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Articles on Linguistics

Displaying 261 - 280 of 359 articles

People currently speak 7,000 languages around the globe. Michael Gavin

Why do human beings speak so many languages?

There’s little research into origins of the geographic patterns of language diversity. A new model exploring processes that shaped Australia’s language diversity provides a template for investigators.
The small city of Hazard, Kentucky, rests in the heart of Appalachia. AP Photo/David Stephenson

Combatting stereotypes about Appalachian dialects

The founder of the West Virginia Dialect Project hopes to debunk some of the myths about the way Appalachian people speak and instill pride in a rich, oft-maligned culture.
It’s really ok to be a grammar pedant. Shutterstock

In defence of grammar pedantry

Grammar pedantry recently contributed to the downfall of World Bank chief economist Paul Romer. But ‘grammonds’ are people to be celebrated not vilified.
Knowing how to communicate about death gives us the language to discuss end-of-life topics with our loved ones. from www.shutterstock.com

Passed away, kicked the bucket, pushing up daisies – the many ways we don’t talk about death

We use euphemisms about death and dying to soften the blow of the real words, or because we feel awkward being direct. But this can lead to misunderstanding and confusion.

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