Slate Presents Lexicon Valley

Why is ph pronounced that way? The answer is positively phantastic. Join Slate Plus ! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at

We revisit the popular notion that our language helps shapes our worldview. Join Slate Plus ! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at

The word transient reveals some enduring patterns in English pronunciation and etymology. Join Slate Plus ! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at

What an ancient, undecipherable manuscript says—and doesn't say—about Latin and its spawn. Join Slate Plus ! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at

The letter R has a habit of intruding on spoken English. How come? Join Slate Plus ! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at