Category: world languages (page 1 of 4)

385: You Look Like a Thing (with Janelle Shane)

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and that freaks some people out. But the real problem is that AIs may not be smart enough.

Whether you’re concerned about the future of human/computer interaction, or you just want a fun description of machine …

382: There’s No Enhance Button (with Helen Fraser)

We hear what we expect to hear.

That’s a problem in court, where covert audio recordings are often unclear. Who decides what goes into the transcript that lawyers, judges, and juries will see?

We’re talking to Dr Helen Fraser about …

346: What Works (featuring Dan Dediu)

Why does language have the form it does, and why does it change the way it does?

Is it just… because? Or are there environmental motivators? Linguists are getting interested in just what factors are forming language into what it …

338: Signed Language (featuring Ulrike Zeshan and Christy Filipich)

The International Day of Signed Languages is upon us.

If we could look at all the signed languages in the world, what would they have in common? What misconceptions do hearing people have? And what is International Sign?

It’s all on this …

336: Kinship Terms

What do you call your family members? No, not like that.

We’re talking about kinship terms. How does your language handle family relations? Do you call your grandmothers on your mom and dad’s side the same thing? What’s a second …

330: Making Words for Miriwoong (featuring Knut Olawsky)

The Australian Aboriginal language of Mirawoong is being revitalised. But to do this, it needs more than speakers. It needs words.

How do you construct new words in a language? And how well are these words being accepted?

We’re talking …

328: She Writes Dictionaries (featuring Jane Solomon)

Dictionaries don’t just write themselves, you know. And lexicographers have some pretty cool tricks to do what they do.

How do they spot new words? And how can their definitions influence our lives?

We’re talking to lexicographer Jane Solomon on …

325: Mailbag of Moisture

It’s another dive into the Mailbag.

What’s the hardest language to lip read? Why do we say but at the end of sentences? And what can you call the non-binary parent in your life?

Daniel, Kylie, and Ben

324: Translanguaging (featuring Rhonda Oliver)

Standardised English is important, but how do we encourage students with diverse language backgrounds?

One answer is translanguaging, and it’s supposed to be a step above code-switching. But what does it look like in class?

Daniel, Ben, …

323: Flip Yeah Taboo Avoidance

Golly, darn, fetch, and shivers.

Swearing’s lots of fun, but when you’re not in a sweary situation, you might have to engage in taboo avoidance. This process can have a big flippin’ effect on language change.

Daniel, Ben, …

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