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On Self-Editing and Second Languages

Linguist Geoff Nunberg recently returned from a trip to France. He was initially confident in his French proficiency, but that feeling soon faded; in fact, he noticed his limited vocabulary affected how he thought, not just spoke.

03:24
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Other segments from the episode on July 31, 1990

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, July 31, 1990: Interview with Fredric Dannen; Review of Rahsaan Roland Kirk's albums " Rip, Rig and Panic" and "Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith"; Interview with…
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24:10

The Record Industry's New Payola

During the 1950s and '60s, record labels were subject to criminal investigations over their practice of paying radio stations for airplay of their songs. A new book by Fredric Dannen, about the way the payola system has re-emerged, is called Hit Men.

Interview
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06:59

Two Rahsaan Roland Kirk Albums Now on One CD

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the multi-instrumentalist genre-hopper is distinctive; but his music has been largely overlooked, in part because may considered his eclectic approach middle-brow. Whitehead hopes two new reissues of Kirk's music will bring Kirk some much-deserved attention.

Review
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11:16

Film Director Jerry Zucker

Zucker has made a number of parody films with his brother David, including Police Academy and The Naked Gun. His first solo movie, Ghost, is now in theaters.

Interview

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In Emotionally Charged 'Blue,' Sex Is Graphic, But Not Gratuitous

Blue Is the Warmest Color, a coming-of-age movie about the love affair between two young women, has been criticized as pornographic and exploitive. But critic David Edelstein says the film artfully captures the intensity of sexual discovery — and dependency. (Recommended)

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04:28

The Euphemisms of "Lewinskygate."

Linguist Geoff Nunberg considers the words we use to describe "unsanctioned amorous relations" and the difficulty of using more straight forward language.

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