News
Series exploring the world of words and the ways in which we use them
All available episodes (284 total)
episodes (1 new)
Explore why languages have idioms with The Open University’s quiz.
Do animals have “language”? And can we talk to them?
The team names inspired by religion, beautiful women, and different sports altogether.
There’s no one better to teach Word of Mouth’s Michael Rosen about comedy writing.
High-level interpreter Irina Morgan reveals the secrets of simultaneous translation.
The etymology of many women's words tells a nuanced story of shifting attitudes.
How carefully-written subtitles enhance viewing for deaf and hard of hearing people.
How this mark at the end of a sentence can flag up surprise, wonder, irony and more.
Cyber-psychologist Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton breaks down the lexicon of internet romance.
A man who could not form a full sentence is now a stammer campaigner on the world stage.
Exploring creative descriptions for wind, rainfall and sunny spells from around the world
Important but problematic decisions have to be made around adopted and fostered children.
Where do modern idioms come from?
How should we respond to someone sharing bad news or raw emotion?
We need to find new ways of talking to each other “virtually”.
Why personal names are so often mispronounced or misspelled, in conversation and online.
Exploring the hidden histories of obscure words, and common buzz phrases.
What is LGBTQIA+ slang and why is it so important?
The acclaimed author shares her secrets.
Michael Rosen puts the language of science under the microscope.
Straightforward and concise advice from language guru Lane Greene.
What are the right and the wrong things to say to someone who is struggling to cope?
Comedian and writer David Walliams talks to Michael Rosen about writing children’s books.
Subscribe to this programme or individual episodes.
Series of programmes examining key phrases in public debate.
With like 'epic fail' entering our daily vocab, it's time for you to level up.
Some facts about emoji - possibly the world's first truly global form of communication.
What's a gubbins? Or a mosey? Find out the origins of old words and phrases.
Transform your small talk from bland cliché to earth-shattering rhetoric.
The weird and wonderful world of naming houses.
Get the bard in your corner with this video guide.
Ben Crystal reads Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 in Original Pronunciation.
Michael Rosen reads through the Cockney alphabet, from A for 'orses to Z for his hat.
Philip Pullman reveals why he chose the name, Lyra.
Michael Rosen on the evocative words used to describe features of the British landscape.
Lexicographer of slang and swearing Jonathon Green talks about where slang comes from.
Do you sign off your messages with x? Ever wondered where this behaviour comes from?
How come humans learn to speak while other animals don't?
Anyone for some ISIS Belgian chocolate?
Michael Rosen and Dr Laura Wright explore the numbers one to ten
Have a look at some of the fantastic words that children invent and reimagine.
River Cottage forager John Wright talks Latin naming conventions with Dr Laura Wright.
Professor Naomi Baron s Word of Mouth to discuss the future of reading
Emojis, acronyms and slang...
What makes it funny when your "pedantic subconscious" intervenes.
David and Ben Crystal explain how Shakespeare holds a mirror up to humanity even today.
Don't put yourself in fan fiction even if you spot a "one true pairing", otherwise...
