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Valerie M. Fridland

Valerie M. Fridland

The Conversation

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Are partisan politics even changing up our accents? They just might be, y’all

Vowels have become the latest players in partisan politics, a barometer of how beliefs and values fit within the old vs. new South.

20.10.2026 10

The Conversation

Valerie M. Fridland

Despite all the likes, literallys and dropped g’s, English isn’t decaying before our eyes

Throughout the history of the language, what has been considered ‘bad’ speech often becomes ‘proper.’ You just have to give it time.

21.04.2026 20

The Conversation

Valerie M. Fridland

Is it ‘Ih‑ran’ or ‘E‑ron’? Inside the politics of pronunciation

Both President Trump and Vice President Vance pronounce Iran as ‘Ih-RAN,’ not ‘Ih-RON.’ A linguist says that how the country’s name is...

24.03.2026 70

The Conversation

Valerie M. Fridland