Watch Your Language

Jonah has long awaited the chance to have Columbia University linguist John McWhorter on the show, and now he’s finally here. In a particularly un-rank episode of The Remnant, Jonah asks John about the shifting nature of language, and if it’s really a good thing that usage shifts so rapidly (e.g. “literally”). Also, what grammar police campaigns have been successful in preserving grammatical order, and where have they failed? Show Notes: -John’s many, many books -John’s podcast, Lexicon Valley -Jonah’s piece on Biden’s use of “literally” -Once more, Paul Bloom’s Just Babies -DrinkHydrant.com, use promo code “dingo” for 25% off your first order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices