John McWhorter is an American academic and linguist known for his work on the history and development of languages, as well as his commentary on race, politics, and cultural issues. McWhorter earned his Ph.D. in linguistics from Stanford University and has a background in French, linguistics, and American Studies.
He is a prolific author, having written numerous books on language and linguistics, including "The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language," "Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold History of English," and "Talking Back, Talking Black: Truths About America's Lingua Franca." His works explore the evolution of language, the complexities of English, and the nuances of African American Vernacular English, among other topics.
In addition to his academic and literary contributions, McWhorter is a public intellectual who frequently participates in media discussions and writes on issues of race, politics, and social policy. He is known for his contrarian views on topics related to race and social justice, often arguing against what he sees as the excesses of political correctness and identity politics. McWhorter contributes regularly to publications such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, and he is a contributing editor at The Atlantic.
He also hosts the podcast "Lexicon Valley," where he discusses the intricacies of language and linguistics, delving into topics such as grammar, word origins, and the social dynamics of language use.
McWhorter's work is characterized by its accessibility to a general audience, his engaging writing style, and his ability to connect linguistic phenomena with broader social and cultural issues. Despite his sometimes controversial positions, his contributions to linguistics and public discourse are widely recognized and respected.
He is a regular guest of Glenn Loury where they discuss race in America. John is widely considered controversial but frankly I find him to be rather far left, not particularly insightful on race but at least not insane.
"Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold History of English" by John McWhorter provides a compelling and unconventional overview of the English language's evolution. Unlike traditional linguistic histories that often focus on a linear progression from Old English to Modern English, McWhorter's book delves into the less explored influences and oddities that have shaped English into the unique language it is today.
McWhorter challenges conventional linguistic narratives by highlighting the significant impact of lesser-known languages and peoples on English. For instance, he discusses the strong influence of the Celtic languages on English syntax, a theory not widely accepted in mainstream linguistics. He argues that certain grammatical constructions in English, such as the continuous tense ("I am going"), are peculiarities that can be traced back to Celtic influence, something that many other Germanic languages do not share.
Another key point in the book is the impact of the Vikings and their Old Norse language on English. McWhorter details how the Viking invasions led to a significant infusion of Old Norse words into English, along with certain grammatical simplifications, such as the reduction of gendered nouns and the loss of some verb conjugations. This Norse influence, McWhorter argues, played a crucial role in making English the more analytically structured language it is today, distinct from its Germanic relatives.
"Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue" also explores the role of historical accidents and deliberate choices in the development of English. McWhorter points out that many features of English are the result of historical happenstance rather than any inherent superiority or logical evolution of the language.
Throughout the book, McWhorter uses a conversational and often humorous tone to engage readers, making complex linguistic concepts accessible to a general audience. He challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about English and appreciate the myriad influences that have made it a "magnificent bastard" of a language.
As someone who is new to the world of linguistics, I found the book to be an eye-opening and thoroughly enjoyable read. For a newcomer to linguistics, this book serves as a captivating introduction to the subject, far removed from the dryness one might expect from an academic work.
This book may not be for my audience but if you like to learn a bit about new subjects, you could do much worse than linguistics and particularly linguistics from John McWhorter.