Find all stories on Language in this tag archive.
In a significant step toward inclusivity, and another reminder of how powerful words are, Merriam-Webster has added the non-binary “them” to their dictionary. While accepting that the singular “they” has actually been …
Though the public broadcaster doesn’t plan to release a standalone device, BBC announced a forthcoming competitor to Amazon’s Alexa: Beeb. The assistant will be able to recognize regional accents (British ones first) …
Using information from the World Atlas of Language Structures, researchers surveyed the features of 239 languages to determine which are “weirdest”—meaning in sound, the number of features and sentence construction. Out of …
Google Translate uses complex neural and numeric systems to find equivalencies in speech and text across languages. The tool is seemingly simple—at least for users. But on the backend, developers worked tirelessly …
Based on the OY/YO series of artworks by celebrated artist Deborah Kass, this 18k gold-plated necklace is playfully luxurious. Combining riffs on Ed Ruscha’s text-based works, Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” pieces, classic nameplate necklaces, and …
Art lexicon is often daunting and dense. The words usually have roots in French or German, but even the simple(r) English ones are worthy of brushing up on. Learning the right terms …
Architectural Airbnb alternatives, the history of the ampersand, a museum of fake art and more
Learning that the ampersand is a ligature of the letters E and T (“et” being the latin word for and) used by the Ancient Romans doesn’t even begin to touch upon its …
When thinking about celebrity sportspeople, we oftentimes go to athletes like Serena Williams or Lebron James, but every spring a very different kind of sporting champ graces ESPN and various TV shows. …
NPR’s interview with lexicographer Kory Stamper (who is also an associate editor at Merriam-Webster) is a must-listen for word nerds. Stamper delves into the idea that language is “a living thing,” which …