Podcast Recommendation: Lingthusiasm

Do you love language? Do you often wonder about how words work? Do you enjoy listening to smart women discuss interesting stuff? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I have the podcast for you – Lingthusiasm: a podcast that’s enthusiastic about linguistics.

Popular Tumblr linguists Lauren Gawne (Superlinguo) and Gretchen McCulloch (All Things Linguistic) have banded together to have some seriously entertaining talks about all kinds of different aspects of language. If that sounds dry, then you are sorely mistaken, because it’s super interesting and sometimes totally hilarious.

The first episode is focused on the idea of a universal language. They discuss some of the attempts to create a universal language, and they also go into the concept of universal language as a mechanism for world peace – the idea that if we all spoke the same language, we would all get along automatically. Let’s be real; anyone that thinks that has never tried to have a political discussion at a family gathering.

It’s the second episode that really got me hooked, though, because that’s the ep that’s all about pronouns. Titled, “Little words, big jobs”, hosts Lauren and Lauren discuss fascinating and super relevant topics like singular ‘they’ and the Gay Fanfiction Problem – you know, the one where there are too many he’s to keep track of.

Episodes are around 35mins each, and they take a little bit of concentration because, while the tone is conversational, they do discuss some deep ideas. Don’t let that scare you away, though, because it’s all super fun.

Personally I’m psyched about it, because there’s an Aussie in the mix, so it’s nice to hear my linguistic traditions mentioned along the way, but there are all kinds of other reasons to LOVE Lingthusiasm. Seriously, it’s just an awesome podcast, and well worth a listen whether linguistics is your bag or not.

Lingthusiasm is on iTunes and Soundcloud, etc, but the best way to check out their content is probably via the Tumblr. So go forth and Lingthuse!

Correction: This post originally said Lauren McCulloch when it’s actually Gretchen McCulloch (I just really like the name Lauren, sorry – Undie). 

Author: Undie Girl

Undie Girl (aka Von) has a BA (Hons) Major in Cultural Studies. The title of her honours thesis was “It’s just gay and porn”: Power, Identity and the Fangirl’s Gaze. She’s currently pursuing a Masters of Media Practice at University of Sydney. Von’s a former contributor The Backlot’s column The Shipping News and a current co-host of The Geekiary’s monthly webcast FEELINGS… with The Geekiary.

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