Tracking the Popularity of Words

The Brian Lehrer Show | Oct 22, 2015

Google Ngram allows users to search the popularity of words or phrases in books. But it turns out, it's not the most reliable tool to study the absolute popularity of words.

Peter Sheridan Dodds, professor in the department of mathematics and statistics at the University of Vermont, explains what it can show us, and the drawbacks.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

From NYCHA to the Garden, the Knicks' Jose Alvarado is living a New Yorker's dream

Perhaps no player sends a clearer message to New York kids that making it to the NBA is achievable.

Gothamist |

A Memoir on Growing up in Gowanus, Before the Whole Foods

All Of It with Alison Stewart |

Bill Bradley on Knicks Fever and More

Bill Bradley talks about this year's NBA finals, reflects on his own championship season, and more.

The Brian Lehrer Show |

I.C.E.'s "Wartime Recruitment" Campaign

Hiring at the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency.

On the Media |