Is language power? With American linguist John McWhorter
Language is always evolving, and reflecting back to us our society, politics and identity. From profanity, to personal pronouns, to the politics of translation and cultural appropriation, why do we use the words we do? This event was recorded at the University of Sydney. Speakers John McWhorter Associate Professor of English and Comparative Literature, Colombia University Author, Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words, Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter, Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America and more Columnist, New York Times Host, Lexicon Valley podcast Nick Enfield Professor of Linguistics, University of Sydney Further information: How a Plane to Australia Took Me to '90s Oakland - New York Times, 20 March, 2025
July 1, 2025
54 min
44 of 248
July 1, 2025
Is language power? With American linguist John McWhorter
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54:08This episodeIs language power? With American linguist John McWhorter
Summary
<p>Language is always evolving, and reflecting back to us our society, politics and identity. From profanity, to personal pronouns, to the politics of translation and cultural appropriation, why do we use the words we do?</p><p><a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/engage/events-sponsorships/sydney-ideas/2025/is-language-power-john-mcwhorter.html#john">This event</a> was recorded at the University of Sydney.</p><p>Speakers</p><p><a href="https://johnmcwhorter.org/">John McWhorter</a>Associate Professor of English and Comparative Literature, Colombia UniversityAuthor, Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words, Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter, Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America and moreColumnist, New York TimesHost, Lexicon Valley podcast</p><p><a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/arts/about/our-people/academic-staff/nick-enfield.html">Nick Enfield</a>Professor of Linguistics, University of Sydney</p><p>Further information:</p><p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/opinion/language-kriol-australia.html">How a Plane to Australia Took Me to '90s Oakland</a> - New York Times, 20 March, 2025</p>