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Some linguists work with multiple languages, while others focus on just one. But for many people, learning a language after early childhood is the thing that first gets them curious about how language works in general and all the things in their native language(s) that they take for granted. 

In episode 10 of Lingthusiasm, your hosts Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne talk about how learning languages can feed into linguistics and vice versa. We also explore the power dynamics that affect learning languages, and the importance of learning about the rules of interaction as well as the rules of grammar. 

This is our first main episode with Gretchen's new recorder, thanks to all you fantastic patrons! And the bonus episode, of course, was about hypercorrection. 

Shownotes and links to more information on the blog at http://lingthusiasm.com/post/163226798571/lingthusiasm-episode-10-learning-languages

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10: Learning languages linguistically by Lingthusiasm

Some linguists work with multiple languages, while others focus on just one. But for many people, learning a language after early childhood is the thing that first gets them curious about how language works in general and all the things in their native language(s) that they take for granted.

Comments

lingthusiasm

It's so, so difficult. I feel like one big reason that everyone should spend some time learning another language in adulthood is to develop enough empathy not to have these sorts of unreasonable expectations of people for whom operating in a less-fluent language is not really a choice.

lingthusiasm

Hah, yes, a very linguist thing to do! Especially like, "oh, I know all about how the case system works in this language but can I order a pizza? haha no"

Anonymous

Loved this episode! Especially the part where you defended adult language learners.