Human Interest

"What Language Is (And What It Isn't And What It Could Be)"

John McWhorter

About the Program

Linguist John McWhorter examines the principals behind the world's languages.  The author argues that languages are not rigid constructions but rather open to growth by the continuous usage by a myriad of people.  Mr. McWhorter opines on the differences of the written word and the spoken word and reports that only two hundred of the world's six thousand languages are written.  John McWhorter speaks at McNally Jackson Books in New York City.

About the Authors

John McWhorter

John McWhorter is the author of numerous books, including Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue and Losing the Race: Self-Sabotage in Black America.  He teaches western civilization and linguistics at Columbia University. 


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Program Information

"What Language Is (And What It Isn't And What It Could Be)"

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Past Airings

  • Sunday, September 18th at 4:30pm (ET)
  • Sunday, September 18th at 12:30am (ET)
  • Sunday, September 4th at 6:45pm (ET)
  • Sunday, September 4th at 7am (ET)
  • Saturday, September 3rd at 9:15am (ET)
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