14/07/2009
Chris Ledgard explores the words we use to talk about music. What are 'acid house' and 'grime', and how did the terms come about?
Chris Ledgard looks into the words we use to talk about music. Is it even possible to pin music down in language? Stuart Maconie thinks we should try, and he talks us through the various genres into which music is categorised.
Where did the word 'jazz' come from? What exactly is 'garage', and how has the meaning of R&B changed so dramatically?
We go to a recording studio to sit in with a band in session, and hear how they communicate their ideas. Chris also talks to Norman Lebrecht about the art of describing classical music.
Neuroscientist Daniel Levitin, author of This is Your Brain on Music, talks about his years as a record producer, working with Stevie Wonder and Carlos Santana - who wanted his guitar to sound 'more orange'.
Last on
Broadcasts
- Tue 14 Jul 200916:00BBC Radio 4
- Mon 20 Jul 200923:00BBC Radio 4
Listen to Michael Rosen in conversation with The Open University
Hear Michael reveal his own language journey.
Idioms Quiz
Explore why languages have idioms with The Open University’s quiz.
Explore the OU’s Cultural Idioms Guide
Explore how some cultural idioms entered the English Language.
From blunk to brickfielder: our wonderful words for weather
Exploring creative descriptions for wind, rainfall and sunny spells from around the world
Digital body language – how to communicate better online
We need to find new ways of talking to each other “virtually”.
Coinages that changed the world – and some that tried to...
Exploring the hidden histories of obscure words, and common buzz phrases.
Ittibitium, borborygmus, and Ba humbugi – 14 wonderful science words you’ve never heard of
Michael Rosen puts the language of science under the microscope.
Download this programme
Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes.
Keywords for Our Time
Series of programmes examining key phrases in public debate.
Smiley face: Seven things you didn't know about emoji
Some facts about emoji - possibly the world's first truly global form of communication.
The funny words that kids invent
Have a look at some of the fantastic words that children invent and reimagine.
Podcast
![]()
Word of Mouth
Series exploring the world of words and the ways in which we use them
