWhorterCome Under ScrutinyMar 18 • John McWhorterOur Bodies, Ourselves, Our ButtocksJan 22 • John McWhorter