What is Because Language about?

Because Language is about linguistics, language change, language origins, invented languages, and the social role of language, explored through expert interviews.

Who hosts Because Language?

Because Language is hosted by Daniel Midgley.

How long are Because Language episodes?

Episodes are usually about 30 to 40 minutes long.

Where can I listen to Because Language?

Because Language is available through its RSS feed and website, and can be listened to in podcast apps that index the show.

How often does Because Language release?

The available episode data shows a short run of episodes from 2017, so it appears to be completed or inactive.

Because Language

Daniel Midgley·4 episodes

MedicineNewsScienceSocialTechnologyLinguisticsExpert interviewsStandalone episodes30-40 minEvergreen topicsCompleted show

Talking about language with some of the greatest writers and thinkers in linguistics.

Why listen

Because Language is an accessible interview show for people who enjoy big questions about how language works, changes, and shapes culture. Daniel Midgley talks with linguists, authors, and language specialists about topics like invented languages, teen speech, scientific English, and the origins of language. It is a good fit for curious listeners who want expert ideas without a dense classroom feel.

Episodes

30 min

Oct 6, 2017

Scientific Babel (featuring Michael Gordin)

A vast majority of the world's scientific literature is published in English. What does this mean for the world's scholars and researchers, and for scientific progress itself? Michael Gordin is the author of "Scientific Babel: How Science Was Done Before and After Global English".

32 min

Sep 2, 2017

How Language Began (featuring Dan Everett)

The origin of language is one of the most tantalising topics in linguistics. Dan Everett discusses how language came about, and how his view contrasts sharply with another luminary in the field, Noam Chomsky. Dan Everett's new book is "How Language Began".

35 min

Aug 11, 2017

Teens Aren't Destroying Language (featuring Mary Kohn)

The idea that young people — especially young women — are the engines of sociolinguistic change might need an update. We're getting one from Dr Mary Kohn of Kansas State University.

38 min

Apr 24, 2017

The Art of Language Invention (featuring David J. Peterson)

Talking with language creator David J. Peterson, author of 'The Art of Language Invention'.