A few years ago I shared six videos about language, so posting seven this time may set a perilous precedent. (I’ve also blogged a bunch of others, before and since, if you want still more audiovisual diversion.)
Below, there are two short, three medium, and two long videos, in that order. See what grabs your fancy.
A wild one to begin: Why Werner Herzog refuses to speak French:
A lightning-quick accent tour of the UK (and Dublin) by dialect coach Andrew Jack:
A more detailed accent tour of the US by dialect coach Erik Singer and an array of linguists:
On the importance of legitimizing Black English, by linguist Anansa Benbow, who featured in my recent post about six new language podcasts:
T’northern English definite article by archaeology student Simon Roper, who posts regular videos about the historical development of English:
Lexicographer Sue Atkins is interviewed by Michael Rundell, editor-in-chief (and my former colleague) at Macmillan Dictionary:
Emoji as digital gesture, by linguists Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne of Lingthusiasm:
Sentence first 
Hey, Stan. I love these videos. Haven’t watched all the videos yet, but did see the first three. I’ve had a longtime interest in regional accents, and love to make a guess when I meet someone.
Hi, Virginia. Accents are fascinating, for sure, and such an immediate point of contact with someone’s linguistic identity. I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos.
Thank you for the post! I’ve been reading your blog for the past couple of days. I had one question: are there any books you would recommend to improve one’s grammar and punctuation?
Thank you for reading! There are any number of good books on grammar and punctuation; which to choose depends on your level, aims, audience, even geographical location.
The pocket-sized Merriam-Webster’s Guide to Punctuation and Style has broad and concise coverage of punctuation, useful at any level. For grammar, a college textbook is probably your best bet. Quirk & Greenbaum’s University Grammar of English, Thomson & Martinet’s A Practical English Grammar, and Huddleston & Pullum’s A Student’s Introduction to English Grammar are all good, though necessarily quite technical at times. Ask around – if you know any English teachers, they might have other suggestions.
Thank you so much for your recommendations!
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