Lingthusiasm is a podcast featuring lively, insightful discussions about language and linguistics (the study of how language works) as a way of understanding the world. They cover a wide range of linguistics topics and draw on examples from languages across the globe. How to balance a lopsided conversation, how words get borrowed across languages or the hosts’ favourite linguistics memes are just a few examples of the topics you’ll find on this podcast. Check out their Lingthusiasm episode quiz to get an episode suggestion that suits your tastes.

Co-hosted and co-created by linguists Lauren Gawne and Gretchen McColloch, episodes are posted once a month every third Thursday, with bonus episodes posted twice a month every first Thursday for patrons. Each episode includes a transcript and links to the resources they referenced. Passionate and knowledgeable, their chats uncover hidden linguistic patterns that we may not even realize we’re engaging in.

(Photo credits: Lingthusiasm.)

What we like about this podcast

Lingthusiam really appeals to the word nerd in us – and we love that Lauren and Gretchen’s conversations and interviews are both insightful and entertaining. They make learning about language and linguistics fun! Ever wonder why in so many languages the letters “c” and “g” can be pronounced in so many different ways? Have you been shaking your fist about young people running amok with language? Can you guess what the symbol in their logo means?

In addition to the fascinating chats, the Lingthusiasm hosts also do live shows sometimes and they have a cool selection of merch. We like the buttons and t-shirts featuring the schwa symbol, which looks like an upside-down lower case “e” and is a vowel sound in an unstressed syllable, like the “a” sound in “balloon”. (Did we mention that we’re word nerds?) Tune in to Lingthusiasm and dive into all things language and linguistics. (Written by C.M.)

Accessibility information: All episodes include a transcript. For events, please refer to the event venue.

Ideas for where you can go from here:

• Listen to Lingthusiasm’s first episode and explore what they have to offer. There are currently over 80 episodes and most are about half an hour long. Patreon supporters get access to bonus episodes.
• Take a look at the Lingthusiasm episode list to pick an episode that particularly interests you. Episode #7: “Kids these days aren’t ruining language” is one of our favourites.
• Sign up for Lingthusiam’s newsletter and stay up-to-date on upcoming episodes.
• Check out Lingthusiam’s cool merch selection perfect for all the word nerds in your life, including you! We particularly like their “Etymology isn’t Destiny” t-shirt.

We love podcasts about language and linguistics because they inspire you to explore the origins and evolution of how we communicate. Exploring the origins and evolution of how we communicate allows you to think more deeply about the language we use everyday. Thinking more deeply about language is part of the flourishing offline life Young W helps you discover: by exploring LANGUAGE and the other 8 pillars of arts & letters, including those you may be hesitant to try.

Broken or out-of-date link? Let us know and we’ll fix it. Thanks for helping us keep the information on Young W up to date.