Because Language (becauselangpod)
@becauselanguage.com
A show about linguistics, the science of language. Your hosts (in order of coolness): Hedvig Skirgård, Daniel Midgley, and Ben Ainslie (tie for 2nd). patreon.com/becauselangpod
Reposted by Because Language (becauselangpod)
I'm presenting this paper this afternoon in Malmo! Here's a peek at the poster, which previews the article's core arguments. Come find me to talk more about how we can reclaim democratic control over AI futures :)
Read full paper here: doi.org/10.1609/aies...
Read full paper here: doi.org/10.1609/aies...
October 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM
I'm presenting this paper this afternoon in Malmo! Here's a peek at the poster, which previews the article's core arguments. Come find me to talk more about how we can reclaim democratic control over AI futures :)
Read full paper here: doi.org/10.1609/aies...
Read full paper here: doi.org/10.1609/aies...
Wait, Ben hates interrobangs‽ But they're great! They're a question mark AND an exclamation point. Do you use them?
New episode on punctuation with Florence Hazrat here, or in all the podcast places:
becauselanguage.com/148-on-the-m...
New episode on punctuation with Florence Hazrat here, or in all the podcast places:
becauselanguage.com/148-on-the-m...
October 13, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Wait, Ben hates interrobangs‽ But they're great! They're a question mark AND an exclamation point. Do you use them?
New episode on punctuation with Florence Hazrat here, or in all the podcast places:
becauselanguage.com/148-on-the-m...
New episode on punctuation with Florence Hazrat here, or in all the podcast places:
becauselanguage.com/148-on-the-m...
New episode! It's okay to play with punctuation. Florence Hazrat tells us about the history of the marks we use, and who the heavy hitters were.
@basicbooksgroup.bsky.social
Book here: books.apple.com/us/book/on-t...
Episode here: becauselanguage.com/148-on-the-m...
@basicbooksgroup.bsky.social
Book here: books.apple.com/us/book/on-t...
Episode here: becauselanguage.com/148-on-the-m...
October 13, 2026 at 8:58 AM
New episode! It's okay to play with punctuation. Florence Hazrat tells us about the history of the marks we use, and who the heavy hitters were.
@basicbooksgroup.bsky.social
Book here: books.apple.com/us/book/on-t...
Episode here: becauselanguage.com/148-on-the-m...
@basicbooksgroup.bsky.social
Book here: books.apple.com/us/book/on-t...
Episode here: becauselanguage.com/148-on-the-m...
here we go
uh-oh. #WotY2026 season is here, and so is my annual WotY watch.
And the German Youth Word of the Year is
RAGEBAIT
www.dw.com/en/ragebait-...
And the German Youth Word of the Year is
RAGEBAIT
www.dw.com/en/ragebait-...
'Ragebait' is the 2026 German Youth Word of the Year
Already named the 2025 Oxford Word of the Year, "rage bait" has also been widely adopted in German slang.
www.dw.com
October 11, 2026 at 12:34 PM
here we go
Reposted by Because Language (becauselangpod)
It's the job of the media to scrutinize such statements and decide whether there's a story here at all (maybe the story is Anthropic researchers have fallen into a fantasy-land and brought many policymakers with them), not to just platform them.
>>
>>
October 9, 2026 at 7:07 PM
It's the job of the media to scrutinize such statements and decide whether there's a story here at all (maybe the story is Anthropic researchers have fallen into a fantasy-land and brought many policymakers with them), not to just platform them.
>>
>>
This is why we need to beat the “AI is conscious” idea down into the earth whenever we can.
If people believe it, they will absolutely prioritise the well-being of Claude over the well-being of actual conscious humans.
If people believe it, they will absolutely prioritise the well-being of Claude over the well-being of actual conscious humans.
i need the “llms are might be conscious” folx to read this
I met with AI data labelers in Kenya who are organizing their colleagues to fight the brutal working conditions and horrible pay given to the workers at the "bottom of the AI supply chain." They believe the NDAs they've signed are unenforceable so are speaking out:
www.404media.co/ai-is-africa...
www.404media.co/ai-is-africa...
