Language Families of the World

By: John McWhorter, The Great Courses

Narrated by: John McWhorter

Length: 15 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Language, in its seemingly infinite varieties, tells us who we are and where we come from. Many linguists believe that all of the world’s languages - over 7,000 currently - emerged from a single prehistoric source. While experts have not yet been able to reproduce this proto-language, most of the world’s current languages can be traced to various language families that have branched and divided, spreading across the globe with migrating humans and evolving over time.

The ability to communicate with the spoken word is so prevelant that we have yet to discover a civilization that does not speak. The fitful preservation of human remains throughout history has made tracing the ultimate origin of sophisticated human cultures difficult, but it is assumed that language is at least 300,000 years old. With so much time comes immense change - including the development of the written word. There’s no doubt that over centuries, numerous languages have been born, thrived, and died. So how did we get here, and how do we trace the many language branches back to the root?

In Language Families of the World, Professor John McWhorter of Columbia University takes you back through time and around the world, following the linguistic trails left by generations of humans that lead back to the beginnings of language. Utilizing historical theories and cutting-edge research, these 34 astonishing lectures will introduce you to the major language families of the world and their many offspring, including a variety of languages that are no longer spoken but provide vital links between past and present.

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

©2019 The Great Courses (P)2019 The Teaching Company, LLC

Magnificent lectures

I first heard Prof. McWhorter in the Story of Human Language, and found him fascinating to listen to, mainly because his lecture was unscripted and “real”. In later courses, someone convinced him to read from a script, and though I found the information interesting, listening to them was unimpressive.
With this set, he has gone back to his freewheeling style, and this lecture will join my list of all time favorites.
Not only do I find Linguistics fascinating, but this set is also very enjoyable to listen to.

Very informative

This book paints a picture, putting world history into context in terms of language evolution.

amazing

all the information you never knew you needed to know all in one place. definitely on my reread list and If you haven't yet give it a listen

Super

I love learning about language and I find his presentation to be entertaining. Nothing here to upset anyone and lots of intellectual stimulation.

what an exciting topic by a great speaker

the professor is so entertaining I looked forward to his kooky lines and the inflections in his voice really made this my preferred read! I read this book.out of curiosity and was in hook line and sinker right from the start!

Highly Recommended for Content & Presentation

For anyone who has an interest in languages or thinks cognates are cool. Well read and well written.

Amazing lecturer

One of my favorites I’ve ever heard. Would listen to him speak for 1000 lectures.

love it

2nd course with Professor McWhorter...always enjoyable, always learn a lot, always makes me laugh

I loved everything about it!

This was both so much fun as well as so informative! I immediately went and listened to other titles by this author.

Making Joy out of a Complex Topic

McWhorter is a pleasure to listen to. He’s aware that education is always half entertainment, and he knows how to entertain with his words, stories, and personality in the most delicious ways. He managed to pack a massive amount of information into 16 short hours and let it be magical.