Date of Birth: October 6, 1965
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Biography
John Hamilton McWhorter V, born October 6, 1965, is an American linguist, academic, and author. He is currently an associate professor of English and comparative literature at Columbia University, where he has taught linguistics, American studies, and music history. McWhorter is known for his work on creole languages, socio-linguistics, and his commentary on race and cultural issues in the United States. McWhorter grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and showed an early interest in languages and linguistics. He attended Simon Gratz High School and later earned a B.A. in French from Rutgers University. He went on to do graduate work at New York University, where he received a master’s degree in American Studies, and Stanford University, where he earned a Ph.D. in Linguistics. Throughout his career, McWhorter has published numerous books on language, race, and social issues, including “The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language,” “Losing the Race: Self-Sabotage in Black America,” and “Talking Back, Talking Black: Truths About America’s Lingua Franca.” In addition to his academic work, McWhorter is a prolific writer and commentator. He has contributed to major publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Wall Street Journal. McWhorter is also known for his regular appearances on various media platforms, including podcasts and television programs, where he discusses linguistic phenomena and social topics.
5 Interesting Facts about John McWhorter
1. John McWhorter is fluent in multiple languages, including French, Spanish, and Russian.
2. He is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank.
3. McWhorter hosts two popular podcasts: “Lexicon Valley” on language and “The Glenn Show” with Glenn Loury on cultural issues.
4. He has been a vocal critic of certain aspects of modern social justice movements, which he discusses in his book “Woke Racism.”
5. McWhorter began his teaching career at Cornell University before moving to the University of California, Berkeley, and later Columbia University.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from John McWhorter
1. “Language is not just a collection of words and rules; it is a living, breathing entity that reflects the complexity of human experience.”
2. “The idea of ‘acting white’ has done more damage to black academic achievement than any overt racism.”
3. “We must allow people to have honest, open discussions about race, even if it makes us uncomfortable.”
4. “Creole languages are a testament to human resilience and ingenuity, arising from some of the most challenging conditions in history.”
5. “Understanding language helps us understand ourselves, our culture, and our shared humanity.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
John McWhorter’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
John McWhorter does not have any known children.
Relevant Links
1. [John McWhorter at Columbia University](https://english.columbia.edu/content/john-mcwhorter
2. [John McWhorter on The Atlantic](https://www.theatlantic.com/author/john-mcwhorter/
3. [Lexicon Valley Podcast](https://slate.com/podcasts/lexicon-valley
4. [The Glenn Show](https://bloggingheads.tv/programs/glennshow
5. [Manhattan Institute Profile](https://www.manhattan-institute.org/expert/john-mcwhorter
