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Language in the Wild

Exploring the relationship between language and society.

Child Development
Mama: The Name That Started It All

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on May 5, 2024

The name kids call their mothers is surprisingly similar across languages. This universality is the result of how babies are wired and the important role moms play.

The name kids call their mothers is surprisingly similar across languages. This universality is the result of how babies are wired and the important role moms play.

Relationships
How XO Came to Mean Kisses and Hugs

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on February 11, 2024

X and O had a fascinating journey to become the hugs and kisses of today. Here's what medieval blessings, the game of tic/tac/toe and kisses have in common.

X and O had a fascinating journey to become the hugs and kisses of today. Here's what medieval blessings, the game of tic/tac/toe and kisses have in common.

Social Networking
Consider Your Email Style

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on January 21, 2024

Our linguistic style depends on our social background and reference groups. Potential style differences can derail productive email conversations.

Our linguistic style depends on our social background and reference groups. Potential style differences can derail productive email conversations.

Religion
The Power of the X in X-mas

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on December 17, 2023

Ancient writings, great battles, and religion made the letter ‘x’ a powerful symbol and provided a shortcut to Christmas.

Ancient writings, great battles, and religion made the letter ‘x’ a powerful symbol and provided a shortcut to Christmas.

Social Life
Why Is Going Home So Important to Us?

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on November 26, 2023

Looking back at the history of the words we use for the place we live helps us understand why going home gives us such a sense of belonging.

Looking back at the history of the words we use for the place we live helps us understand why going home gives us such a sense of belonging.

Relationships
What the F@#k?

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on September 17, 2023

Recent research examines how new uses for the F-bomb have changed our relationship with profanity and each other.

Recent research examines how new uses for the F-bomb have changed our relationship with profanity and each other.

Cognition
How Human Tendencies Change Our Language

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on August 13, 2023

Adverbs like "soon," "presently," and "directly" have shifted in meaning over time, reflecting humans' long-standing tendency to drag our feet and exaggerate our timeliness

Adverbs like "soon," "presently," and "directly" have shifted in meaning over time, reflecting humans' long-standing tendency to drag our feet and exaggerate our timeliness

Cognition
What's Behind the Words We Use for Men

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on June 18, 2023

The fascinating history behind how we got to calling men the different terms—from "man" to "guy" to "guido"—that we call them today.

The fascinating history behind how we got to calling men the different terms—from "man" to "guy" to "guido"—that we call them today.

Deception
The Language of Deception

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on May 14, 2023

Researchers have been trying to determine whether liars—and truth-tellers—have certain linguistic "tells." Is there such a thing as a linguistic lie detector?

Researchers have been trying to determine whether liars—and truth-tellers—have certain linguistic "tells." Is there such a thing as a linguistic lie detector?

Bias
Why Do We Diss Women’s Speech?

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on April 9, 2023

Women’s speech is often dismissed as silly, uncertain, and less authoritative. Here are three reasons why.

Women’s speech is often dismissed as silly, uncertain, and less authoritative. Here are three reasons why.

Word searches help clue us in to new word trends
Gaslighting
What Word Sums Up Your Year?

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on January 8, 2023

What’s in a word? Looking back over past words of the year and what they tell us about ourselves and our society.

What’s in a word? Looking back over past words of the year and what they tell us about ourselves and our society.

Gratitude
Why Do We Say Thank You?

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on November 20, 2022

The word “thank” evolved from an ancient word for thought, a reminder that gratitude starts in the mind, not in the mouth. What else can the history of saying thanks teach us?

The word “thank” evolved from an ancient word for thought, a reminder that gratitude starts in the mind, not in the mouth. What else can the history of saying thanks teach us?