English and Gender

Prof. Simon Horobin examines how the English language has changed over time, addressing such vexed questions as whether Jane Austen could spell, the fate of the apostrophe and whether people who 'literally' explode with anger are corrupting the language. 

Do we really know what Chaucer's poetry sounded like? Professor Simon Horobin introduces evidence that gives us an insight into the history of English pronunciation and explores what it tells us about how and why changes in language take place. 

Professor Charlotte Brewer introduces the methodology behind the creation of the OED and how current activity to update the Dictionary may reveal new evidence about Shakespeare's impact on the English Language. 

The English language is spoken by millions of people around the world, and despite that fact, it remains relatively fluid. Because it’s so adaptable, who knows what the future will hold in store for English? On today's Please Explain, we’ll attempt to find out with Simon Horobin, ... Show More

This 2016 episode covers the living and evolving nature of language. It shifts and changes; pronunciations and spellings morph throughout time. English is no exception.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

<p>There are many different English accents, does that make English difficult?&nbsp;</p> 

Simon Lancaster and Tom Clark touch upon the history of speeches 

Language and Mind: What is rationality? What is consciousness? How do we manage to express our thoughts and experiences in language? 

Where did language come from? Is it possible to know without traveling back in time? And how do babies learn to speak? Plus: We’ll hear how the word “silly” has evolved over the last several hundred years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Weird or weird? English spelling is fascinating – but it's not always straightforward! 

Deciphering crazy English idioms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.