The Edge Episode 4: That Manhole Is Now a Maintenance Hole

After the Berkeley city council votes to remove gender from the municipal code, Laura and Leah decide to investigate how language changes with the times. They talk to two non-binary students about the singular pronoun “they” and linguist Geoffrey Nunberg about what language will stick, what’s a fad, and why language matters. Finally, Berkeley sociologist Cristina Mora talks about the origins of Latinx and why she uses it.
A production of California magazine and the Cal Alumni Association
Reported and hosted by Laura Smith and Leah Worthington
Produced by Coby McDonald
Special thanks to Pat Joseph, Brooke Kottmann, Aviel McDermott, Sam Ku, Geoffrey Nunberg, Cristina Mora and California magazine interns, Grace Vogel and Steven Rascón
Artwork by Michiko Toki
Original music by Mogli Maureal