Language is Alive
NPR’s interview with lexicographer Kory Stamper (who is also an associate editor at Merriam-Webster) is a must-listen for word nerds. Stamper delves into the idea that language is “a living thing,” which means that working on a dictionary is an ever-evolving and constantly growing entity. “A lot of times people assume that English as we speak it is something that was curated maybe by some dudes in frilly shirts back in the 1700s,” Stamper explains. “But in fact, a language is… always influenced by the people who come in and speak it or come in and conquer it.” This explains why words like “humblebrag,” “photobomb,” and “listicle” are just some of the thousands of words added to the Merriam-Webster recently. Head over to NPR to hear more.
Via npr.org link opens in a new window
