Roz's Random Ramblings: Language, History, and Other Adventures

Roz's Random Ramblings: Language, History, and Other Adventures

by Roz Hirch

Education History

Season 1

How did universities become such a big deal?

In this episode, I look at the evolution of the university system, beginning 2500 years ago in what is today modern Pakistan. I look at some of the topics that were taught and how the university system gradually developed over time and across nations. No pop quizzes, but lots of fun facts and interesting background information.

What the heck is Proto-Indo-European?

In this episode, I explore a partially reconstructed language known as Proto-Indo-European, a language believed to be the origin of most Indo-European languages. Along the way, I visit some feats and foibles of early European archaeology, describe the rediscovery of an ancient language and civilization, and share the main pet peeve of most linguists. All wrapped up with my usual sense of humor and love for language and history.

Where did beer come from?

In this episode, I discuss the origins of beer, looking at it from the angles of language, history, and archaeology. I also talk about how it has developed over time, to the point where we have literally thousands of different kinds today, driven by microbreweries and craft beers. Where did we come from? And how did we get here? Bubbling with the usual side trips, the episode entertains while it educates.

What are some of the changes that happened as a result of the Black Death?

The Black Death was a plague that ripped through much of Eurasia and Africa beginning in the early 1330s and lasting for 20 years. Death tolls in various countries ranged from 30 to 80 percent and changed that part of the world so dramatically that we still feel its effects today, 700 years later. What were some of these changes? This episode explores a few of them, both the negative and the occasionally surprising positive. Warning: you might never view lasagna the same again.

Where did punctuation come from?

The first writing began thousands of years ago, but it may surprise you to learn that punctuation came much later. In fact, the addition of periods and commas and the like are fairly recent. Find out what people did before punctuation and how it came to be. Informative and insightful, with the usual fun facts and quick asides.

What do funeral customs mean and where do they come from?

This episode looks at several questions having to do with funerals and language. What is a eulogy? Or an epitaph? What do cemeteries and dormitories have in common? How did the word chair come from cathedral? And a few more. A sometimes fun and always informative look at where some of our funeral customs have come from, and how they have shaped the English language.

How did gin and tonic get invented?

Gin and tonic is the most popular highball cocktail today, but where did it come from, and how did it get invented? The story has lots of twists and turns, as creating the iconic drink required the right things to be in place before it could ever be created. Join me on a fun journey through time and space to discover how this popular beverage combination came to be.

What is irony?

The ironic thing is... We use or hear this phrase every day, but have you ever been told that you're using it incorrectly? And how can that be? You've heard it used this way before. In this episode, I take a look at what the word irony means in use, and why you probably aren't using it wrong at all. Also, how you should react to people who correct you (whatever). Accompanied by my usual tangential trips to other areas of language, including a leisurely drift down a lazy river in an attempt to cool off, this episode hopefully informs and entertains.

Who were my ancestors? Sierra's Family #1

This episode takes a look at the ancestors of Sierra, whose family were among the earliest settlers in both the US and Canada. I talk about the Burrows family of Virginia, who landed in Jamestown within a year of its founding, and had a few adventures that represented the best and the worst of early colonial life.

What's up with two shades of blue?

This episode takes a crack at answering 2 questions: How did cobalt blue get its name? and What makes Prussian blue special? Both answers do deep dives into history to uncover tales of scientific exploration, industry, art, and intrigue. Flecked with the usual fun facts and asides, enjoy an entertaining and educational look at two shades of the color blue.

1 of 3