Communication and language
Communication and language
idea
The tentacles of language are always on the move
An evolutionary biologist explains how human language can shift as slowly or rapidly as organisms adapting to life on Earth
by Klaus M Stiefel
Thinking and intelligence
idea
Expert tips on using gestures to think and talk more effectively
The gesticulations that accompany your speech are so much more than mere hand-waving – they contain and convey meaning
by Susan Goldin-Meadow
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
Parenting and families
film
Love is no simple thing for a mother and the daughter she raised alone
Directed by Ellie Wen
Communication and language
idea
Why that hard conversation will probably go better than you think
If you’ve delayed raising a touchy issue, fearing it will backfire, new research could give you the confidence you need
by Matt Huston
Communication and language
idea
This is what a Neanderthal conversation would have sounded like
Neanderthals had language, but it differed from ours in an important way that could help explain our superior art and tech
by Steven Mithen
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
Creativity
film
This artist’s clever work moves Deaf culture from the margins to centre stage
Directed by Chiemi Karasawa
Music
idea
I learned to hear the music of Earth’s underwater musicians
If we consider the sounds of whales and other organisms with an open mind, we find a strange beauty – and can even join in
by David Rothenberg
Communication and language
idea
Censoring offensive language threatens our freedom to think
The modern obsession with textual purity stems from a misapplication of the philosophies of Wittgenstein and Derrida
by Paul Ham
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
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