John McWhorter is an American linguist, author, and professor known for his work in the fields of linguistics and language education. He teaches at Columbia University and has published numerous books and articles on language, including topics like African American Vernacular English and the evolution of language over time. In addition to his academic work, McWhorter is a public intellectual who frequently writes for popular media outlets, discussing language and culture. He is also known for his engaging speaking style and has appeared in various documentaries and podcasts, making complex linguistic concepts accessible to a broader audience.