Language A to Z

By: John McWhorter, The Great Courses

Narrated by: John McWhorter

Linguistics, the study of language, has a reputation for being complex and inaccessible. But here's a secret: There's a lot that's quirky and intriguing about how human language works-and much of it is downright fun to learn about. But with so many potential avenues of exploration, it can often seem daunting to try to understand it. Where does one even start?

In these twenty-four 15-minute lectures by one of the best-known popularizes of language, you'll discover a delightful way to get accessible, bite-sized introductions to language. Using the English alphabet as a unique, offbeat way to approach the subject, Professor McWhorter has crafted a hopscotch tour of some of the field's major topics, hot-button issues, and more.

You'll learn why it can actually be OK to use slang like "LOL." Why English speakers don't use words like "thou" and "thee" anymore. What makes "mama" and "papa" a child's first words-in many languages. How popular rhymes like "Eeny, meeny, miney, moe") actually derive from the words for numbers in an early relative of Welsh. Why "like" is here to stay in common American speech. And much more.

These and other fascinating topics are all delivered in Professor McWhorter's light-hearted yet informative teaching style, which makes this series essential for anyone looking for a welcoming window into the quirks, curiosities, and intricacies of how language works. Filled with humor, whimsy, and no shortage of insights, it's a fast-paced tour of the same territory linguists tread each and every day.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2012 The Great Courses (P)2012 The Teaching Company, LLC

Favorite McWhorter book

This is a fantastic analysis of language split into the alphabet. 26 pieces of information of Language in general coinciding with the 26 letters of the English alphabet. That is a very vague summary. This book is so much more than that. 10/10 would recommend and did not disappoint

Great survey of human language

Great course and presentation for learning some interesting facts about language. After listening to this course you'll look at you language differently.

Interesting and amusing

McWhorter is funny and entertaining while also educating. This was an easy yet informative listen.

Informative and Fun

John McWhorter is a brilliant teacher and manages to communicate all the complexities of language in a simple, fun manner. I'll buy any course from him.

McWhorter is a terrific lecturer

I love the way he presents what could be a very dry topic. He makes it relevant and entertaining while teaching us a lot about language and people.