logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2022
6m 14s

Inventing languages

BBC Radio
About this episode

Learn about how languages get invented

Up next
Oct 22
What should you eat for a better night’s sleep?
Have you ever had the feeling of lying awake at night, unable to get to sleep? Many of us know what it is like to struggle with sleep, especially if we have drunk too much tea or coffee before bed! But did you know that your sleep quality can be affected by other parts of your di ... Show More
7m 3s
Oct 15
Why has gold got so expensive?
Many of us own jewellery or other items that are gold coloured, but do you own anything that is made from real gold? Gold is a precious metal, which means that there is a limited supply in the world. This not only makes it expensive, but also means that it holds a relatively stab ... Show More
6m 59s
Oct 8
Are people drinking less alcohol?
In recent generations many people have chosen to stop drinking alcohol. Surveys from the UK suggest that 16 to 24-year-olds are more likely to be non-drinkers than the older generations. Many people are sharing their experience of drinking less alcohol or being completely sober o ... Show More
6m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2022
Congrats! It’s a Language.” (Language Lifecycle Part 1: Birth)
Constructed Languages and New Languages In the first of our two part series on the life cycle of languages, we address how language is born. We’ll dive into the creation of constructed languages – languages made for film or TV (or even just for fun) – and natural languages, and h ... Show More
29m 56s
Nov 2017
Where did language come from?
Where did language come from? Is it possible to know without traveling back in time? And how do babies learn to speak? Plus: We’ll hear how the word “silly” has evolved over the last several hundred years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
29m 58s
Nov 2007
Lesson 4 - Discover Spanish
This lesson covers asking and saying what languages you speak. 
9m 54s
Oct 2025
Spanish Language History in Latin America: What You Should Know Before You Learn Spanish
Discover the history of Spanish in Latin America and how it shapes the language today – perfect for those starting a Spanish language course or beginner Spanish lessons. 
4m 14s
Jul 2018
Coffee n Talk | Teach English to Your Children, New method
Chat about an interesting new language teaching method.   
42m 57s
Aug 2020
Flatten the curve
Learn language to talk about the coronavirus pandemic. 
2m 23s
Jan 2023
Where Chinese Words Come From
How did we get the set of Chinese words we have today? John and Jared talk about how the Chinese language has evolved, adapted, innovated, and borrowed to create the language it is today. 
53m 40s
Dec 2021
Why language is humanity's greatest invention
Game of Thrones’ language creator David Peterson shows how studying, preserving and inventing new languages helps us understand our collective humanity -- and gives a quick lesson on High Valyrian. This talk was filmed at TEDxBerkeley. All TEDx events are organized independently ... Show More
8m 32s