Episode Details

Everyone has an accent, even people who don’t think they do. That’s according to linguist Valerie Fridland, who studies the way American accents have been shaped by centuries of culture and class. In her new book, “Why We Talk Funny”, Fridland shares how different American accents developed, why some are dying off and the way they influence how we see each other and ourselves.

Guests:

Valerie Fridland, professor of linguistics, University of Nevada, Reno

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices