The hidden logic of English spelling, with Colin Gorrie

The hidden logic of English spelling, with Co...

Up next

How the Crusades gave us 'lingua franca.' 'That' or 'who' for animals? Doot doot doot

1184. This week, we look at the history of lingua francas, from the original mix of Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Turkish used during the Crusades to today's global English. Plus, we look at whether it's wrong to use "who" for animals, "that" instead of "who" for people, ...  Show more

Meeting the new editor, with AP Stylebook's Anna Jo Bratton

1183. This week, we talk to Anna Jo Bratton about leading the committee that decides the rules for the "journalism bible." We look at how the team "pressure-tests" new rules and why the process isn't a democracy. Then we look at major updates for 2026, including the new AI chapte ...  Show more

Recommended Episodes

Algorithmic Social Media Is Driving New Slang
Science Quickly

From viral slang such as “skibidi” to the rise of so-called brain rot, linguist and content creator Adam Aleksic, aka the “Etymology Nerd,” and associate editor Allison Parshall, who covers the mind and brain, unpack how social media and algorithms are reshaping the way we commun ...  Show more

Danielle Boyer: Robotics & Keeping Native Languages Alive
Rebel Girls

Danielle Boyer is an Ojibwe inventor, scientist, and advocate. She invented the Skobot, an educational and fun robot that translates Native languages for children. Through the Skobot, Danielle has made learning Native languages accessible and entertaining for kids. Listen in to l ...  Show more

Teaching an Old Craft With Newfound Imagination | Lizzy Vartanian
Outline | The Arab World's Best Projects from Idea to Outcome

Lizzy Vartanian is an embroidery artist based in London. Much of her work is inspired by roots in Lebanon, Armenia and Syria, transforming 20th-century family photographs into embroidered works of art.Connect with Lizzy 👉 https://www.instagram.com/lizzyvartanian/?hl=en-gbHosted b ...  Show more

Native English isn't Relevant to the Majority of English Users - Jennifer Jenkins
Teacher Talking Time

Want to monetize your skills as a teacher? Book a free 1:1 with us to see if we can help.  

"It's  such social injustice to expect people to use English like native English speakers, whichever country they're in." ...

  Show more