Language
What This Picture Of Beyoncé Tells Us About How Generation Z Connects
Why talk when you can say it with an emoji or a GIF? "Instead of me telling someone how good I look, I can just send them a picture of Beyoncé in a queen's outfit," Youth Radio's Robert Fisher says.
Um, Uh, Huh? Are These Words Clues To Understanding Human Language?
Tiny filler words in human rapid-fire conversation hold the key to understanding how language is unique, according to a new book. But anthropologist Barbara J. King raises some questions.
For Catalonia's Separatists, Language Is The Key To Identity
Many separatists say their Catalan language is what makes them feel most different from the rest of Spain. The language was prohibited during years of dictatorship, but now it's ubiquitous in schools.
Research Shows Spanish Speakers Take Longer To Learn English. Why?
A recent study emphasizes what researchers have noted for years: As children, Spanish-speaking English learners take longer to become proficient than nearly any other group. Here are theories why.
What Should We Make Of Trump's Speech Patterns — And Our Responses To Them?
Yes, President Trump's words tend to be simple and oft-repeated. The real question, says anthropologist Barbara J. King, may be what happens when we adopt them.
What Are The Planet's Real 'Talking' Chimps And Gorillas Saying?
Movies are full of loquacious chimps, but could nonhuman apes really use language? NPR's Skunk Bear sorts through the disturbing history of research on ape language to sort fact from wishful thinking.
Invisibilia: A Man Finds An Explosive Emotion Locked In A Word
When anthropologist Renato Rosaldo went to live with a Philippine tribe that was known for beheading people, he couldn't grasp the emotion that fueled this violence. Then his wife suddenly died.
Using Music And Rhythm To Help Kids With Grammar And Language
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are studying how music and rhythm activities could help children who struggle with grammar and language development.
From 'F-Bomb' To 'Photobomb,' How The Dictionary Keeps Up With English
For a new word to enter the dictionary, it must meet three criteria: widespread use, sustained use and meaningful use. Merriam-Webster lexicographer Kory Stamper explains the process in Word by Word.