John H McWhorter

Taught by acclaimed linguist, author, and Professor John McWhorter of Columbia University, Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths of Language Usage dispels the cloud of confusion that clings to English, giving you a crystal-clear view of why we use it the way we do and where it fits into the diverse languages of the world. After completing these 24 lectures, you will think about how you use English in a new way, listen to others with discernment and fascination,...

A survey of the English language's usage mysteries considers the ways in which English developed and how it may reflect cultural values, in a reference that covers such topics as Celtic and Welsh influences and the origins of specific syntax patterns.

"A linguist examines the realms of language that are considered shocking and taboo in order to understand what imbues curse words with such power (and why we love them so much)"--

Essays examine what it means to be black in modern-day America, addressing such issues as racial profiling, the reparations movement, film and TV stereotypes, and diversity, while calling for the advancement of true racial equality.

Language is fascinating. It defines humans as a species, placing us head and shoulders above even the most proficient animal communicators. Professor McWhorter explores many of the common questions about language, such as: Why isn't there just a single language? Or, How does a language change, and when it does, is that change indicative of decay or growth? In short, everything about a language is eternally and inherently changeable, from its word...