Babel is a quarterly language magazine, featuring leading-edge linguistic research in an engaging, accessible format. Its print and digital issues cover the many different uses of linguistics in the world around us; languages from around the world and the historical, current and future state of language.

A magazine for language lovers, each 52-page issue includes regular features like “Linguistic lexicon”, “Languages of the world” and “Ask a linguist”. Interested in trying a new language? They offer a sneak peek. Popular articles include contemporary examinations of language in the gay community in the 20th century, women rappers’ lyrics, and how new languages are invented.

(Photo credits: Babel.)

What we like about this magazine

As you can tell, we find the topic of language fascinating. We love how Babel isn’t just for linguists, academics or scientists – it’s an inspiring and accessible resource for language lovers of all stripes. It covers everything you’ve always wanted to know about language but didn’t know whom to ask. We like how Babel covers a wide variety of topics. From grammar details (why does Spanish form the plural with an “s”) to the historical aspects of language (how did the meaning of certain words evolve over time), all the way to languages you may not be familiar with (how does sign language work), Babel is a highly engaging treasure trove that makes linguistics exciting and fun. (Written by C.M.)

Ideas for where you can go from here:

• Visit the Babel website (including their list of current and back issues) and consider a subscription for yourself or another language lover in your life.
• Watch actor, writer and language lover Stephen Fry’s Babel Lecture 2022 “What we have here is a failure to communicate”.
• Read Babel’s ”Best of” issue – is available for free and covers their first 32 issues. See what catches your eye.
• Take a look at The Babel Lexicon of Language, the first Babel book, for an even deeper dive into the world of language and linguistics. (If you get it via these affiliate links, Young W will get a small commission: USA, UK.)

We love language & linguistics magazines 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 every day. 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.

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