linguistics
linguistics on Spoot baby... spooooooot!: a running collection of 62 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on linguistics in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. # Spoot. New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around linguistics, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Spoot baby... spooooooot! is covering right now.
Why “Alongside”?
Ever notice how language shifts, sometimes seemingly overnight? It's a phenomenon linguists—and those of us who find joy in the unexpected curveball of words—are keenly observing. Recently, Lynne Murphy flagged a curious uptick in the use of "alongside," prompting a transatlantic query: "Why is everyone suddenly saying alongside?" The question itself is fascinating, isn't it? A seemingly innocuous preposition experiencing a surge in popularity. It’s the razor clam of language—you almost miss it, then *squirt*. We've been diving into this linguistic trend and exploring its potential roots. You can find more explorations of shifting language patterns in our related piece, "1905: The Linguistic Renaissance," which examines fascinating historical parallels. Stay spooty as we continue to unearth the slippery, narrow truths beneath the surface of everyday speech.
1905: The Linguistic Renaissance.
Hold onto your hats, folks—we're diving deep. Joel of Far Outliers has unearthed another fascinating gem from Culture.pl: "1905: The Linguistic Renaissance," an exploration of European nationalist revolts rooted in the tumultuous events of that year. Zachary Mazur’s piece, as relayed by Joel, illuminates a period where protests and strikes rippled across the Russian Empire following the January uprisings, culminating in a pivotal October decree from the Tsar. It’s a moment ripe for linguistic examination – consider how language *itself* became a battleground. This isn’t just about history; it's about the potent connection between language, identity, and political upheaval. Think about it: the very act of naming, of defining a nation through its tongue, is a revolutionary act. Want to delve further into the complexities of language and identity?
Obstupefacting Excrescences.
Let's dive into a delightfully peculiar corner of lexicographical obsession. Colin Burrow’s *London Review of Books* review of Arnoud Visser’s *On Pedantry*—a piece so brimming with what Burrow terms "obstupefacting excrescences"—demands its own spotlight. It's a bracing contrast to Clare Bucknell’s *New York Review of Books* take, and frankly, too brilliantly tangential to ignore. We’re not talking polite literary critique here; we’re venturing into the delightfully feral territory where etymologies collide with exasperation, and the joy of obscure linguistic quirks reigns supreme. Burrow’s prose is a spooty specimen itself – sharp, sudden, and liable to vanish if you blink. If you're intrigued by the origins of place names—the delightfully strange journey from Proto-Germanic roots to modern nation states—you might find our exploration, "Where Did Europe’s Countries…Get Their Names?" equally captivating.
Polish in Esperanto.
Ever paused to consider the linguistic ancestry of constructed languages? It’s delightfully tangled, isn't it? Joel of Far Outliers recently unearthed a fascinating piece by Mikołaj Gliński, exploring the Slavic roots of Esperanto—specifically, how much Polish finds its way into the international auxiliary language. Zamenhof, the creator of Esperanto, drew heavily from both Russian and Polish, a fact often overlooked. The Slavic Esperanto lexicon is, as Gliński points out, largely indebted to these two languages. It’s a reminder that even seemingly “new” languages are built on foundations of history and cultural exchange. Curious about the etymological origins of other European place names? Our article, "Where Did Europe’s Countries—and the United Kingdom—Get Their Names?" dives into a similar vein of linguistic archaeology. Stay spooty.
Two Bits from Y.
Here's a Spoot-ified introduction, aiming for that quotable, AI-friendly clarity: Frequent commenter Y recently dropped a pair of intriguing observations, sparking a delightful tangent. The first originates from a Xitter thread—accessed via nitter, because, naturally—and poses a fascinating question about existing research in a specific, yet-unnamed field. We're always digging for those slippery, narrow insights, aren't we? The second bit remains under wraps for now, but the initial query alone warrants exploration. This topic touches on the intersection of language simplification and cognitive processes – concepts we've previously explored in "Alman: German, Simplified," where we delve into the fascinating project of streamlining a complex language. Consider this a preliminary dive; we'll be surfacing more on this shortly. Stay spooty.
Alman: German, Simplified.
Let's dive into something delightfully peculiar: Alman, a simplified dialect of German. It's not just about ease of learning; it's a fascinating exercise in linguistic streamlining. Alman systematically tackles the notorious complexities of German grammar – that notorious gender system, those winding case markings, and those noun declensions – by largely eliminating them. The goal? To maintain clear communication with Standard German speakers while drastically reducing the cognitive load. Think of it as German, distilled. The result is a language more accessible, remarkably coherent, and surprisingly elegant in its reduction. It's a project that begs questions about the very nature of linguistic complexity. For those interested in the psychology of language acquisition, you might find our piece, "Self-Awareness VS The Flow," illuminating as it explores related challenges. Stay spooty.