October 3, 2026 at 1:31 AM
This is why we need to beat the “AI is conscious” idea down into the earth whenever we can.
If people believe it, they will absolutely prioritise the well-being of Claude over the well-being of actual conscious humans.
If people believe it, they will absolutely prioritise the well-being of Claude over the well-being of actual conscious humans.
My old view: linguists can’t really address the issue of AI consciousness.
My new view: linguists are UNIQUELY capable of addressing AI consciousness because we study what words mean and how people use them, which is what this is really about
My new view: linguists are UNIQUELY capable of addressing AI consciousness because we study what words mean and how people use them, which is what this is really about
I’m obsessed with people who think ChatGPT is conscious. These people vote drive and have children. Amazing
October 3, 2026 at 1:25 AM
My old view: linguists can’t really address the issue of AI consciousness.
My new view: linguists are UNIQUELY capable of addressing AI consciousness because we study what words mean and how people use them, which is what this is really about
My new view: linguists are UNIQUELY capable of addressing AI consciousness because we study what words mean and how people use them, which is what this is really about
Jootball.
Pronounced /ʤʊʔbal/
Pronounced /ʤʊʔbal/
October 3, 2026 at 1:17 AM
Jootball.
Pronounced /ʤʊʔbal/
Pronounced /ʤʊʔbal/
Reposted by Because Language (becauselangpod)
This is a book I learned about from the @becauselanguage.com podcast. If "How to Kill a Language" is your kind of thing, this podcast probably will be too.
(Well, it's the book I'm reading now.)
bookshop.org/p/books/how-...
bookshop.org/p/books/how-...
How to Kill a Language: Power, Resistance, and the Race to Save Our Words
An urgent, globe-spanning exploration of languages at risk, from Kichwa to Ukrainian, that asks: What do we lose—culturally, politically, and personally—when a language is silenced?“Fascinating . . . ...
bookshop.org
September 30, 2026 at 9:25 PM
This is a book I learned about from the @becauselanguage.com podcast. If "How to Kill a Language" is your kind of thing, this podcast probably will be too.
rogue
#WordOfTheWeek
#WordOfTheWeek
AI isn't going "rogue" because it can't—and we won't get a grip on how companies like OpenAI are playing with fire until we have the language right
There are no “rogue” AI agents
Identifying them as such only lets companies like OpenAI off the hook.
eoinhiggins.substack.com
September 28, 2026 at 9:43 AM
rogue
#WordOfTheWeek
#WordOfTheWeek
Everybody — we're having a party for Mignon because @grammargirl.bsky.social is turning 20.
But it's a surprise party, so don't show her this link! Otherwise she'll know what we're up to. But all patrons are welcome, free or paid. Not a patron? Sign up, even free.
www.patreon.com/becauselangp...
But it's a surprise party, so don't show her this link! Otherwise she'll know what we're up to. But all patrons are welcome, free or paid. Not a patron? Sign up, even free.
www.patreon.com/becauselangp...
Live show, 2026-09-26: Grammar Girl Is 20! | Because Language
Live show, 2026-09-26: Grammar Girl Is 20! by Because Language on Patreon. Join Because Language's community for exclusive content and updates.
www.patreon.com
September 24, 2026 at 10:34 AM
Everybody — we're having a party for Mignon because @grammargirl.bsky.social is turning 20.
But it's a surprise party, so don't show her this link! Otherwise she'll know what we're up to. But all patrons are welcome, free or paid. Not a patron? Sign up, even free.
www.patreon.com/becauselangp...
But it's a surprise party, so don't show her this link! Otherwise she'll know what we're up to. But all patrons are welcome, free or paid. Not a patron? Sign up, even free.
www.patreon.com/becauselangp...
Who caught the proofreading error? 😄
All-new trailer for Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim's 'You Can See Everything.'
The Elizabeth Holmes documentary is in theaters on October 16.
The Elizabeth Holmes documentary is in theaters on October 16.
September 24, 2026 at 2:17 AM
Who caught the proofreading error? 😄
How do we communicate linguistics to the public? Perhaps a bit carefully.
