Vocabulary, conversation, and voice function as central elements of language. Favorite writers and common linguistic tics are invoked to illustrate strengths and weaknesses in English. Word-choice issues include reasons to avoid "eschew" and the meaning of "shibboleth." The boundary between a strong authorial voice and self-parody receives attention. Endorsements include The Sounding Joy, a folk-carol collection performed by Elizabeth Mitchell; creating and shuffling an iTunes playlist of songs played more than ten times to rediscover tracks like "The Size of Our Love" by Sleater Kinney; and Marilyn vos Savant's original description of the Monty Hall problem. A live conversation featuring Steve and Ben Markovits is scheduled for January 5 in New York.
"In the "The Abstract Noun Edition," your favorite Gabfesters talk about how we talk. Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss the elements of language: vocabulary, conversation, and voice. In paroxysms of polysyllables, they invoke their favorite writers-and their least favorite linguistic tics-to probe the best and worst of the English language. Why should you eschew the word "eschew"? What does "shibboleth" really mean? And where is the line between a strong voice and self-parody?"
"Speaking of self-parody, check out these very on-brand 2013 Endorsements: Dana: The Sounding Joy, a CD collection of folk carols, collected by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and performed by Elizabeth Mitchell. ( Now available on streaming.) Julia: Creating an iTunes playlist of all songs you've played more than 10 times and then shuffling them. You'll rediscover old gems like " The Size of Our Love " by Sleater Kinney. Steve: The mind-bending " Monty Hall problem," as originally described by Marilyn vos Savant in Parade Magazine."
Read at Slate Magazine
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