"In the "The Abstract Noun Edition," your favorite Gabfesters talk about how we talk. Steve, Dana, and Julia discuss the elements of language: vocabulary, conversation, and voice. In paroxysms of polysyllables, they invoke their favorite writers-and their least favorite linguistic tics-to probe the best and worst of the English language. Why should you eschew the word "eschew"? What does "shibboleth" really mean? And where is the line between a strong voice and self-parody?"
"Speaking of self-parody, check out these very on-brand 2013 Endorsements: Dana: The Sounding Joy, a CD collection of folk carols, collected by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and performed by Elizabeth Mitchell. ( Now available on streaming.) Julia: Creating an iTunes playlist of all songs you've played more than 10 times and then shuffling them. You'll rediscover old gems like " The Size of Our Love " by Sleater Kinney. Steve: The mind-bending " Monty Hall problem," as originally described by Marilyn vos Savant in Parade Magazine."
Vocabulary, conversation, and voice function as central elements of language. Favorite writers and common linguistic tics are invoked to illustrate strengths and weaknesses in English. Word-choice issues include reasons to avoid "eschew" and the meaning of "shibboleth." The boundary between a strong authorial voice and self-parody receives attention. Endorsements include The Sounding Joy, a folk-carol collection performed by Elizabeth Mitchell; creating and shuffling an iTunes playlist of songs played more than ten times to rediscover tracks like "The Size of Our Love" by Sleater Kinney; and Marilyn vos Savant's original description of the Monty Hall problem. A live conversation featuring Steve and Ben Markovits is scheduled for January 5 in New York.
Read at Slate Magazine
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