How pop culture and social media are changing how people talk
Judy Woodruff has been speaking to a host of experts about the country's 250th anniversary for her "In Pursuit of Happiness" podcast. That includes conversations about the roles satire, national parks and music have played in our history. The latest episode looks at how American English evolved. As it turns out, there's one word that reveals a lot about the way we speak.
Judy Woodruff has interviewed experts for her podcast, "In Pursuit of Happiness," discussing various aspects of the United States' 250th anniversary. They explored the evolution of American English and how it reflects societal changes. Professor Valerie Fridland of the University of Nevada noted that British English speakers typically say "butter" without the "r" sound, while Americans keep the "r."
This difference in pronunciation can signify social status. Professor Anne Curzan of the University of Michigan observed that subtle changes in pronunciation, such as the shift from "must" to "have to" or "need to" in expressing obligation, are happening but may not attract much attention. Additionally, she mentioned the emergence of slang terms like "six" and "rizz," as well as the declining use of the word "shall."
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