Communication and language
Communication and language
idea
Will studying a new language interfere with any others you speak?
Multilinguals say it feels as though learning another language interferes with old ones. New research put this to the test
by Shayla Love
Decision-making
idea
Do you think more clearly when reading or when listening?
How we take in information has a remarkably significant effect on how intuitive or analytical we are in thinking about it
by Janet Geipel & Boaz Keysar
Communication and language
guide
How to say no
It’s a little word, but if you’re a chronic people pleaser it can be so tricky to say it. These tips and tricks will help
by Shayla Love
Wonder and the sublime
film
The search for life beyond Earth is peculiar, from a parrot’s perspective
Directed by Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla
Communication and language
idea
What is the secret to an evocative smell description?
Many languages have very few odour-related words, so conveying what a scent is like requires knowing your audience
by Giulia Martina
Technology and media
idea
Chatbots remind us that natural conversation is artificial too
People fret about the authenticity of AI chatbots but precisely the same issues confront everyday exchanges between humans
by Larry S McGrath
Communication and language
guide
How to find your voice
Do you sometimes feel silenced or afraid to speak up? Learn to use your natural voice and be heard for who you really are
by Sophie Scott
Spirituality and religion
film
China’s young people who trade parties for peace at a mountainside hermitage
Directed by Ellen Xu
Communication and language
idea
Facts don’t change minds: a case for the virtues of propaganda
A better understanding of propaganda and how to use it as an educational tool could advance the world in a positive way
by Anna Hennessey
Knowledge and reason
idea
Our big problem is not misinformation; it’s knowingness
Everybody knows we live in an age of misinformation. But everybody’s wrong, and here’s why it’s our age’s biggest problem
by Jonathan Malesic
Stigma and taboo
guide
How to talk about your mental illness
Careful disclosure can be highly rewarding. Use tips from the Honest, Open, Proud programme to share your story
by Carla Kundert & Patrick W Corrigan
Communication and language
film
Immerse in a rich, allusive world built in tribute to all the stutterers
Directed by Patrick Buhr