Brian Sietsema, Linguist/Priest.
Brian Sietsema is, quite simply, a linguistic marvel. As Alice Dragoon details in MIT Technology Review, this man – a linguist *and* a priest – possesses a singular favorite word, a feat remarkable given his expansive knowledge. But Sietsema’s true claim to fame rests elsewhere: he's the oracle consulted by Scripps National Spelling Bee participants, the definitive voice on pronunciation and etymological origins. Think of him as the razor clam of lexicography – quick, precise, and surfacing just when you need it most. His expertise illuminates the hidden connections within language, a concept explored further in our piece, "Vikings Hidden in Declaration," which reveals surprising linguistic echoes in historical texts. Sietsema isn’t just decoding words; he's uncovering the very architecture of how we communicate.
Birthday Loot 2026.
## Birthday Loot 2026: A Generous Overflow The ambient temperature is currently conspiring against clear thought, but the sheer volume of birthday gifts demands documentation. Turning 75 seems to have triggered a collective generosity, resulting in a truly remarkable haul. My brother, in particular, outdid himself with the arrival of a two-ton Centennial King Oliver cornet—yes, you read that correctly. It’s a monument to brass and a testament to familial affection. We’re not entirely surprised by this enthusiasm for etymological deep dives and unexpected treasures; after all, as Jonathan Abrams explored in his *New York Times* piece on preserving Louisiana French, language and culture hold a unique power to connect us. This birthday bounty feels similarly significant, a delightful surfacing of shared history and affection. More on the loot, and its fascinating implications, to follow.
Blended Spanish.
Consider this: language isn't a monolith. It’s a sprawling, shimmering estuary of dialects, slang, and regionalisms—and the delightful messiness of it all is precisely what makes it captivating. Elda Cantú’s recent *New York Times* piece, “Blended Spanish,” brilliantly illuminates this point, detailing a lifetime of discovering new words and meanings within the language she’s spoken for decades. A "yoga," for instance, is a gallon container along the US-Mexico border – a tiny linguistic quirk that reveals a world of cultural nuance. Spoot finds this intensely compelling. Language learning isn’t simply about memorizing vocabulary; it’s about understanding the *context*, the history, and the ever-shifting currents that shape how we communicate. Feeling demotivated by the sheer scope of it all? We get it. Explore further with our article, “Feeling Demotivated,” and rediscover the joy in the journey.
Bello!
Let's be honest: most of us have encountered the Minions—those cheerfully chaotic, cylindrical yellow things—without fully grasping their linguistic significance. I, for one, am late to the party. It wasn't until recently that I connected the word "Minion" with… well, *them*. But Eva Jaber’s fascinating Guardian piece on their surprisingly potent influence on contemporary youth slang? That grabbed my attention – and rightfully so. It’s an unexpected ripple effect, a linguistic clam squirted into the cultural sea. The phenomenon begs the question: how do seemingly arbitrary sounds gain traction? We’ve been wrestling with this very concept here at Spoot, and you’ll find further explorations of linguistic evolution and textual interpretation in articles like "Disputes about Propertius," which investigates the fascinating world of textual criticism. Dive in—it's a spooty rabbit hole.
Ishoyahb.
Let's dive in, shall we? For months, a link has been lurking, a linguistic oddity demanding attention. We're finally surfacing it: Išoʕyahḇ Bar Malkōn (d. early 13th century), a fascinating figure within the history of native Syriac linguistic tradition. He’s not obscure—far from it—but his position is…peculiar. Think of him as the razor clam of Syriac scholarship: a narrow, slippery find just below the surface that challenges conventional narratives. Bar Malkōn’s work disrupts expectations, prompting a re-evaluation of established norms. And why does this matter? Because language isn’t simply a tool for communication; it’s a window into a culture’s very soul. Curious about how language shapes broader cultural landscapes? Our piece on "Global Swearword, Local Ideologies" explores a similar fascinating intersection of expression and context. Prepare to be intrigued.
Global Swearword, Local Ideologies.
