Do you talk nonsense to your pet? Why is swearing so satisfying? And why do babies babble?
Host of The Idiom, Rune Pedersen, is back with another linguistic series interpellating the intricacies of human communication. How Humans Talk explores how the way we speak shapes our place in the world and why becoming a better communicator starts with becoming a better listener.
Rune said:
“It’s been over a year since I last jumped behind the mic to talk all things linguistics. Fatherhood has shrunk my vocabulary to a handful of daycare-proof words but it’s also inspired me to dive deeper into human communication. As AI begins to automate language itself, it feels more important than ever to explore what makes our conversations unmistakably human. This is my answer to this development.
In How Humans Talk we’re joined by communication specialists, cultural commentators, and other experts to learn and share how to be a better communicator, whether it’s to your doctor, parents, neighbour or even your furry friends. Together we uncover the subtle ways our words shape identities, relationships, and the world around us.”
In the first episode speech pathologist and voice expert Dr Sarah Lobegeiger de Rodriguez exploring the untapped power of the human voice and why it’s often overlooked as a core part of our identity and relationships. Then, Rune chats with Dory
Wang who, after being a TV presenter in China, had to start from scratch in Australia, armed with just a handful of vegetable names and some pleasantries. Together, they discuss the emotional and social complexities faced by multilingual speakers – from battling accent biases to rethinking what belonging truly means.
How Humans Talk Episode 1 is out now with new episodes of the eight-part series hosted by Rune Pedersen and developed in collaboration with Stefan Delatovic out every Friday.
Episode 2, out May 30 sees Rune pursue the pleasure of profanity* discovering swearing is much more than just colourful language. With insight from renowned linguist Professor Kate Burridge from Monash University, the episode examines the psychology and sociology of swearing – breaking down the naughty words, from Aussie larrikin slang to ancient blasphemies, and exploring the science behind profanity as pain relief.
*PS – episode 2 of How Humans Talk contains profanity. Best not for little ears. Best however for when you’re doing the work commute alone and can play along!