Five podcasts for linguistics students
The long-term benefits of listening to podcasts is that you could discover new passions, broaden your knowledge and develop a more nuanced understanding of the world...
Listening to podcasts is one of the best ways to learn something new while relaxing after going through a strenuous day at school. For the simple reason that several platforms enable hosting or publishing podcasts, they have become widely popular in recent times. Podcasts are also widely accessible and flexible, making them a better choice for many.
The educational value of podcasts is immense. There is virtually a podcast for every subject or field of study, and students can learn a great deal on discipline-specific podcasts at no cost. Aside from improving students’ listening skill, podcasts could also help improve their attention spans and abilities to process information.
The long-term benefits of listening to podcasts is that you could discover new passions, broaden your knowledge and develop a more nuanced understanding of the world through the insights shared by experts.
Although tens of podcasts discussing topics in the field of study concerned with the science of language are available online, many do not give much value.
For that reason, after months of listening to varieties of podcasts focused on language and linguistics, we are recommending the following five podcasts for your listening and learning pleasure:
Linguistics Careercast
Every linguistics student needs to listen to this podcast. On every session, you will meet career linguists who will share their experiences and tips to land a job. You will meet linguists in diverse industries such as tech, PR, research agency, media, etc. Whether you are a student or a graduate, this podcast devoted to exploring careers for linguists outside academia is for you.
Linguistics Lounge
This is another interesting podcast for linguistics students. On this podcast, you will learn how social and cultural phenomena intersect with language. Through their discourse, the host and guest examine topics such as language and gender diversity, televised political debate, and so on. Essentially, the podcast will expose you to real-life scenarios of linguistic phenomena.
Linguistics with Laura
Sessions on this podcast will enlighten you more on some topics discussed in class, providing you with examples from different parts of the world. The host Laura Koch and guests provide insights into questions like how and why language changes—does language shape the way we think? (Remember the Sapir-Whorf hypotheses?).
en lair
For students interested in thrilling aspect of linguistics such as forensic linguistics and linguistic crime, this podcast is for you. This podcast delves into the world of language mysteries, literary detection, cryptography, codes, language and the law, undeciphered languages, and so on. While the subject matters of this podcast themselves are exciting, the host often makes references to real-life events to make listeners have a clear understanding of the topics. There is also a link to a website to download books or articles referenced on the podcast.
Lingthusiasm
This podcast is for anyone enthusiastic about language and linguistics. Through linguistic lens, hosts Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne lively take a tour of languages around the world. The expert-hosts add flavor to the podcast through their nuanced discussion of linguistic memes on the internet. If you are looking for a podcast to calm the nerves, Ligthusiasm is hosted just for you.
Lastly…
We are very sure that these recommended podcasts will be invaluable to your learning and also make linguistics more fun for you. We would like to hear from you if you like these recommendations. Or, well, don’t like them.
Knowledge Nugget
With AI talk of town, Indians eye linguistics crown:
“Indian students are increasingly pursuing linguistics abroad due to the growing demand for multilingual communication driven by AI and natural language processing advancements. Key destinations include the US and Australia, with career prospects in IT, tourism, international trade, and academia. Linguistics expertise remains highly sought after across various industries.” — The Economic Times
The complicated question of how we determine who has an accent — Ohio State News
Linguist examines how we trigger empathy through voice — Stockholm University, Department of Linguistics
Stares and ear-twitches: The linguist learning to speak the expressive language of cows —BBC