Revisionist History: The Origin of “You” – A Conversation with John McWhorter

Release Date: May 1, 2025
Host: Malcolm Gladwell
Produced by Pushkin Industries

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Origin of 'You'," Malcolm Gladwell delves into the intricate world of language with renowned linguist John McWhorter. Hosted on his popular podcast, Revisionist History, Gladwell explores the evolution and nuances of the English pronoun "you," unraveling its historical complexities and contemporary challenges.

Setting the Stage: A Shared Passion for Linguistics

Malcolm Gladwell begins by establishing his long-standing admiration for John McWhorter, highlighting McWhorter's multifaceted expertise as a linguist, music aficionado, and columnist. Gladwell reminisces about their initial collaboration in 2019, where McWhorter provided insights into the speech patterns of Tom Bradley, the first Black mayor of Los Angeles.

Gladwell [02:36]: "Why does a black guy whose parents were sharecroppers from Texas sound like Cary Grant?"

McWhorter’s ability to decode these linguistic phenomena deepened Gladwell’s appreciation, setting the foundation for their in-depth discussion on pronouns.

The Evolution of "You": From Singular to Plural

The conversation shifts to the historical usage of "you," tracing its transformation from a singular to a plural pronoun. In early Middle English, distinctions existed between "thou" (singular) and "ye" or "you" (plural). However, over time, "you" garnered acceptance as both singular and plural, effectively rendering "thou" obsolete.

McWhorter [30:07]: "We need thou."

Gladwell passionately advocates for the reinstatement of "thou," arguing that the loss of a distinct singular form complicates communication and diminishes linguistic precision.

Cultural and Linguistic Implications

The discussion delves into the cultural ramifications of this linguistic shift. Gladwell highlights how the lack of a singular form for "you" parallels complexities in other languages, such as the absence of a dual form in English compared to languages like Russian or German.

Gladwell [32:00]: "I would enforce that y'all as a legitimate plural form must be accepted."

McWhorter points out the adaptive measures English speakers have taken, such as adopting "y'all" or "yous," but notes the societal reluctance to embrace these colloquial variants officially.

Pronoun Controversies and Modern Usage

Gladwell introduces his latest book, Pronoun Trouble, which dissect each English pronoun, exploring their histories and the controversies surrounding them. The chapter on "you" stands out as a pivotal exploration of its dual role and the societal pushback against proposed changes.

Gladwell [27:12]: "It's each pronoun. So there's I, there's you, there's he, she, it, there's we, and there's they."

McWhorter appreciates the depth of Gladwell's analysis, emphasizing the critical role of precise language in fostering effective communication.

Adoption of Black American English in Mainstream Slang

The conversation transitions to the influence of Black American English on mainstream vernacular. McWhorter applauds the integration of Black slang into everyday language, viewing it as a sign of diminishing racial barriers and the dynamic evolution of English.

McWhorter [46:26]: "It's actually a good sign that it is happening."

Gladwell concurs, recognizing the infusion of Black slang as a vibrant catalyst for linguistic innovation.

Personal Linguistic Experiences

Both hosts share personal anecdotes illustrating their connections with language. Gladwell reflects on his upbringing in an integrated neighborhood where dialect variations sparked his early interest in linguistics. McWhorter recounts his childhood observations in Jamaica, witnessing his uncle seamlessly switch between English and Patois, underscoring the fluidity of language and identity.

Gladwell [10:30]: "People spoke differently, and that was about this much blackness."

McWhorter [18:17]: "That must have been amazing."

The Future of English Pronouns

As the episode nears its conclusion, Gladwell and McWhorter ponder the future trajectory of English pronouns. They explore the potential resurgence of "thou" in a modern context and the societal challenges that such a revival might entail.

McWhorter [36:30]: "And then they would be y'all districts."

Gladwell [32:24]: "You can not say thou naked. It just wouldn't seem quite right."

Despite their enthusiasm for linguistic evolution, both agree that societal acceptance and practical implementation pose significant hurdles to reinstating archaic pronouns.

Conclusion

"The Origin of 'You'" offers a captivating exploration of English pronouns through the lens of two distinguished thinkers. Malcolm Gladwell and John McWhorter shed light on the historical shifts, cultural implications, and future possibilities of language, particularly focusing on the multifaceted role of "you." Their dialogue underscores the importance of linguistic precision and the ever-evolving nature of human communication.

Notable Quotes

• Gladwell [02:36]: "Why does a black guy whose parents were sharecroppers from Texas sound like Cary Grant?"

• McWhorter [30:07]: "We need thou."

• Gladwell [32:00]: "I would enforce that y'all as a legitimate plural form must be accepted."

• Gladwell [27:12]: "It's each pronoun. So there's I, there's you, there's he, she, it, there's we, and there's they."

• McWhorter [46:26]: "It's actually a good sign that it is happening."

• Gladwell [10:30]: "People spoke differently, and that was about this much blackness."

• McWhorter [18:17]: "That must have been amazing."

• McWhorter [36:30]: "And then they would be y'all districts."

• Gladwell [32:24]: "You can not say thou naked. It just wouldn't seem quite right."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Revisionist History not only unpacks the historical and linguistic journey of a seemingly simple word but also invites listeners to reflect on how language shapes and is shaped by cultural identities and societal norms. Gladwell and McWhorter's engaging conversation offers invaluable insights for linguists, language enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the subtle complexities of everyday communication.