News Summary
The popular PBS YouTube series ‘Otherwords’ returns for its fifth season on January 30, hosted by sociolinguist Erica Brozovsky. The show features humorous and educational explorations of the English language, with engaging episodes set in Austin, Texas. This season promises a delightful mix of topics, including the origins of body part names and the complexities of negation in language, all blended with colorful animations. Fans can catch new episodes on PBS’ YouTube channel, ‘Storied’, until October 23.
Austin Buzzes as “Otherwords” Kicks Off Season Five with Language Fun
Great news, language enthusiasts! The beloved PBS YouTube series Otherwords is making its grand return for a fifth season on January 30. Produced right in the heart of Austin, Texas, this captivating series dives into the quirks and curiosities of the English language with host Erica Brozovsky, a sociolinguist and former professor from the University of Texas.
About the Host and the Show
For those unfamiliar, Erica not only has a rich academic background, but she also brings a relatable vibe to the show thanks to her sunny disposition and friendly approach to complex topics. While she once taught courses on Asian American Literature and the Social Context of the English Language, she now resides in Massachusetts and shares her passion for writing and rhetoric with her students.
Even though Erica moved away from Austin in 2022 to be closer to family, she visits several times a year to film the show, keeping that Texan spirit alive. The actual show is produced by the local media whizzes over at Spotzen, showcasing their talent for blending education with entertainment.
What’s New in Season Five?
This season promises a delightful mix of humor and history! Filming has been in full swing, with a couple of episodes already wrapped up. Most of the episodes take place in a cozy studio setting, while one standout episode, “Why Do We Use Cringey Words for Loved Ones?” ventured into the vibrant streets of Austin for some engaging local interviews.
The visual appeal of Otherwords shines through with its colorful animations and clever graphics, making each episode not only informative but also downright fun to watch. Viewers can expect to learn about a variety of fascinating topics, from the ever-evolving world of baby names to the charming intricacies of southern accents.
Episode Highlights
The season kicks off with an intriguing first episode titled “Where Body Parts Got Their Names.” This episode delves into the origins of body part names while exploring the fascinating concept of phonetic sound change. Are you curious about how our words came to be? This episode will surely scratch that itch!
As the season unfolds, there’s a particularly enlightening episode on the way titled “Why Negation is So Complex,” which will tackle the challenges faced by artificial intelligence when grappling with negation in language. This upcoming episode promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they ponder the less-discussed aspects of language processing.
Engagement and Availability
Fans of the series can catch new episodes of Otherwords on PBS’ YouTube channel, Storied, from January 30 until October 23. Erica Brozovsky makes sure each episode encourages viewers to think critically about language while ensuring they have a good laugh or two along the way.
So there you have it, folks! Whether you’re a linguistics nerd or just someone who enjoys learning about the captivating world of words, Otherwords is the must-watch series for you. Prepare to dive into the playful side of language as you tune in to the upcoming season!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CultureMap Austin
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- Austin Kleon Blog
- Google Search: Austin Kleon reference books
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Google Scholar: History of the word Weird
- Wide Open Country
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Butler dune
- Austin 360
- Google News: Austin street names lingo
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
