Says Who? by Anne Curzan Summary
Overview of Says Who?
Who decides what's "correct" English? Anne Curzan's revolutionary linguistics work challenges language authority, arguing for inclusivity over rigid standards. Her viral TED Talk sparked debate among educators - could embracing linguistic diversity actually strengthen communication across our increasingly connected world?
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Key takeaways
The Power Dynamics Behind Language Rules
Have you ever silently judged someone for saying "between you and I" or cringed when hearing "impactful" in a business meeting? These reactions reveal something fascinating about ourselves. Language stirs deep emotions in all of us, often exposing social dynamics more than actual communication problems. When we police others' grammar, we're not just correcting errors - we're asserting authority. This tension between linguistic prescription and natural evolution lies at the heart of Anne Curzan's exploration of language rules. Most of us have both an inner "grammando" (who constantly corrects others' mistakes) and an inner "wordie" (who delights in language's shifting landscape). These competing impulses create an internal tug-of-war. I've witnessed this firsthand - my mother once called out "And me!" from the back of the room during my sister's wedding toast when she said "for my husband and I." But public grammar policing creates uncomfortable moments that reveal something crucial: language is deeply personal and fundamentally social. When we comment on someone's language, it almost inevitably feels like a personal judgment.
The Authority of Language: Dictionaries and Grammar Myths
The Logic of Language: Double Negatives and Natural Evolution
Inclusive Language: Evolution and Purpose
Identity in Language: Marking and Pronouns
Language Prejudice and Social Power
Finding Balance: Language Care Without Judgment
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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