Article Lead Image

How the internet is changing language as we know it

An interview with Gretchen McCulloch, author of 'Because Internet.'

 

Matt Silverman

Internet Culture

Posted on Jan 18, 2021

If you’re concerned that LOLspeak and text messages are ruining language, fear not, grammar nerds!

This week on 2 GIRLS 1 PODCAST, Alli and Jen speak with linguist, author, and fellow podcaster Gretchen McCulloch, who says we are living in a special time for informal written language.

McCulloch explains why the internet is changing language and culture in unprecedented ways, how regular people solved the 500-year-long quest for written sarcasm, and why post cards from George Harrison look like your dad’s text messages.

We’re also big fans of her book, Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language.

Listen to episode 160 of #2G1P here:

Or subscribe on Apple PodcastsStitcherSpotify, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!

Share this article
*First Published: Jan 18, 2021, 9:28 am CST