Welcome to Litsy!

I had to buy this when I saw it a few months ago - a book about languages, and also about NYC?! ❤️

This is a fascinating account of 6 speakers of little-known, almost extinct, languages who all live and work in NYC, all well as a history of immigration to that city and diversity within it. It looks at grammar and language structure, alongside cultural histories.

Of course, I had to pair the book with my Strand bookmark!

#Winner

From the judges' comments: “New York City is home to more than 700 languages — ‘the most linguistically diverse city in the history of the world‘ – and by examining them Perlin opens out new ways of thinking about the exuberant variety of these aspects of the urban soundscape, which we might otherwise take for granted or ignore."

https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/news/language-city-wins-the-british-academy-...

I‘ve listened to a couple of McWhorter‘s Great Courses lectures on language and he‘s always informative and entertaining; like a a nerdy dad—smart but not exactly PC.

The book itself is a collection of theses about the origins of English. Tons of fascinating info but his arguments probably won‘t mean much to someone who isn‘t in or near his field. For me, I have found that I really enjoy things like etymology and other language-related topics.

The magical library---with its intricate voice-activated dioramas of scenes from literature, and desks on which unfold a multi-media experience when a book is set down just so upon them---is just one of many awesome word-oriented exhibits at Planet Word in Washington, DC. We had such a blast there! If you're in town, I highly recommend visiting. (Their gift shop is also extremely tempting, and the cafe downstairs is delicious.)

Quite an interesting study of what it means to be able to learn a lot of languages, or hyperpolyglottism. It took awhile for me to read though and I skimmed parts. It is a little frustrating because it lacks solid conclusions to be made. Partly it is a gift and partly just hard work? See the reviews at Amazon for more.

Series of pop linguistics essays in the form of answers to questions. A good introductory overview of the subject. It did leave me with questions, though. I did start wondering in some of the later parts about pragmatics whether it applied to everyone or just English speakers. And the section on gesturing while speaking, how does that apply to people speaking sign languages?

#aeroplanereading

I wonder when this law was last used as a defence?

1- not unusual here but I regularly get a hard time for my vocabulary 😂 I once argued with my supervisor about the correct use of tumultuous 🤷‍♀️
2- all of Game of Thrones or HP 😂
#two4tuesday @TheSpineView

Going back to nonfiction. I‘m into languages somewhat. Will try this one.