If you live in Michigan, you’ve probably heard someone say the word “ope” more than once. Linguists suggest that the term dates back to the very first European immigrants in the Midwest region but how. On this episode of On Hand, we go back to where we first learned about words and speak with a language expert about the origins of “ope” and why we use it.

GUESTS: 

• Katie Howell, Kindergarten Teacher at Buchanan Elementary School, Grand Rapids Public Schools
• Kindergarteners at Buchanan Elementary
• Betsy Sneller, Linguist at Michigan State University 

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