Apples and Ducks: A Couple of Lovely Language Podcasts

Podcasts can be a fun and casual way to learn more about academic concepts that may, or may not, be useful for your degree. Below are two of my favourite podcasts that prove linguistics isn’t just about verbs - although we do talk about word classes… a lot.

The Allusionist by Helen Zaltzman

Have you ever wondered how apples get their names? Did you know that there is an annual New York crossword competition? What about how names are created for vegan equivalents of animal products?

For all of this and more, visit The Allusionist, a podcast by Helen Zaltzman all about fun, quirky, and important facts and stories involving all things linguistics.

The Allusionist is a weekly podcast in which Zaltzman, along with regular guests such as lecturers, activists, and yes, apple namers, talk about their interests and professions within the field of linguistics.

Click here for apples: https://www.theallusionist.org/allusionist/apples

Click here to access The Allusionist via Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sQ5gz1B7kWT9VxCHVRq4D?si=liOdCvW-Qlmqd7o_GBYjXg

Lingthusiasm by Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne

For an upbeat and chatty two-person podcast about yet more fun linguistic topics including pangrams, words for colours around the world, lexicography, and wugs, then look no further! Lingthusiasm, hosted by McCulloch and Gawne, is released on the third Thursday of every month on Spotify, Apple and Google Podcasts, and more.

Introduced to me during A-Levels, my personal favourite episodes include one in which Gricean Maxims are explained using ducks – a fun and simple entryway into the linguistics of conversation, and an investigation into sign languages around the world.

Click here for ducks: https://lingthusiasm.com/post/164303700686/lingthusiasm-episode-11-layers-of-meaning

Click here for sign-language: https://lingthusiasm.com/post/187829933341/lingthusiasm-episode-36-villages-gifs-and

To listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4IfWLwqURo177w2i4Ecj7t?si=bAp3ukL-QCyAjbkHFLaobg

Do you have any favourite podcasts, linguistic or otherwise? Let us know down below!

Written by Rebecca Beet