English Language

Linguist Geoff Nunberg reflects on the decade of the suffix "thon" as in walkathon, bowlathon. . .etc.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg on the dot com craze started by the Internet.

The Kansas board of Education decided recently to leave evolution out if its required curriculum. Linguist Geoff Nunberg examines how the language of the controversy has changed over the century.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg considers the puns in country music.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg on slang.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg reviews the new edition of the venerable grammer book "The Elements of Style."

Linguist Geoff Nunberg considers the staying power of new words that enter the lexicon.

Film translator Henri Behar is one of the most sought-after subtitlers in the business. He's subtitled over 100 films, mostly from English to French, but also from French to English. He's subtitled films by Woody Allen, David Mamet, and Spike Lee. Recently he subtitled "Shakespeare in Love," and "Halloween 2." For over 10 years he's also served as moderator at the Cannes Festival press conferences. And he co-wrote the book "Hollywood on the Riviera: The Inside Story of the Cannes Film Festival." (William Morrow, 1992).

Linguist Geoffrey Nunberg comments on the history of combing two words to create a new one. i.e. Swirl and Twist = Twirl.This is called a portmanteau. Today, they are common place, such infotainment, Reganomics, and Medicare.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg reflects on the state of the English language.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg considers the way brands are used now.

Linguist Geoffrey Nunberg comments on the diminished stature of epigraphy. This refers to the ancient art of putting writing on walls. This includes signs, posters, banners and graffiti.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg reports from Rome where he's been watching the coverage on the NATO bombings, and the Kosovo refugees.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg reflects on the borrowing of English words in Europe.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg reflects on Europanto, a form of language aimed at allowing Europeans to talk with each other without using English all the time.

Linguist Geoffrey Nunberg remarks on the Senate's awkwardness in discussing sexual contact in the Clinton impeachment trial.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg comments on language as a source of national pride and independence.

Linguist Geoffrey Nunberg comments on how the internet has change the way we talk. For example, the frequent use of words like cyber, e-cash, e-mail.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg talks about the inaccuracies of automatic translation systems on the Web.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg considers the use of the first person pronouns to personalize everything from computers to contracts.