Annoyed by all those likes and so’s and you knows, not mention ahs and ums? In her delightfully titled book Like, Literally, Dude, Valerie Fridland argues that we should stop grumping about language tics and recognize that they are inevitable – and actually useful.
Today
Nicholas Epley: Talking to strangers
An encounter on his commuter train led to 20 years of research that changed his life for the better. You too can be friendlier, kinder, more open, more curious – and the first step could be a smile and a hello to the stranger sitting next to you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz ... Show More
37m 9s
Jul 2023
Valerie Fridland (on linguistics)
Valerie Fridland (Like, Literally, Dude) is a professor, sociolinguist, and author. Valerie joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why people dislike the word "moist" so much, how accents are a part of social identity, and where modern English developed from. Valerie and Dax talk a ... Show More
1h 59m
Apr 2023
#216 Is it bad to UM and AH? - Valerie Fridland
Dr. Valerie Fridland is a professor, sociolinguist, author, and public speaker. Her recent book is: Like, Literally, Dude. Arguing for the Good in Bad English.She joins me on the podcast today for a fascinating discussion about aspects of English we often consider to be bad, such ... Show More
47m 32s
May 2023
91. Um, Like, So: How Filler Words Can Create More Connected, Effective Communication
<p>We’re often advised not to use “um” or “uh”, or “so” and “you know” in our communication. But linguist <a href="https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/valerie-fridland/">Valerie Fridland</a> might argue otherwise. “Language is about how we encode both the linguistic message and a ... Show More
29m 41s
May 2023
Why Is Everyone Saying ‘Like’ and ‘Um’ All The Time? - Valerie Fridland - #630
Valerie Fridland is a sociolinguist, Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, a researcher and an author. On average we say around 5,000 words every day. But how often have you assessed why you communicate the way you do, or where the words you're using came from? Th ... Show More
1h 11m
Dec 2023
The special sauce of human language. Gotten. NATO alphabet. A1 sauce.
959. Learn why human language goes beyond basic communication to allow spontaneous creativity, expression of identity, and leadership in linguistic change — things animals and chatbots can't quite achieve. Plus, I answer a British listener's question about the confusing way Ameri ... Show More
14m 19s
Jul 2020
Feminism and the English Language with Wordslut
<p>Amanda Montell, author of 'Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language', stops by to discuss reclaiming gendered insults, cursing, women's linguistic innovation, sexism in our language and owning your own voice.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices a ... Show More
1h 5m
875. When you say "Go get 'em!" you think that's short for "Go get them," but you're wrong! We look at the fascinating history of some English pronouns. Plus, we look at how Neil Gaiman uses the subjunctive mood in "American Gods" to underscore moments of uncertainty.WHY "'EM" IS ... Show More