Book description
"With easygoing authority... [Fridland] offers context, and a welcoming spirit, to the many contentious realignments in our language."--The Wall Street Journal "Smart and funny--I loved it!" --Mignon Fogarty, author of New York Times bestseller Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing A lively linguistic exploration of the speech habits we love to hate--and why our "like"s and "literally"s actually make us better communicators Paranoid about the "ums" and "uhs" that pepper your presentations? Concerned that people notice your vocal fry? Bewildered by "hella" or the meteoric rise of "so"? What if these features of our speech weren't a sign of cultural and linguistic degeneration, but rather, some of the most dynamic and revolutionary tools at our disposal? In Like, Literally, Dude, linguist Valerie Fridland shows how we can re-imagine these forms as exciting new linguistic frontiers rather than our culture's impending demise. With delightful irreverence and expertise built over two decades of research, Fridland weaves together history, psychology, science, and laugh-out-loud anecdotes to explain why we speak the way we do today, and how that impacts what our kids may be saying tomorrow. She teaches us that language is both function and fashion, and that though we often blame the young, the female, and the uneducated for its downfall, we should actually thank them for their linguistic ingenuity. By exploring the dark corners every English teacher has taught us to avoid, Like, Literally, Dude redeems our most pilloried linguistic quirks, arguing that they are fundamental to our social, professional, and romantic success--perhaps even more so than our clothing or our resumes. It explains how filled pauses benefit both speakers and listeners; how the use of "dude" can help people bond across social divides; why we're always trying to make our intensifiers ever more intense; as well as many other language tics, habits, and developments. Language change is natural, built into the language system itself, and we wouldn't be who we are without it. Like, Literally, Dude celebrates the dynamic, ongoing, and empowering evolution of language, and it will speak to anyone who talks, or listens, inspiring them to communicate dynamically and effectively in their daily lives.
Sneaky Lady
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Mental Prophet
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse – chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Twisty Dew
The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Snapple Whistler
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus!
Mum Mary
No more fighting over the radio during family trips – we're all hooked on audiobooks now. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries.
Red Woman
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Clover Dragon
Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. 📱🔊 Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
FireBrang
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
Die Slice
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer – I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless.
Candy Butcher
This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is remarkable. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
SWAT Honey
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. 📚🎧 Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
NoiseCake
The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Candy Butcher
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless.
High-Fructose
Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend! I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
LocKz
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. 🌟 Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app – it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! 📚🔥 ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable.
Stickers
As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. 🌟🎧 The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Gold Bentley
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Cupid Dust
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Guillotine Trigger
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. 💃 Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores – pure joy! 💃📖
Flash
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of – now they're my favorites! Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience