SKU: 74491285134

The Language of Food: A Linguist Reads the Menu

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The Language of Food: A Linguist Reads the MenuWhy do we eat toast for breakfast, and then toast to good health at dinner? What does the turkey we eat on Thanksgiving have to do with the country on the eastern Mediterranean? Can you figure out how much your dinner will cost by counting the words on the menu? In The Language of Food, Stanford University professor and MacArthur Fellow Dan Jurafsky peels away the mysteries from the foods we think we know. Thirteen chapters evoke the joy and discovery

Why do we eat toast for breakfast, and then toast to good health at dinner? What does the turkey we eat on Thanksgiving have to do with the country on the eastern Mediterranean? Can you figure out how much your dinner will cost by counting the words on the menu?

In The Language of Food, Stanford University professor and MacArthur Fellow Dan Jurafsky peels away the mysteries from the foods we think we know. Thirteen chapters evoke the joy and discovery of reading a menu dotted with the sharp-eyed annotations of a linguist. Jurafsky points out the subtle meanings hidden in filler words like "rich" and "crispy," zeroes in on the metaphors and storytelling tropes we rely on in restaurant reviews, and charts a microuniverse of marketing language on the back of a bag of potato chips.

The fascinating journey through The Language of Food uncovers a global atlas of culinary influences. With Jurafsky's insight, words like ketchup, macaron, and even salad become living fossils that contain the patterns of early global exploration that predate our modern fusion-filled world. From ancient recipes preserved in Sumerian song lyrics to colonial shipping routes that first connected East and West, Jurafsky paints a vibrant portrait of how our foods developed. A surprising history of culinary exchange--a sharing of ideas and culture as much as ingredients and flavors--lies just beneath the surface of our daily snacks, soups, and suppers.

Engaging and informed, Jurafsky's unique study illuminates an extraordinary network of language, history, and food. The menu is yours to enjoy.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Published: 10/13/2015
ISBN: 9780393351620
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.45lbs
Size: 8.10h x 5.40w x 0.70d

Review Citations: New York Times Book Review 11/15/2015 pg. 28
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SKU: 74491285134

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My dogs loved these toys. Durable and apparently very coveted as my puppers “argued” over who got each one. Kept them playing and chewing for hours. Giving only 4 stars instead because I Wish the size was bigger because I have found that sometimes I don’t see it and stepping on it is Absolutely NO FUN.
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My Rottweiler puppies love these bones. I feel good about letting them play with these and not worry they will break or that they can choke because they are durable and a good size and weight. I like the variety and can put peanut butter on the crevices if I want to give as a treat. Worth the money!
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The most durable, perfect weight,all 3 dogs have the best time chewing them. Easy to unpack and carry around. All 3 dogs enjoy, this is my 2nd time purchasing in a year, they last about 6 months per purchase time
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I purchased these because I have a 1-year-old black lab redbone coonhound mix who destroys every toy and Bone. I have gotten him in a short amount of time... These things have outstanded this little guy and he is still enjoying them! Keeps him occupied and satisfies his chewing for hours! And he leaves my shoes alone haha
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I purchased in February and waited until ive had them long enough to make a justified review. I have a very VERY aggressive chewer. He destroys every toy he gets within minutes or a hour. We didnt expect much out of these but why not. Let me tell you... they only have small teeth dents. No cracks, no breaks, no chunks missing, none in the trash, no bleeding gums... nothing. My chewer loves them. First day he just stared at them like they were alien objects but after we played fetch a few times it was on!! Now all three dogs chewer on them. I would say im purchasing again but I dont know when that will be lol I highly recommend to anyone!! Photo is taken today 6/4/26
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