Michael Erard @michaelerard.bsky.social has learned a lot about lingcomm in his decades as a journalist. A chat with Michael about his book: The Language Beat.
becauselanguage.com/147-the-lang...
youtube.com/shorts/K1JUH...
Michael Erard @michaelerard.bsky.social has learned a lot about lingcomm in his decades as a journalist. A chat with Michael about his book: The Language Beat.
becauselanguage.com/147-the-lang...
youtube.com/shorts/K1JUH...
Vibey metalinguistic sense
YouTube video by Because Language
youtube.com
September 23, 2026 at 10:10 PM
How do we communicate linguistics to the public? Perhaps a bit carefully.
Michael Erard @michaelerard.bsky.social has learned a lot about lingcomm in his decades as a journalist. A chat with Michael about his book: The Language Beat.
becauselanguage.com/147-the-lang...
youtube.com/shorts/K1JUH...
Michael Erard @michaelerard.bsky.social has learned a lot about lingcomm in his decades as a journalist. A chat with Michael about his book: The Language Beat.
becauselanguage.com/147-the-lang...
youtube.com/shorts/K1JUH...
Wondering why it's called pickleball?
It's because it uses equipment from other sports. In rowing (which the inventor was into), a "pickle boat" crew is made up of a bunch of players from different teams.
Here, @merriam-webster.com explains.
www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/why...
It's because it uses equipment from other sports. In rowing (which the inventor was into), a "pickle boat" crew is made up of a bunch of players from different teams.
Here, @merriam-webster.com explains.
www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/why...
September 22, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Wondering why it's called pickleball?
It's because it uses equipment from other sports. In rowing (which the inventor was into), a "pickle boat" crew is made up of a bunch of players from different teams.
Here, @merriam-webster.com explains.
www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/why...
It's because it uses equipment from other sports. In rowing (which the inventor was into), a "pickle boat" crew is made up of a bunch of players from different teams.
Here, @merriam-webster.com explains.
www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/why...
Top 10 most translated literary works. Go!
Can you complete the list?
Answers right here in our latest video:
youtu.be/ZqIEuFPK5G0?...
New episode available wherever you get your podcasts.
becauselanguage.com/146-beyond-w...
Can you complete the list?
Answers right here in our latest video:
youtu.be/ZqIEuFPK5G0?...
New episode available wherever you get your podcasts.
becauselanguage.com/146-beyond-w...
September 20, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Top 10 most translated literary works. Go!
Can you complete the list?
Answers right here in our latest video:
youtu.be/ZqIEuFPK5G0?...
New episode available wherever you get your podcasts.
becauselanguage.com/146-beyond-w...
Can you complete the list?
Answers right here in our latest video:
youtu.be/ZqIEuFPK5G0?...
New episode available wherever you get your podcasts.
becauselanguage.com/146-beyond-w...
Language science sometimes means examining our beliefs a bit critically. But that's part of the fun! Karen Stollznow
@karenstollznow.bsky.social explains on this episode.
Karen is the author of Beyond Words, available from @universitypress.cambridge.org .
becauselanguage.com/146-beyond-w...
@karenstollznow.bsky.social explains on this episode.
Karen is the author of Beyond Words, available from @universitypress.cambridge.org .
becauselanguage.com/146-beyond-w...
September 19, 2026 at 12:42 PM
Language science sometimes means examining our beliefs a bit critically. But that's part of the fun! Karen Stollznow
@karenstollznow.bsky.social explains on this episode.
Karen is the author of Beyond Words, available from @universitypress.cambridge.org .
becauselanguage.com/146-beyond-w...
@karenstollznow.bsky.social explains on this episode.
