Language commentator Geoff Nunberg considers why actors adopt foreign or regional accents in film -- and why they sometimes speak in their natural voice, regardless of the part they play.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg on the terms "highbrow," "middlebrow," and "Lowbrow."

Since the 1961 publication of the Third International Dictionary, people have debated the merits of dictionaries that describe language as it is and those that explain how it should be. Today the debate continues, but it doesn't hold the same cultural significance as before, writes Geoff Nunberg.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg considers the language of the stock market.

Linguist Geoffrey Nunberg comments on the history of combing two words to create a new one. i.e. Swirl and Twist = Twirl.This is called a portmanteau. Today, they are common place, such infotainment, Reganomics, and Medicare.

Language commentator Geoff Nunberg talks about plagiarism in light of stories last month about historians Doris Kearns Goodwin and Stephen Ambrose plagiarizing other texts.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg considers the changing definitions of "love" and "marriage."

Linguist Geoff Nunberg reflects on the use of the phrase "stiff upper lip" when referring to the British, especially in reports of the July 7 London bombings.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg considers the movement to make English the official language.

The term "populist" has been heavily used by the media lately, most often coupled with "rage," but also with "AIG" and "pitchfork." Linguist Geoff Nunberg examines the roots of the term as well as its current usage.

Some people bemoan the use of computer language to describe human behavior. But linguist Geoff Nunberg says the trend works both ways: we often discuss technology in anthropomorphic terms -- but only when it malfunctions.

Language commentator Geoff Nunberg on the names of cars, past and present.

Adding a foreign word to your vocabulary is like adding foreign attire to your wardrobe. Sometimes you do it because it's practical and sometimes just because you think it looks cool. Linguist Geoff Nunberg says Americans' use of "spot on" falls somewhere between affectation and flash.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg reflects on his five-year-old daughter's developing literary tastes.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg wonders if the English language could do with fewer adverbs.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg considers how Yiddish words have entered the everyday speech of even non-Jews.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg considers "journalese".

Linguist Geoff Nunberg comments on the increased usage of the adjective "gallic." He says it's like a shorthand for "the French are at it again."

Linguist Geoffrey Nunberg comments on "Estuary English", a new accent in London that combines high and working class modes of speaking.

Language Commentator GEOFFREY NUNBERG reviews a new video version of Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style," featuring CBS newsman CHARLES OSGOOD.