Space Cadet (Rebroadcast) - 9 October 2023

Why do speakers of the same language have different accents? A lively new book called Why We Talk Funny offers a linguist’s look at how and why accents develop. And: If you’ve “stood up” at a wedding, were you supporting the marriage or objecting to it? Plus, a new expression mak ...  Show more

High school students in Alabama share some favorite slang terms. If someone tells you to touch grass, they’re telling you to get a reality check — but the last thing you’d actually want to touch is dog water! Also, the history of the word hangover, and the many names, in several ...  Show more

If you don’t know who Dr. Seuss is, you should! He was a cartoonist and author who brought us The Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, Green Eggs and Ham, and more than 40 other incredible books for children—and adults—around the world. He’s often called “the father of contemporary childr ...  Show more

In today’s lesson, you’re going to hear the story of the creator of Jingle Bells, his hear about questionable character. We’ll also go through the lyrics of the song so if you want to sing it in English, you can. Want to take your learning further? ⭐ ⁠⁠Visit the website⁠⁠ for mor ...  Show more

Have you ever wondered what’s up with double negation, the history of gender neutral pronouns, or why swearing is taboo? Then get ready for this week’s guest, linguist Anne Curzan! Anne and Jonathan talk about how the English language has evolved since the 1300s and how our words ...  Show more

It's a ridiculous visual, is it not?! If the cat's got your tongue, you can't talk, you're speechless! And that's pretty much how we use it in English conversation. We often ask someone "Cat got your tongue?" in situations when they can't respond, or they don't respond. Listen to ...  Show more