Karen is the author of Beyond Words, available from @universitypress.cambridge.org .
becauselanguage.com/146-beyond-w...
sexy apocalypse
#WordOfTheWeek
#WordOfTheWeek
There have always been humans who thought:
1) The world will end soon
2) It will happen in a cool, exciting way
3) It’ll happen to me personally
4) I’ll be a martyred prophet, or a warlord, or otherwise special
5) People who don’t see this are lesser
“Sexy apocalypse” is a great phrase for that
1) The world will end soon
2) It will happen in a cool, exciting way
3) It’ll happen to me personally
4) I’ll be a martyred prophet, or a warlord, or otherwise special
5) People who don’t see this are lesser
“Sexy apocalypse” is a great phrase for that
Certain kinds of smart people tend to have a "sexy apocalypse" problem when it comes to thinking about risk. E.g. skynet turning everyone in paperclips, while bad, is also *kind of cool and fun* at the same time. Where the reality is that most actual disasters are both stupid and disappointing.
September 18, 2026 at 9:41 PM
sexy apocalypse
#WordOfTheWeek
#WordOfTheWeek
Well, that’s it. AGI is upon us. Humans: behold your god etc
September 14, 2026 at 2:37 AM
Well, that’s it. AGI is upon us. Humans: behold your god etc
Reposted by Because Language (becauselangpod)
Shady Characters × Because Language! I joined Daniel Midgley and Ben Ainslie recently to shoot the 💩 about emoji – there’s a taster at bsky.app/profile/bec... to see if it’s up your street, or you can dive into the full episode at shadycharacters.co.u.... Thanks to Daniel and Ben for having me on!
Emoji in medical notes? Yep, they're going all kinds of places they never have before.
New live episode with Keith Houston, author of "Face With Tears of Joy: A Natural History of Emoji".
Watch or listen to the whole thing:
becauselanguage.com/145-face-wit...
@shadycharacters.co.uk @wwnorton.com
New live episode with Keith Houston, author of "Face With Tears of Joy: A Natural History of Emoji".
Watch or listen to the whole thing:
becauselanguage.com/145-face-wit...
@shadycharacters.co.uk @wwnorton.com
September 4, 2026 at 10:59 AM
Shady Characters × Because Language! I joined Daniel Midgley and Ben Ainslie recently to shoot the 💩 about emoji – there’s a taster at bsky.app/profile/bec... to see if it’s up your street, or you can dive into the full episode at shadycharacters.co.u.... Thanks to Daniel and Ben for having me on!
Emoji in medical notes? Yep, they're going all kinds of places they never have before.
New live episode with Keith Houston, author of "Face With Tears of Joy: A Natural History of Emoji".
Watch or listen to the whole thing:
becauselanguage.com/145-face-wit...
@shadycharacters.co.uk @wwnorton.com
New live episode with Keith Houston, author of "Face With Tears of Joy: A Natural History of Emoji".
Watch or listen to the whole thing:
becauselanguage.com/145-face-wit...
@shadycharacters.co.uk @wwnorton.com
September 3, 2026 at 8:31 AM
Emoji in medical notes? Yep, they're going all kinds of places they never have before.
New live episode with Keith Houston, author of "Face With Tears of Joy: A Natural History of Emoji".
Watch or listen to the whole thing:
becauselanguage.com/145-face-wit...
@shadycharacters.co.uk @wwnorton.com
New live episode with Keith Houston, author of "Face With Tears of Joy: A Natural History of Emoji".
Watch or listen to the whole thing:
becauselanguage.com/145-face-wit...
@shadycharacters.co.uk @wwnorton.com
Years from now, I may not remember all the corruption and evil from this administration. But I will remember the cowardice of everyone who just went along.
So look. One day everyone will always have been against this. Get out ahead of it. Position yourself as a future hero. When we fight, we win. 
So look. One day everyone will always have been against this. Get out ahead of it. Position yourself as a future hero. When we fight, we win. 
“Everyone considers it fucking nuts.”
Inside Apple, I'm told "not a soul" supports Donald Trump's Lake Ontario rebrand to "Lake America," but the company is also resigned to making such concessions to avoid the White House's rage.
Details in @status.news: www.status.news/p/apple-maps...
Inside Apple, I'm told "not a soul" supports Donald Trump's Lake Ontario rebrand to "Lake America," but the company is also resigned to making such concessions to avoid the White House's rage.
