language Archives | Northwest Public Broadcasting

Author Interview: Our Language Is Evolving, ‘Because Internet’

By NPR News August 1, 2019

Whether you're extremely online or still confused by how a simple period can be interpreted as passive-aggressive, linguist Gretchen McCulloch has a guide to how our on-screen speech is morphing. Continue Reading Author Interview: Our Language Is Read More

Y’all Heard? An Argument For The Great Southern Pronoun

By NPR News March 12, 2019

In the book Speaking of Alabama, an essay by linguistics professor Catherine Davies calls "y'all" a speech "improvement" — at least when referring to the plural second person. Continue Reading Y’all Heard? An Argument For The Great Southern Read More

Learn Spanish With Esmeralda!

By Esmy Jimenez January 7, 2019

NWPB introduces Spanish lessons for children and adults on our Youtube channel and NWPB TV. Continue Reading Learn Spanish With Esmeralda!Read More

Android App Reconnects Community To Yakama Indigenous Language

By Esmy Jimenez September 3, 2018

Keegan Livermore types out “Good afternoon” on the Ichishkíin-English keyboard he created. The app is available on the Google Play store for Android users only at this time. He hopes to have an iOS version later this fall. CREDIT: ESMY JIMENEZ/NWPB

One of the 10 dialects of the Yakama Nation’s Sahaptin language is called Ichishkíin. With fewer than 50 fluent speakers, it’s considered endangered according to the Heritage University Language Center. But a new Android mobile app connects users to it. Read More

Ready For A Linguistic Controversy? Say ‘Mmhmm’

By NPR News August 24, 2018

Mmhmm is a small word that's often used unconsciously. But it can actually tell us a lot about language, bias and the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Continue Reading Ready For A Linguistic Controversy? Say ‘Mmhmm’Read More