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In Why We Talk Funny, Valerie unlocks the secrets of what linguistic science, psychology, and history can tell us about the evolution of human speech, why accents develop, and how they shape our professional and social lives. Whether it’s the accent that hints at your hometown, your group, your social status, or your ethnicity, the sounds we say reveal a lot about who we are and where we’ve been – even for those who might think they have no accent at all.


The story of language is the story of humanity, and as Valerie reminds us, the funny sounds we make – whether from the mouths of ancient ancestors or the tongues of screenbound teens – all come from the same powerful desire to communicate and belong. Why We Talk Funny will change the way you think about your own accent – and transform the way you listen to the sounds of others.​
“[A] wide-ranging examination of accents and dialects from developmental, historical, and social perspectives. This deep dive into sociolinguistics is leavened by Fridland’s humorous asides…. Fridland effectively makes the case that accents, by promoting communication, can unite rather than divide us.”
—Booklist
“In this wide-ranging account, linguist Fridland (Like, Literally, Dude) surveys cutting-edge sociological, psychological, and historical explanations for why accents exist and what effects they have on society. Fast-paced and cheerily written despite sometimes heavy subject matter, this is a delightfully easygoing linguistic romp.”
“A very fun and playful look at language and speech…. This is a book for folks who enjoy sharing random trivia at parties and reading books written with a wink… every reader will come away with new knowledge."
—LibraryJournal
—Publishers Weekly (Starred review)
“A sprightly and informed study of accents, their evolution, and social purpose. Fridland takes a playful approach to exploring accents without diminishing academic rigor…. Smart pop-science writing, inviting and well-researched.”
—Kirkus
“Brilliant! Why We Talk Funny is for everyone who perks up when they hear an accent.”
— Mignon Fogarty
New York Times bestselling author and host of the Grammar Girl Podcast