Language Law and Order
Language Law and Order
Podcast Description
Language Law and Order is a podcast about the norms, rules, and cultural dynamics of language. Hosted by linguists, Ingrid Tieken-Boon van Ostade, Linda Pillière, and Morana Lukač, it examines topics like prescriptivism, grammar, and the societal impact of language, offering insights into how language shapes and reflects our world.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores various themes including prescriptivism, societal impact of language, and gender-inclusive language. Notable episodes cover online grammar policing, the societal implications of prescriptive norms in education, and the dynamics of non-binary pronouns in Dutch, reflecting on how language norms evolve and respond to cultural shifts.
Language, Law & Order is a podcast about the norms, rules, and cultural dynamics of language. Hosted by linguists Morana Lukač and Linda Pillière, it examines topics like prescriptivism, grammar, and the societal impact of language, offering insights into how language shapes and reflects our world.
Summary
In this episode, Morana and Linda explore what linguistics can tell us about attraction in the age of online dating. They speak with Tess van der Zanden, whose research examines how language shapes impressions of potential partners, and Riki Thompson, who studies language, technology, identity, and interaction on dating platforms. From grammar mistakes and dating-profile clichés to first messages and platform design, the episode asks how seemingly small linguistic choices influence who we find attractive—and how apps themselves shape the rules of digital romance.
Episode highlights:
- Grammar can be a turn-off: Errors may affect perceptions of intelligence, effort, and attractiveness.
- Pictures first, words second: People look at photos first, but profile text still shapes impressions.
- Social attractiveness matters: Language influences whether someone seems likeable, interesting, and compatible.
- Dating profiles follow norms: Users often repeat the same phrases, jokes, and ways of presenting themselves.
- Creativity is risky: Original language can attract attention, but only if it still feels appropriate.
- Apps shape interaction: Platform design influences how people present themselves and communicate.
- The “Goldilocks” message: First messages need to be engaging without being too generic or overdone.
Linguistics fun fact:
A tiny typo could cost you a match! On dating apps, people can read surprisingly big things into small language mistakes—using them to make snap judgements about intelligence, effort, and compatibility. So apparently, proofreading your dating profile might be part of the mating game.
Word of the episode: delulu
Short for delusional, delulu is internet slang for believing something you really want to be true—especially when it comes to dating and crushes.
Links and resources mentioned:
- Tess van der Zanden’s PhD thesis exploring the effects of linguistic cues in online dating profiles;
- Tess’s co-authored work on the effects of creativity in dating profiles;
- Find Riki’s publications and research on online dating, digital discourse, and platform design on her research page
Disclaimer
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