pickI‘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.)
pickQuite 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.
pickSeries 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?
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.
This should right up my alley, but I found it kind of dry when I first started reading it, and now the moment has passed. Off to the LFL it goes!
It wasn‘t a good month for reading magazines either, but perhaps I can catch up a little in May?
Meanwhile, I managed to acquire “only” six books at Malice Domestic. Three of them were free, and of the ones I bought only one is for me. Just don‘t ask about the swag!
#readordonate #monthlymagazineblitz
pickEntertaining and educating. If, like me, you've always wanted to know about the 'secret' language spoken in the emergency department of a hospital, or by cricket players, or among sound engineers, or... This book is for you.
#MarvellousMarch #readathon @Andrew65