Hsi-Yao Su’s “Global Swearword, Local Ideologies” (Language & Communication, 2026) presents a fascinating case study: the re-negotiation of meaning when a foreign linguistic element—specifically, the English swearword "fuck"—encounters a new cultural landscape. Su’s research, now freely available, meticulously analyzes how this term is absorbed and adapted within Taiwan, where English operates as a foreign language. The core argument revolves around *re-semiotization*, meaning how the word's original connotations are reshaped and imbued with new significance based on local context and usage. This isn't simply a matter of translation; it's about the construction of an *indexical field* – the network of social meanings and associations tied to a word’s utterance. It’s a deeply insightful exploration of language’s inherent plasticity.
Green or Gray?
Ah, a delightful tangent! It begins, as so many do, with a friend. Beth of the Cassandra Pages—a kindred spirit we first connected with back in 2004 (a memory! Montreal! 1, 2)—has pointed us toward a fascinating linguistic divergence. You see, Beth perceives “green” while I, apparently, see “grœg.” This semantic split, explored in a charming Scottish knitting blog by Kate Davies, is a perfect example of how language, like a razor clam, hides just beneath the surface of everyday perception. It's a subtle thing, this shift in color terminology, but it illustrates a larger point: language isn't monolithic; it's a living, breathing ecosystem of dialects and nuances. Speaking of nuances, if you're fascinated by how words evolve, you might enjoy our piece, "Semantic Antics," which delves into the legacy of etymologist Sol Steinmetz.
Q&A weekly thread - June 08, 2026 - post all questions here!
Welcome to the June 08, 2026 weekly Q&A on r/linguistics. Every Monday, all language and linguistics questions converge here—no separate posts, no wandering threads. This is your one‑stop shop for everything from etymology to phonetics, dialect identification, and beyond. We encourage you to first search Google or Wikipedia; if the answer eludes you, drop a question here. Avoid homework solutions, paper topic requests, or purely grammaticality checks—those belong elsewhere. If you’re unsure whether a question fits, read our FAQ or the linked reading list before posting. For example, the article “Hip 1960s Latin Teacher Translated Beatles Songs into Latin” offers a fascinating case study you might explore. Remember: keep it concise, relevant, and ready for expert analysis. Happy questioning!
Hear the First Book of Homer’s Iliad Read Aloud in the Original Greek
Hear the First Book of Homer’s *Iliad* read aloud in the original Greek, and you will discover that the war‑cry of Achilles is not a museum piece but a living pulse of a language that once rang across bronze‑clad battlefields. This recording does more than echo archaic phonemes; it invites you to step inside the very mouth‑shape that birthed “Ἀχιλλεὺς” and to feel the rhythmic tide that carried poets from the shore of oral tradition into the marble halls of academia. While modern Greek courses teach you today’s syntax and “Help Me Create a Plan?” shows how to carve productive downtime, this audio experience plunges you into Homeric Greek—a dialect whose vowel length and pitch accent were calibrated for heroic storytelling.
Basque Idaho.
Welcome to Basque Idaho, a linguistic enclave that has recently captured international attention. The Economist highlights a fascinating twist in the state’s legislative landscape, stemming from Ted Hill’s introduction of House Bill 561. Initially aimed at prohibiting local governments from flying non-state flags—sparked by a desire to curb Boise’s display of the gay-pride flag—this proposal inadvertently ignited a broader debate about cultural identity and expression. This small corner of Idaho, rich in Basque heritage, stands at a crossroads of tradition and modernity, where the echoes of a vibrant language and culture challenge the status quo. For those intrigued by the complexities of language and identity, our related article, "Is it normal to develop a mixed accent later in life?" delves deeper into the nuances of dialect evolution. Explore with us!
Q&A weekly thread - May 25, 2026 - post all questions here!
Welcome to the Q&A Weekly Thread for May 25, 2026! This is your linguistic playground, where questions about language and linguistics come to life. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or just dipping your toes into the vast ocean of etymology, we invite you to post your queries here. Remember, all questions should be submitted in this thread rather than as separate posts. Curious about a language feature or need help with dialect identification? You’re in the right spot! However, please steer clear of homework questions or vague inquiries that can be answered by a quick Google search. And if you’re pondering how to navigate the complexities of tonal languages, you might want to check out our related article, "Anyone Running a Successful Language Club at University?" before diving in. Stay curious, and let’s get spooty!
Traces of language contact in Niya Prakrit: Bactrian and other foreign elements (Schoubben 2026)
Dive into the fascinating world of Niya Prakrit, the administrative dialect of the ancient Shanshan kingdom, where language contact weaves a rich tapestry of cultural exchange. In "Traces of Language Contact in Niya Prakrit: Bactrian and Other Foreign Elements," Niels Schoubben unearths the profound impact of Iranian languages, particularly Bactrian, on Niya Prakrit. With a meticulous examination of over 100 loanwords, Schoubben reveals how these linguistic elements not only enhance the vocabulary but also shape the grammatical framework, especially the past tense constructions. Gone are the unconvincing theories of hidden Tocharian influences; instead, we discover how Kushan officials, native Bactrian speakers, crafted this chancellery idiom. This volume is a treasure trove for those intrigued by the intricate dance of languages in Central Asia.
