Language Families of the World

De: John McWhorter, The Great Courses

Narrado por: John McWhorter

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.

Super

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

Out-(infix)-Standing

I don't think Professor McWhorter would mind my saying, ‘Out-f***cking-standing!’ He is an absolute fount of knowledge about comparative and historical linguistics, and he’s nerdy about it in exactly the same way I am. He’s also endlessly entertaining, with his penchant for performance (the voices—Chauncey now lives in my head) and his quirky and hilarious insistence on inserting references to Broadway and vaudeville and Looney Tunes and all of the rest of his shtick (from Yiddish with love.) Dr. McWhorter, my Irish-speaking community appreciates the focus you’ve brought to the extensive imprint that the Celtic languages have left on English grammar, and thank you for introducing me to Ket!

Fascinating & engaging

I would love to be a linguist. This seems to be a very comprehensive explanation of the history and evolution of language.
I appreciate Professor McWhorter’s enthusiasm and humor. He really enjoys what he does and relates it in an understandable way.

It’s quite fascinating how language evolution and human migration can be tracked together. It’s also interesting how only the final chapter really dealt with written language. We’ve been speaking languages much, much longer than we’ve been writing them.

I would love to read a book about the evolution of human written language as I’ve learned a little bit about Runes. Really cool stuff.

Lots of educational and interesting material for one audible credit!

Interesting for any language lover!

I loved these lectures. A must listen for anyone who is interested in languages! Very well presented.

Language Goodness!

Another great book by John Mcworter. This book provides a fascinating journey through history and cultures through language.

Very detailed but engaging

I loved how it came through very clearly that he loved the subject matter. A great example of how audio can be more engaging than reading. I also enjoyed the occasional “funny” voices thrown in here and there which helped lighten up what might be a rather dry section. Finally, I appreciated how very thoroughly he addressed every language family and most outliers in such detail.

Great story and great narrator

I came to this book after listening to his great courses series on languages of the world. My only complaint is that it is too short!

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.