SKU: 74491285134

The Language of Food: A Linguist Reads the Menu

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The Language of Food: A Linguist Reads the MenuWhy do we eat toast for breakfast, and then toast to good health at dinner? What does the turkey we eat on Thanksgiving have to do with the country on the eastern Mediterranean? Can you figure out how much your dinner will cost by counting the words on the menu? In The Language of Food, Stanford University professor and MacArthur Fellow Dan Jurafsky peels away the mysteries from the foods we think we know. Thirteen chapters evoke the joy and discovery

Why do we eat toast for breakfast, and then toast to good health at dinner? What does the turkey we eat on Thanksgiving have to do with the country on the eastern Mediterranean? Can you figure out how much your dinner will cost by counting the words on the menu?

In The Language of Food, Stanford University professor and MacArthur Fellow Dan Jurafsky peels away the mysteries from the foods we think we know. Thirteen chapters evoke the joy and discovery of reading a menu dotted with the sharp-eyed annotations of a linguist. Jurafsky points out the subtle meanings hidden in filler words like "rich" and "crispy," zeroes in on the metaphors and storytelling tropes we rely on in restaurant reviews, and charts a microuniverse of marketing language on the back of a bag of potato chips.

The fascinating journey through The Language of Food uncovers a global atlas of culinary influences. With Jurafsky's insight, words like ketchup, macaron, and even salad become living fossils that contain the patterns of early global exploration that predate our modern fusion-filled world. From ancient recipes preserved in Sumerian song lyrics to colonial shipping routes that first connected East and West, Jurafsky paints a vibrant portrait of how our foods developed. A surprising history of culinary exchange--a sharing of ideas and culture as much as ingredients and flavors--lies just beneath the surface of our daily snacks, soups, and suppers.

Engaging and informed, Jurafsky's unique study illuminates an extraordinary network of language, history, and food. The menu is yours to enjoy.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Published: 10/13/2015
ISBN: 9780393351620
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.45lbs
Size: 8.10h x 5.40w x 0.70d

Review Citations: New York Times Book Review 11/15/2015 pg. 28
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SKU: 74491285134

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MURPH
Bozeman, US
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Sturdy and holding up so far!
Size: Small 15", Style: 3 Knot, Pattern Name: Dog
This is a quality pull toy that my Yorkie ("Finnegan") loves. It is holding together well as my dog can be a maniac at times. Moderate chewing has not hurt this toy. I do not buy toys with squeakers in them as they worry me. Finn entertains himself and then brings toy to me for a tug of war. I recommend this item. Good bang for the buck!
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Pawtucket, US
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Size: Medium 20", Style: 3 Knot, Pattern Name: Dog
For a five month old puppy with sharp teeth it’s holding up pretty well.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2026
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Shaienne
Louisville, US
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Size: Medium 20", Style: 3 Knot, Pattern Name: Dog
I have a German Shepherd/Pointer mix who is 10 months old. He has been in the throes of teething and destructive exploration. He's chewed up clothing and shoes. He chewed a hole in our couch and one in our brand new mattress (He was never left home alone until this point but as my mother came to visit and my boyfriend was back at work, I had no choice but to trust him alone for about an hour a day for 3 or 4 days... he clearly didn't earn that trust). He loves ropes because he can gnaw them, whip them around, and play tug of war or fetch with them at any given time. We love ropes because they keep him occupied and relieve his desire to chew things. Unfortunately, he was destroying rope after rope after rope. Some ropes were worrisome because they would quickly start fraying and falling apart. We would have to help remove strings he has swallowed from his behind while he was out doing his business... My boyfriend's mother picked up a Mammoth TireBiter tire and rope toy for him but it was much too small. Still, he loved it and it stood up very well to his chompers despite being way too small/weak for him. Looking for a larger version of the Mammoth TireBiters, I stumbled across this rope toy and gave it a shot. Let me tell you, I don't think I will ever buy rope toys from any other brand! We have had this rope for over a month and it is still going strong. It does show some small signs of wear and tear but you would swear we bought it last week. It is very strong and durable. It has held up through many long gnawing sessions. It has been put through countless hours of fetch and tug of war with no signs of giving out any time soon. I am so in love with this rope and so is my pup!
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Lilly
New York, US
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Size: Mini 10", Style: 3 Knot, Pattern Name: Dog
Small but good quality
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Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 3
Only for tug-a-war play.
Size: Small 15", Style: 3 Knot, Pattern Name: Dog, Size: Small 15", Style: 3 Knot, Pattern Name: Dog
This should only be advertised as a tug-a-war dog toy. I gave the toy to our 6 month old puppy and in, not even, an hour it was ripped apart. He’s not big enough for the larger ones yet. Not sure if I’ll try the next size larger.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2026

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