Language
Learning a new language is at the top on most people's 'to-do' list, but there is more than one way to communicate. There are computer languages, like Python or C++, which build the code in our apps, body language and sign language helping us understand what people are saying without words, and of course, the language of love. Whichever is your preferred tongue, find out why we speak, how to communicate, and why language evolved at all.
Here are the secret ways your dog is communicating with you
Your dog is trying to tell you something – you’re just missing the signs.
What is the easiest language to learn? A complete beginner’s guide to linguistics
Are children really better at learning languages? And what will the language of the future be? An expert linguist answers all.
Do animals have accents?
Here's how some creatures adapt their voices.
Is there a language of laughter?
Laughter is a human universal – something all people do in every corner of the globe, no matter their culture
How does my brain differentiate different languages?
Human language is a complex phenomenon, and many different areas of the brain must cooperate together.
Does dyslexia exist in writing systems like Japanese and Chinese?
It's a common learning difficulty that can cause issues with reading, writing and spelling. But what about in different writing systems?
Are there more left-handed people where writing flows right to left?
Left-handed people will know the difficulties of keeping their writing smudge-free in Western countries.
Do animals give each other names?
Fido, Goldie or Felix might have their own unique names…
Test your language skills with these conundrums from Alex Bellos's newest puzzle book
Can you solve these puzzles?
How can I be a better parent? The science of screen time, baby talk and more
How important is playtime? How can I make bedtime easier? And is screen time really bad for children? All your questions, answered.
Why does swearing feel so good?
A psychologist unpacks why dropping curse words feels so ****ing good.
The unlikely evolutionary origin of the human voice
In this extract from This is the Voice, John Colapinto tells the story of how our voices evolved, from the very first creatures to breathe air.
What is the Rosetta Stone?
The discovery in 1822 of a ‘new’ stone slab that featured both hieroglyphic and Greek inscriptions was key to confirming Champollion’s revolutionary ‘mixed script’ theory.
Who deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphs?
The important scientists and thinkers who worked out the meaning and structure of the Ancient Egyptians' hieroglyphic language.
How we deciphered Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs
The ancient Egyptians’ language had archaeologists baffled until the hieroglyphs were carefully deciphered using the Rosetta Stone.
Rosetta Stone | A history of translating ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs
A story spanning thousands of years, from forgotten ancient knowledge to modern understanding.
Key language ability 'existed in ancient primate ancestors'
Researchers say understanding relationships between words in a sentence is a trait that evolved at least 30 million years ago.
Reality Check | Are face masks changing how we behave?
Wearing face masks could affect how we communicate.
Is there any link between handwriting and personality?
Asked by: Erica Reynolds, Coventry
Evolution of primate larynx faster than in other mammals
The findings could help in better understanding vocal communication amongst primates – including humans.
Adam Hart | "Evolution is most certainly a theory, but certainly not 'just' a theory"
Considerable confusion exists over some very fundamental aspects of evolution, compounded by the language we use to describe it.
Animals that fake their deep voices are 'skilled sound learners'
Scientists believe this could unlock the secrets of human speech evolution.
Human speech has 'ancient roots within primate communication'
Chimpanzee lip smacks follow the rhythm of human speech, a study has found.
Origins of human language stretch back 25 million years
The human brain's language pathway was previously thought to have evolved only 5 million years ago.