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A review by taxideadaisy
The Story of Human Language by John McWhorter
4.0
Another entertaining Great Courses lecture series. For the most part, I find McWhorter entertaining as well as educational -- this is our 2nd of his titles. Sometimes his kinda sorta dad jokes (linguist version) fail, but I'd rather that than a dry style, or one that takes itself too seriously.
Listening while driving makes it hard to take notes, but he does repeat certain things enough that they stick a while. Some of his cultural references are already dated, but on the other hand placing these lectures in time can be helpful when following up.
I listened to this after having listened to Language Families of the World, and believe that was a more helpful order than vice versa would have been, but it would probably stand alone OK too.
3.85 stars, as he seemed a little punchy or flippant the last two lectures, imo.
Listening while driving makes it hard to take notes, but he does repeat certain things enough that they stick a while. Some of his cultural references are already dated, but on the other hand placing these lectures in time can be helpful when following up.
I listened to this after having listened to Language Families of the World, and believe that was a more helpful order than vice versa would have been, but it would probably stand alone OK too.
3.85 stars, as he seemed a little punchy or flippant the last two lectures, imo.