The Story of Human Language

By: John McWhorter, The Great Courses

Narrated by: John McWhorter

Length: 18 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Language defines us as a species, placing humans head and shoulders above even the most proficient animal communicators. But it also beguiles us with its endless mysteries, allowing us to ponder why different languages emerged, why there isn't simply a single language, how languages change over time and whether that's good or bad, and how languages die out and become extinct. Now you can explore all of these questions and more in an in-depth series of 36 lectures from one of America's leading linguists.

You'll be witness to the development of human language, learning how a single tongue spoken 150,000 years ago evolved into the estimated 6,000 languages used around the world today and gaining an appreciation of the remarkable ways in which one language sheds light on another.

The many fascinating topics you examine in these lectures include: the intriguing evidence that links a specific gene to the ability to use language; the specific mechanisms responsible for language change; language families and the heated debate over the first language; the phenomenon of language mixture; why some languages develop more grammatical machinery than they actually need; the famous hypothesis that says our grammars channel how we think; artificial languages, including Esperanto and sign languages for the deaf; and how word histories reflect the phenomena of language change and mixture worldwide.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses

Enthralling

This course explores both the origins of human language, and its remarkable diversity. And it is fascinating. There is not a dry or dull moment in it. McWhorter is an exceptionally gifted commentator with a puckish sense of humour that enlivens every lecture. You will come away enriched by this deep delve into something we ordinarily simply take for granted. There are discoveries and surprises at every turn, and McWhorter clearly enjoys taking his listeners along for the ride.

I wish John McWhorter could teach every Great Courses course

This was one of my all time favorite courses offered by Great Courses!
John McWhorter is simply delightful! His enthusiasm, passion, knowledge, humor, delivery, etc etc etc are unparalleled!
Who says linguists and language are boring?
You know when you’re listening to a course and sometimes wish it was over already because it’s not super engaging? Well, there’s none of that here. He makes learning FUN!
I learned a lot. And I laughed along the way. What more do you want?!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Excellent

This is quite a long course, but it is completely worth it. There is a ton to learn for language nerds, the professor is funny and entertaining. It feels like time is flying by!

Amazing lectures about languages, dialects and creoles

The author did an amazing job keeping the learners in suspense throughout the many lessons. I have increased my adoration of the spoken word and how we all are interestingly intertwined as one race, the human race. Great job! In one word, arrived….

The author is delight to listen to, and learn from.

This is immensely enjoyable series of lectures that give you an insight to how language works, and has developed over the eons. The professor is fun, enthusiastic, and makes the whole experience very enjoyable with his intelligent comments and insights. 

A Masterpiece!

John McWhorter's 'The Story of Human Language' is presented in a compelling series of 36 lectures that offer a deep dive into the field of linguistics. This comprehensive exploration reveals the intricate ways in which languages, though vastly different in their syntax and morphology, trace back to shared origins, underscoring the profound connection among global languages.

McWhorter masterfully illustrates that language transcends its utilitarian roles, emerging as an integral part of our essence as human beings—a universal attribute that links us all. This enlightening work not only serves as an educational tool but also profoundly deepens our appreciation for the linguistic ties that bind the tapestry of human experience together.

Brilliant masterclass

The man is engaging and funny and articulate and erudite.
What an amazing romp through language.
If you’re interested in languages and how they work, especially if you speak more than one language, do yourself a favour and listen to this.
Superlative.

Funny and Captivating Look at Linguistics

Prof. McWhorter is one of the best Great Courses lecturers - funny, brilliant, enthusiastic. I didn't think I was especially interested in linguistics but I have enjoyed all of his books and lectures. This series would be a very good one to start with, and I would recommend it over his course A to Z.

Thoroughly Enjoyed

There's a tremendous amount of interesting information in these lectures among which is there's more to the field of linguistics than I ever dreamed!

The best part of this series for me was Professor McWhorter himself. He has a very engaging style and a terrific sense of humor.

I highly recommend this to anyone with an a keen interest in, or curiosity about languages.

very entertaining and informative.

I feel like I've learned a lot about language from a perspective that I didn't expect and it was very entertaining at the same time.