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Geoffrey Nunberg

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03:40

American Attempts at Anglicism Gone Awry

Language commentator Geoff Nunberg says that Americans who incorporate British English into their speech and writing often use words and expressions incorrectly. For instance, most people don't understand that "shall" and "will" aren't interchangeable.

Commentary
03:30

What Computer Language Says About Human Understanding

Some people bemoan the use of computer language to describe human behavior. But linguist Geoff Nunberg says the trend works both ways: we often discuss technology in anthropomorphic terms -- but only when it malfunctions.

Commentary
03:46

White Writers' Misguided Attempts at Racial Authenticity

Linguist Geoff Nunberg reflects on the use of racist terminology in the musical Show Boat. He says that later revisions were still problematic: they illustrated the enduring assumption that white liberals can accurately and authentically portray African American culture.

Commentary
03:33

The Complex Rules Of Greetings

Language commentator Geoff Nunberg considers how electronic communication like telephone conversations and radio broadcasts have changed the ways we introduce ourselves.

Commentary
03:32

Sometimes Nitpicking Is the Highest Political Duty

Linguist Geoff Nunberg takes issue with the use and misuse of loaded terms like holocaust, genocide, and terrorism in political discourse. He says that a person's reluctance to use such inflated terms doesn't mean they take an issue any less seriously.

Commentary
04:57

Linguist Geoff Nunberg

Language Commentator GEOFFREY NUNBERG reviews a new video version of Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style," featuring CBS newsman CHARLES OSGOOD.

Commentary
03:45

How Bilingual Education Became Controversial

Language commentator Geoff Nunberg reviews a new book by James Crawford which examines the history of bilingual education. Despite the contemporary controversy surrounding the issue, Nunberg and Crawford point out that such curricula was once considered a valuable way of helping immigrant children learn English and assimilate into American culture -- a view once shared by conservatives in the 1970s.

Review
03:35

Weighing the Book's Flaws and Virtues

Language commentator Geoff Nunberg believes the book, on its surface, is the ideal medium for presenting text. But it has its limitations: books take up space, wear out, and impose linearity on the information they contain. While technological advancements may render some books obsolete, Nunberg says that nothing can match the pleasure of reading ink on paper.

Commentary

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