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05/04/2011
Michael Rosen explores the complex relationship between language and sport, and asks, 'If sport is so unpredictable, why is it that sports punditry is predictably cliche-ridden?'.
Michael Rosen explores the complex relationship between language and sport, and asks "If sport is so unpredictable, why is it that sports punditry is so predictably cliche-ridden?"
Michael talks to commentators, athletes, and athletes-turned-commentators to see if the arrival of the Olympics on British soil is likely to herald a new era of hyperbole and inarticulate over-excitement.
Producer: John Byrne.
Last on
Mon 11 Apr 201123:00
BBC Radio 4
Broadcasts
- Tue 5 Apr 201116:00BBC Radio 4
- Mon 11 Apr 201123:00BBC Radio 4
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