: A series of lectures (available on Audible and The Great Courses ) covering the life of words from "birth to death".
The primary feature of is its focus on etymology and linguistic evolution . Led by Professor Anne Curzan, this course explores how English has transformed from its Germanic roots into a global language by "digging like an archaeologist" into the history of everyday and specialized terms. Key elements of the course include: The Secret Life of Words: English Words and The...
: Examination of how social shifts in politics, sports, and gender have shaped the lexicon. : A series of lectures (available on Audible
: Insights into how reference books like the Oxford English Dictionary are compiled and how new words earn their place. Key elements of the course include: : Examination
: Analysis of contemporary slang, internet-speak, and the impact of technology on communication (e.g., "bling," "email," and "struggle bus").
: Detailed surveys of how English adopted words from Old Norse, French, Latin, and Greek.