Life Solved
The unstoppable evolution of the English language
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Episode notes
To mark UN English Language Day (23 April), we consider how English became one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. And we find out how a mathematical model developed at the University of Portsmouth might predict its future.
Dr Mario Saraceni, Associate Professor in English Language and Linguistics, explains how English spread and changed around the globe, and why speakers overseas influence how it’s spoken here in the UK.
Dr James Burridge, Associate Professor in Probability and Statistical Physics, reveals how principles of physics and maths help him forecast how certain dialects of English will sound in the year 2066.
We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to [email protected].
If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us.
Life Solved is released on Thursdays and available on all major podcast platforms.
Host: John Worsey
Producer: Robyn Montague
Sub Editors: Robyn Montague and Glenn Harris
USEFUL LINKS
Dr Mario Saraceni bio: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/mario-saraceni
Dr James Burridge bio: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/james-burridge
The problem with English: https://aeon.co/essays/how-do-you-decolonise-the-english-language
Ey up northern English to become as lost as the hoddy dod:
www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/ey-up-northern-english-to-become-as-lost-as-the-hoddy-dod
UN English Language Day:
www.un.org/en/observances/english-language-day
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