This collection, subtitled "Commentaries on Language and Culture," consists of selected pieces that aired on NPR's "Fresh Air" over the past 12 years or so. Nunberg is a Stanford linguist with an ear for the social overtones of the language we use.
In a lighthearted tone, he points out patterns you may not have noticed, and asks intriguing questions about modern usage, grammar, and vocabulary. What are all the meanings of the word "hacker"? Why do we like to add suffixes such as "-nik" (Beatnik, neatnik) and "-gate" (Irangate, Monicagate) to all sorts of words? He also explores the origins of unusual words, such as "Hoosier" and "chad."
Overall, Nunberg is entertaining, and I'm sure his pieces would have had me hooting in the car if I ever drove at a time when "Fresh Air" is on. However, his commentaries are printed pretty much as they were spoken on the air (it says this in the Introduction), and I found that the style wasn't so satisfying to read.
I wanted more substance to the book. It was fun, but just too surface-level. What does all this add up to? Is it anything more than just a collection of observations about "the way we talk now"? I think at the very least, Nunberg should have included some chapter introductions or summaries to explain the main points he was covering in the various pieces he selected for the book.
So overall, I'll give this book a "0." It would be great airplane reading-- pick it up for your next cross-country flight. But don't expect to gain any real insight about linguistics, other than a few snappy comments for a cocktail party.
Copyright © Kim Allen 2002
