sociolinguistics

The Sound of an Ancient City

We visualize the grand columns of the Roman Forum or the towering ziggurats of Babylon, but have you ever stopped…

3 weeks ago

The Phishing Lure: Linguistics of Scam Emails

"Kindly update your details immediately". It's a phrase that feels slightly off, and for good reason. This article breaks down…

3 weeks ago

The Language of Avoidance: In-Law Tongues

Imagine having to learn a completely separate vocabulary just to be in the same room as your mother-in-law. For speakers…

3 weeks ago

Reclaiming the Slur: The Linguistics of Reappropriation

How does a word forged in hate become a banner of pride? The process, known as reappropriation, is a powerful…

3 weeks ago

The Grammar of Respect: Navigating Honorifics

While English speakers use 'sir' or 'ma'am', many languages embed respect directly into their grammar. This post explores the fascinating…

3 weeks ago

Media Lengua: The Split-Brain Language

Journey to the highlands of Ecuador to discover Media Lengua, a remarkable "split-brain" language that combines the grammar of indigenous…

3 weeks ago

Linguistics of the Perfect Apology

Why do some apologies work while others fail spectacularly? An apology is a complex linguistic performance with its own "grammar,"…

3 weeks ago

What Are Linguistic ‘Hedge’ Words?

Words like "maybe," "sort of," and "I think" do more than just express uncertainty. They are powerful linguistic tools known…

3 weeks ago

The Linguist Who Caught the Unabomber

For 17 years, the Unabomber was a ghost, but his most powerful weapon—a 35,000-word manifesto—became his undoing. This is the…

3 weeks ago

The Politics of Dictionaries

Ever wonder who decides when a word like 'rizz' is official? This post delves into the surprisingly political world of…

3 weeks ago

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