In this engaging conversation, Laura Edralin speaks with Richard Manning, founder of wordsecrets.org, about the fascinating world of etymology and the evolution of language. They explore the origins of words, the influence of culture on language, and how the digital age is transforming communication. Richard shares insights from his background in linguistics and his experiences in the civil service, highlighting the interconnectedness of languages and the importance of preserving linguistic diversity. The discussion also touches on personal reflections about favorite letters and words, emphasizing the ongoing journey of learning in the realm of language.

To find out more about Richard visit his website and subscribe to receive his blog 'Secrets of the Words You Know'. 

Richard mentions:

- Dr George Gazis's epsiode from series four, listen here

- Danny Bate's book 'Why Q Needs U'

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Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes.

✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook.

Chapters

• (00:01:57) - Defining etymology and its significance
• (00:03:26) - Richard Manning's journey into linguistics
• (00:05:25) - The influence of Friesland dialect on English
• (00:06:45) - The impact of Vikings and Scandinavian languages
• (00:08:23) - The Indo-European language family and its origins
• (00:10:54) - How languages evolve before written records
• (00:13:44) - The diversity of world languages and dialects
• (00:15:31) - Language contact and borrowing in the Philippines
• (00:16:41) - Language prestige and its effect on vocabulary
• (00:17:43) - English as a global lingua franca
• (00:20:14) - Common spelling patterns and anomalies in English
• (00:22:12) - The Great Vowel Shift and its historical significance
• (00:26:23) - The future of language in the digital age
• (00:29:37) - Language preservation and the impact of globalisation
• (00:30:49) - Favourite letter and word of Richard Manning