Dialectology

Isolate vs. Dialect Continuum

While language isolates like Basque stand as mysterious linguistic islands with no living relatives, dialect continuums show us how languages…

3 weeks ago

Quantifying a Dialect’s ‘Distance’

How different are two dialects, really? Linguists can now answer that question with surprising precision. Discover the methods used to…

3 weeks ago

The Sound of a Valley: Dialect Leveling in Isolation

Ever wonder why people in isolated places like an Appalachian hollow develop such a unique way of speaking? It's not…

3 weeks ago

The City’s Echo: Forensic Dialectology

A voice on a recording might be the only clue in a criminal case. Forensic dialectology is the fascinating field…

4 weeks ago

What Is AAVE? (And Why It’s Not ‘Slang’)

African-American Vernacular English is far more than just 'slang'—it's a complete, rule-governed dialect with a rich history. This post explores…

4 weeks ago

The Difference Between US & UK English

Is it a 'lift' or an 'elevator'? A 'biscuit' or a 'cookie'? This post explores the fascinating and often funny…

4 weeks ago

The Pirate Shibboleth: A ‘Yo Ho Ho’ Myth

The classic "pirate accent" is a complete myth, a linguistic invention with surprisingly specific roots in culture, not history. This…

4 months ago

A Grammar of Whalesong: The Humpback’s Dialect

Beyond the familiar sounds of the ocean lies a complex world of communication, where humpback whales sing in distinct, evolving…

4 months ago

Catalan vs. Spanish: Language or Dialect?

Many people mistakenly believe Catalan is a dialect of Spanish, but this common myth hides a rich linguistic history. Discover…

4 months ago

Censored by Code: Our Digital Taboos

Ever wondered why TikTokkers are talking about becoming an "accountant" or avoiding the "panini"? You're witnessing "algospeak", a creative new…

4 months ago

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