18/01/2011
We have thousands of words that mean 'I approve' and thousands more that mean 'I disapprove'. Michael Rosen sets out to discover why we need so many.
Producer: Peter Everett.
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Broadcasts
- Tue 18 Jan 201116:00BBC Radio 4
- Mon 24 Jan 201123:00BBC 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.
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Podcast
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Word of Mouth
Series exploring the world of words and the ways in which we use them
