Language Families of the World
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Language Families of the World
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Narrated by:
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John McWhorter
About this listen
Language, in its seemingly infinite varieties, tells us who we are and where we come from. Many linguists believe that all of the world’s languages - over 7,000 currently - emerged from a single prehistoric source. While experts have not yet been able to reproduce this proto-language, most of the world’s current languages can be traced to various language families that have branched and divided, spreading across the globe with migrating humans and evolving over time.
The ability to communicate with the spoken word is so prevelant that we have yet to discover a civilization that does not speak. The fitful preservation of human remains throughout history has made tracing the ultimate origin of sophisticated human cultures difficult, but it is assumed that language is at least 300,000 years old. With so much time comes immense change - including the development of the written word. There’s no doubt that over centuries, numerous languages have been born, thrived, and died. So how did we get here, and how do we trace the many language branches back to the root?
In Language Families of the World, Professor John McWhorter of Columbia University takes you back through time and around the world, following the linguistic trails left by generations of humans that lead back to the beginnings of language. Utilizing historical theories and cutting-edge research, these 34 astonishing lectures will introduce you to the major language families of the world and their many offspring, including a variety of languages that are no longer spoken but provide vital links between past and present.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2019 The Great Courses (P)2019 The Teaching Company, LLCListeners also enjoyed...
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- Ian Henley
- 20-04-22
Thank you
Absolutely fantastic work. Thank you so much for your sharing your awe-inspiring knowledge. I have learned so much from this and your other work. Fascinating.
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- Ian Smith
- 09-05-22
Fascinating and very informative
I was rather blown away by this book and all the nuggets of information it passed on. I found it fascinating. The presentation was lively, maybe a teeny bit OTT at times, but nothing you wouldn't expect from a lecture at university. John's honest about his own biases in the subject, and decent about those who disagree.
Anyone wanting to invent a language for a fictional world should listen to this and get depressed at the options!
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- Anonymous User
- 23-07-21
Exellent introduction into linguistics
Loved it, the narration had a nice flow to it and the volume was perfect.
The narrator gave insight into how sertain words in sertain languages were pronounced, all be it overstated, it really helped to give listeners the gist of it.
Ill never look down on any language again
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- Roy foley
- 29-01-21
Engaging!
John McWhorter is a great narrator and keeps you interested in his field.
I love the way he's travelled around the world in language following the accepted pattern of human migration. it's great!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- toby moate
- 11-10-21
Enlightening
A mammoth task enjoyably succeeded. I knew a little bit about different languages and their families but knew I was ignorant. I am less so now but the more you know the more you realise the oceans more you are directed to explore.
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- S Tait
- 08-09-20
Comprehensive and learned
A great series full of knowledge (and bad jokes). Given well and if anything too short but I'll definitely be listening again.
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- EmilyK
- 18-05-21
Fascinating and funny lectures
Professor McWhorter is a favorite of mine. I enjoy his sense of humor and the details he includes are always interesting. If you are just starting out with him I think I would recommend the Story of Human Language first. There's some overlap between the two series if my recollection is correct.
Many of my friends are getting interested in his linguistics lectures after hearing his more political podcast with Glenn Lowery. He also does a linguistics podcast which is quite fun.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Barleyman
- 07-09-19
Very interesting
A lot of information to take in, I found it very interesting but will need to listen to it again oneday
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- Saralexis
- 15-03-23
All of John McWorter’s lectures are worth getting
He’s funny, interesting and informative and I’ve enjoyed every lecture series he has done with the great courses. This series takes a tour round the language families of the world so it’s more of a general survey than some of the others which talk more about the way languages develop.
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- Cklockhurst
- 31-07-22
Excellent
I really enjoyed listening to this. The author is entertaining and I learned a lot.
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