Words for Granted is a podcast that looks at how words change over time. Host Ray Belli uses linguistic evolution as a way of understanding larger historical and cultural changes.
Words for Granted - An etymology and linguistics podcast
Claim This Podcastby Ray Belli
4.8(387 reviews)
129 episodes
Updated Inactive
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
Podcast Overview
Words for Granted is a podcast that looks at how words change over time. Host Ray Belli uses linguistic evolution as a way of understanding larger historical and cultural changes.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
6/10/2016
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Recent Episodes
May 11, 2026
The Proto-Indo-European Puzzle: Interview with Laura Spinney
<div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class= "min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="c7773ba6-d29b-4c69-9a31-91e2d36c64b1" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-3" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class= "markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling"> <p data-start="0" data-end="1087" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">In this episode, Ray chats with author Laura Spinney about Proto-Indo-European, the ancestral language of hundreds of modern languages spoken by billions today ranging from Western Europe to India. They explore how linguists reconstruct this unwritten language through comparative methods, what its vocabulary reveals about ancient society, and why its story remains relatively unknown despite its global importance. The conversation highlights the interdisciplinary nature of Indo-European studies—drawing on linguistics, archaeology, and especially recent breakthroughs in ancient DNA—which strongly support a migration of steppe pastoralists around 5,000 years ago as a key driver of language spread. </p> <p data-start="0" data-end="1087" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">To buy Laura's excellent book Proto, click <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/proto-9781639732586/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>
April 20, 2026
The Science and History of English Accents: Interview with Valerie Fridland
<p>In this episode, Ray talks with linguist Valerie Friedland about accents—what they are, where they come from, and why everyone has one. They explore how accents begin in early childhood, how regional speech patterns change over time, and why certain pronunciations carry such strong social meaning. From accent bias to the myth of "accentless" speech, the conversation reveals how deeply language shapes identity and perception.<br /> <br /></p> <div class="mt-3 w-full empty:hidden">Use this link to buy Valerie's new book, Why We Talk Funny: <a href= "https://www.valeriefridland.com/">https://www.valeriefridland.com/</a></div> <div class="mt-3 w-full empty:hidden"> </div>
March 17, 2026
The History of the Alphabet: Interview with Danny Bate
<p>In this episode, author Danny Bate walks through the alphabet's evolution from its origins in Egyptian hieroglyphs to the letters of the English alphabet familiar to us today. He explains why English spelling became so irregular, while also arguing that non-phonetic spelling can preserve meaning and help unify diverse English dialects. The conversation also highlights memorable letter histories, including an answer to the question: Why does Q need U? <br /> <br /> To learn more about Danny and order his new book, use this link: https://dannybate.com/</p> <p> </p> <div class="z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start"> </div> <div class="mt-3 w-full empty:hidden"> <div class="text-center"> </div> </div> <div class="pointer-events-none h-px w-px absolute bottom-0" aria-hidden="true" data-edge="true"> </div>
129 total episodes available with 1 transcripts
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Words for Granted - An etymology and linguistics podcast?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates inactive.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 2 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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