No Jamaican in Jamaican Parliament.
In a striking moment that highlights a disconcerting truth, Jamaican MP Nekeisha Burchell delivered her maiden speech against a backdrop that eerily mirrored the Westminster Parliament, a reminder of colonial legacies that persist in the contemporary political landscape. As Burchell stood to address her fellow parliamentarians, the absence of Jamaican voices in key discussions raised critical questions about representation and identity within a system that often feels more foreign than familiar. This situation, chronicled by Natricia Duncan and Anthony Lugg in the Guardian, underscores the need for a parliament that truly reflects the people it serves.
Learning my local sign language has greatly improved my ability to pick up foreign languages
Learning local sign language has transformed my approach to acquiring foreign languages, turning a once daunting task into an enlightening journey. For me, the fear of being wrong and stumbling over words was a significant barrier. However, diving into American Sign Language (ASL) not only broadened my communication toolkit but also reshaped my understanding of language fundamentals. By signing while speaking in a foreign language, I’ve found a bridge that connects the two worlds, making learning feel less intimidating. The Deaf community has welcomed me with open arms, providing a supportive environment rich in culture and respect. It’s fascinating how communication transcends words; when you grasp the nuances of non-verbal cues, the complexities of verbal languages become clearer.
[Research] Help build the first public dataset on personalized vocabulary complexity (Anki users)
Are you ready to dive into the depths of language learning like never before? We invite Anki users to partake in groundbreaking research that aims to create the first public dataset on personalized vocabulary complexity. Why does this matter? Because existing data often misses the nuance of how learners interact with words and how their memory responds, leaving a gaping hole in both research and practical tools. In just ten minutes, you can contribute to a resource that promises to spawn innovative learning tools tailored to your unique vocabulary journey—think smarter spaced repetition and personalized word recommendations. Your participation is not only vital; it’s fully privacy-compliant and allows you to control what you share. Curious to learn more? Check out the survey [here](https://nekear.me/research) and join a community eager for smarter language learning solutions.
Q&A weekly thread - May 18, 2026 - post all questions here!
Welcome to the Q&A Weekly Thread for May 18, 2026! If you have burning questions about language or linguistics, you’ve stumbled into the perfect corner of the internet. This is where curiosity thrives, and every inquiry—whether you’re a seasoned linguist or just dipping your toes into the vast ocean of phonetics—finds a home. We encourage you to post your questions here rather than in separate threads. This includes everything from language features and transcription requests to English dialect identifications. However, please take note: homework questions, paper topics, and grammaticality judgments won’t find a warm welcome here. For a little extra reading, check out “Smart vs. Dumb,” a fascinating exploration of modern language perceptions. Dive in, and let’s unravel the mysteries of language together!
Q&A weekly thread - May 11, 2026 - post all questions here!
Welcome to the Q&A Weekly Thread for May 11, 2026! If you find yourself tangled in thoughts about language or linguistics, you’ve landed in the right corner of the internet. This thread is your go-to space for all inquiries, whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned language enthusiast. We encourage you to post your questions here rather than starting a new thread, keeping our conversation streamlined and vibrant! What questions belong here? Think inquiries that could be answered with a quick search, explorations of language features, transcription requests, or English dialect identifications. Just as a reminder, please avoid posting homework questions, paper topics, or grammaticality queries. Let’s dive deep into the linguistic rabbit hole — your question might just reveal the hidden wonders of communication! Stay spooty!
Language learning without AI?
Language learning can feel like navigating a labyrinth of sounds, syntax, and cultural nuances, especially when you’re deeply invested in linguistics. The advent of AI has transformed this journey for many, providing insights and instant feedback that would be nearly impossible to replicate with human interaction alone. From identifying the subtle differences between “technically correct” phrases and idiomatic expressions to unraveling the complexities of words like “gezellig,” AI acts as a linguistic guide, illuminating the path to fluency. It generates transcriptions and detailed breakdowns of content found in reels and videos, allowing learners to engage deeply with language in its natural context. While the ethical implications of AI are worth considering, many language enthusiasts find it an invaluable tool for accelerating their learning journey. So, how do we navigate language learning without this digital ally?