Details in @status.news: www.status.news/p/apple-maps...
Apple's Map Acquiescence
In Cupertino, “not a soul” supports Donald Trump’s “Lake America” decree, Status is told—but, at the same time, the company is resigned to conceding such points to the White House to avoid triggering ...
www.status.news
September 2, 2026 at 6:44 AM
Years from now, I may not remember all the corruption and evil from this administration. But I will remember the cowardice of everyone who just went along.
So look. One day everyone will always have been against this. Get out ahead of it. Position yourself as a future hero. When we fight, we win. 
So look. One day everyone will always have been against this. Get out ahead of it. Position yourself as a future hero. When we fight, we win. 
Reposted by Because Language (becauselangpod)
Pro tip! The less you post about "Lake America," the less written evidence of its use there is, and the less likely any reputable dictionary company will enter it into their dictionaries.
ONLY *YOU* CAN PREVENT BAD LEXICOGRAPHY
ONLY *YOU* CAN PREVENT BAD LEXICOGRAPHY
September 2, 2026 at 2:08 AM
Pro tip! The less you post about "Lake America," the less written evidence of its use there is, and the less likely any reputable dictionary company will enter it into their dictionaries.
ONLY *YOU* CAN PREVENT BAD LEXICOGRAPHY
ONLY *YOU* CAN PREVENT BAD LEXICOGRAPHY
file under: backronym
that's right, it was an acronym all along!! it was an extremely tortured acronym all along
qwantz.com/index.php?co...
qwantz.com/index.php?co...
August 26, 2026 at 12:36 PM
file under: backronym
ICYMI: We want to end linguistic prejudice, not teach people to dodge it. But in the meantime, what's the best strategy?
A sociophonetic deep dive w Jennifer Nycz @jennycz.bsky.social and Lauren Hall-Lew @lhlew.bsky.social. With ✨Kelly Wright✨
becauselanguage.com/144-sociopho...
@academic.oup.com
A sociophonetic deep dive w Jennifer Nycz @jennycz.bsky.social and Lauren Hall-Lew @lhlew.bsky.social. With ✨Kelly Wright✨
becauselanguage.com/144-sociopho...
@academic.oup.com
August 23, 2026 at 3:03 AM
ICYMI: We want to end linguistic prejudice, not teach people to dodge it. But in the meantime, what's the best strategy?
A sociophonetic deep dive w Jennifer Nycz @jennycz.bsky.social and Lauren Hall-Lew @lhlew.bsky.social. With ✨Kelly Wright✨
becauselanguage.com/144-sociopho...
@academic.oup.com
A sociophonetic deep dive w Jennifer Nycz @jennycz.bsky.social and Lauren Hall-Lew @lhlew.bsky.social. With ✨Kelly Wright✨
becauselanguage.com/144-sociopho...
@academic.oup.com
Optimist: The cup is half full
Pessimist: The cup is half empty
Linguist: Now would you say that this one is a cup, a glass, or a mug?
Pessimist: The cup is half empty
Linguist: Now would you say that this one is a cup, a glass, or a mug?
Optimist: The cup is half full
Pessimist: The cup is half empty
Science Fiction Writer: The cup is a crystalline super computer and the liquid is hyperintelligent, they want to know why humanity should be allowed to exist, you have 30 minutes to respond and the answer must be danced by a cat
Pessimist: The cup is half empty
Science Fiction Writer: The cup is a crystalline super computer and the liquid is hyperintelligent, they want to know why humanity should be allowed to exist, you have 30 minutes to respond and the answer must be danced by a cat
Optimist: The cup is half full
Pessimist: The cup is half empty
Cosmologist: The cup is dusty or full of gravitational waves
Pessimist: The cup is half empty
Cosmologist: The cup is dusty or full of gravitational waves
August 22, 2026 at 10:28 AM
Optimist: The cup is half full
Pessimist: The cup is half empty
Linguist: Now would you say that this one is a cup, a glass, or a mug?
Pessimist: The cup is half empty
Linguist: Now would you say that this one is a cup, a glass, or a mug?