The best podcasts for linguistics lovers

This show… Though I am only a partial chunk into revealing its secrets, I was ENTHRALLED by this show from the very start. Taking place in a fictional (I checked thoroughly) university, you're present in a class focusing on, as the title suggests, Anterran literature. The language and culture was presented in such a realistic way that I thought it could NOT be fiction, and spent a few minutes Googling my way around to find anything about the Anterran culture -- only to come up with searches containing this very show. Instantly gripping and intriguing, and the language/culture worldbuilding is ineffable. I hear more episodes are on the way, as well! Official Synopsis: Modes of Thought in Anterran Literature – Second Year Classics, C667, Professor [REDACTED]. This course discusses the Anterran Civilization, examining the evidence regarding the recent archeological ruins uncovered at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. The earliest human society, [REDACTED] years older than previously known to exist, will provide opportunities for analysis of ancient writing and thought. Topics include literature, religion, and philosophy. Wednesdays, Room 014 Brussels Hall, Harbridge University.

Many of you who are just now dipping into the world of audio fiction may be familiar with The Magnus Archives, one of the capstones of the current fictional world. If you're looking for something to scratch that same itch while delivering delicious linguistics, The Scarab Archives is definitely one to check out. Though each episode focuses on a new artifact which we learn the origins and stories of, there is a thread of Sumerian language and artifacts throughout, drawing ever closer with its promise of doom. The main is begrudging and stubborn, and the stories are interesting and, occasionally, horrific. Make a cup of tea and dig in! Official Synopsis: For nearly two decades, the mysterious Lazarus Foundation has collected supposedly paranormal items and stored them safely in a secret location known as the Scarab Archives. Join the Archive’s caretaker, Dr. Delbert East as he attempts to create a digital record of some of the Archive’s most terrifying pieces... and accidentally discovers a looming threat that is beyond all human understanding.

If you're looking for something with extreme worldbuilding and passion, look no further than No Return. Kier demonstrates the utmost care in how the world of No Return is built, and the stories of the characters and lands within. There are conlangs and adventures, and the writing is particularly in-depth and enjoyable. I will be listening to more of this to update this list and reviews, but definitely one to listen to, in the first place! Official Synopsis: Welcome to Erset La Tari, a world where death is a constant companion and the future is uncertain. The Land of No Return is a full cast audio drama that takes you on a journey through the different regions of this dying world. From the cities teeming with life to the barren wastelands, each series explores a different story that delves into the themes of morality, power, and survival. In Erset La Tari, the line between good and evil is blurred, and the struggle for survival is a constant battle. With a wide range of styles, No Return has something for everyone. If you're looking for action, we have stories of warriors battling against impossible odds. If you're in the mood for mystery, we have tales of detectives solving crimes in a world where the line between good and evil is blurred. If you're in the mood for horror, we have stories of the supernatural and the unknown. And for those who enjoy political intrigue, we have stories of power struggles and scheming politicians. With monthly updates and concurrent releases, No Return is an ongoing journey through a world on the brink of collapse. Join us on this journey and see how the people of Erset La Tari struggle to survive in a world where death is a constant companion. Listen to your favorite episodes, and check back each month for new stories from different regions of the Land of No Return

Is it really a linguistics list if I don't put my own pod on here? Take it as you will, but Syntax is entirely centered on language -- both conlang and entirely real. The story follows a team of explorers throughout an alien artifact known as the 'Breach', only able to be traversed after translating the sigil of an unknown language. The unknown language is paired with the real ancient language of Akkadian, which was spoken from the 3rd to the 1st millennium of BCE, and is inherently similar to Sumerian, as the Akkad empire took over the Sumer empire in ancient times. There's adventures, scares, lovable (I hope) characters, and translated transcripts to follow along with! I'm really only placing it here because I love language, I love Akkadian and conlangs and ancient history as seen through linguist eyes, and I love my show. Check it out! Only if you want to! No pressure! Official Synopsis: A science fiction, horror audio drama podcast that follows Silas Caldwell, a linguist, who finds himself employed by VINCULA, a biotech company with an unearthly set of artifacts in their possession. Alongside a team of scientists and explorers, Silas plunges into the world beyond the Breach, and is touched by terrors beyond his wildest dreams.

Is this show mainly about linguistics? No. Is that going to stop me from putting it on this list? Also no! The Moon Crown is a fantastic audio fiction based on Filipino mythology, and it will take you on a wild ride, guaranteed. M. Molder does an incredible job with all the hats they wear -- writer, lead VA, and editor -- but damn if this podcast isn't some of the best soundwork I've EVER heard. It's primarily a psychological thriller interwoven with timey-wimey shenanigans that will keep you guessing. The characters are to be trusted and protected -- or are they? Either way, they're all voiced amazingly and have superb chemistry. The reason why this is on the 'linguistics list' is because I love any pod that has other languages I can hear being spoken. Since it's based on Filipino mythology, we were spoon-fed words as creature names, but on occasion we hear full on Tagalog being spoken, particularly in the most recent episode. I'm eagerly awaiting their finale of the first season, and if you aren't entirely into the history of other cultures as a linguist, then can you really call yourself a linguist? Official Synopsis: In a world where beasts and entities have integrated into society, a group of outcasts set out on the run after a discovery that could change the existence of entities everywhere. Lou sends out broadcasts in hopes of reaching an audience with a warning of what's to come. Unfortunately, the listener she reaches might not be the kind of person she's hoping to find. The Moon Crown is a full-cast, weird fiction and horror audio drama meant for adult audiences, and is based on Filipino mythology with a little western mythology mixed in.