Says Who?

Says Who? (2024) is an insightful examination of the complex and ever-evolving nature of language. It explores how perceptions, norms, and social forces shape the way we use and understand language, and how these dynamics impact communication across various contexts. Ultimately, it challenges readers to reexamine their assumptions about “correct” language and consider the nuanced role language plays in shaping identity, culture, and society.

• Students and educators in linguistics, language studies, or communication fields
• Writers, journalists, and content creators
• Lifelong learners interested in the intricacies of the English language

Ann Curzan is a linguist and professor at the University of Michigan, where she also serves as the dean of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. She writes about language for the blog Lingua Franca for the Chronicle of Higher Education and for the column “Talking About Words” in Michigan Today. As a member of the American Heritage Dictionary Usage Panel and the American Dialect, she helps to gauge the acceptability of usages of words and grammatical constructions as well as voting on the Word of the Year.