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"Shibboleths" and Linguists.

Language Commentator Geoffrey Nunberg on shibboleths, those subtle points of grammar and usage that linguists' consider vital but which most people have never heard of.

03:33
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Other segments from the episode on March 23, 1988

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, March 23, 1988: Interview with Kris Kristofferson; Review of Simon Rattle's album "Symphony No. 2 in C minor: Resurrection"; Interview with Al Franken, Part 2; Commentary…
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27:13

Kris Kristofferson on His Trip to Nicaragua and His Support for the Sandinistas.

Singer and actor Kris Kristofferson. His hit songs "Me and Bobby McGee," and "Help Me Make it Through the Night," earned him acclaim as a country singer. His musical success led him to films, and he went on to act in westerns ("Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid"), comedies ("Semi-Tough"), and musicals ("A Star is Born"). In the past few years, he's appeared in the TV mini-series "Amerika" and "Blood and Orchids."

Interview
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06:48

Conductor Simon Rattle's New Recording of Mahler.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a recording featuring British conductor Simon Rattle and his City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in Mahler's "Resurrection Symphony," with contralto Janet Baker and soprano Arlene Auger.

Review
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09:39

Al Franken, Part 2: Saturday Night Live and Censorship.

The second of a two-part interview with comedian and political satirist Al Franken. Along with partner Tom Davis, Franken has written for and performed on "Saturday Night Live" since 1975. This second part focuses on Franken's stint with "Saturday Night Live," where he has worked since high school. He discusses his relationship with the NBC censors and performs a skit that never made it on the air.

Interview

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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