Showing results for "The Language of Stories" in History

Language defines us as a species, placing humans head and shoulders above even the most proficient animal communicators. But it also beguiles us with its endless mysteries, allowing us to ponder why different languages emerged, why there isn't simply a single language, how languages change over time and whether that's good or bad, and how languages die out and become extinct.

What is our species' greatest invention? Medicine, computers, space travel? Not even close. The innovation that underlies each of our past achievements and those we still aspire to is language. Language is the ultimate invention of Homo sapiens - one that has allowed us to change the physical and social world around us in every conceivable way, and an invention that has fundamentally changed us, as well.

Professor John McWhorter of Columbia University takes you back through time and around the world, following the linguistic trails left by generations of humans that lead back to the beginnings of language. Utilizing historical theories and cutting-edge research, these 34 astonishing lectures will introduce you to the major language families of the world and their many offspring, including a variety of languages that are no longer spoken but provide vital links between past and present.

Drawing on evidence from many fields, including archaeology, anthropology, neurology and linguistics, Sverker Johansson weaves these disparate threads together to show how our human ancestors evolved into language users. The Dawn of Language provides a fascinating survey of how grammar came into being and the differences or similarities between languages spoken around the world, before exploring how language eventually emerged in the very remote human past.

Mankind has a distinct advantage over other terrestrial species: we talk to one another. But how did we acquire the most advanced form of communication on Earth? Daniel L. Everett, a "bombshell" linguist and "instant folk hero" (Tom Wolfe, Harper's), provides in this sweeping history a comprehensive examination of the evolutionary story of language, from the earliest speaking attempts by hominids to the more than 7,000 languages that exist today.

An irresistible and enchanting journey through human history—from mankind’s earliest fires to the latest smart phones—that tells the surprising and untold story of storytelling. Joan Didion told us, “We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” And yet, the story of stories has never...

Over 330,000 copies sold. This is the story of the church for today's listeners. Bruce Shelley's classic history of the church brings the story of global Christianity into the twenty-first century. Like a skilled screenwriter, Shelley begins each chapter with three elements: characters, setting...

Many consider "The Canterville Ghost" the most famous ghost story of all time. It is a parody featuring a dramatic spirit named Sir Simon and an American ambassador named Mr. Hiram B. Otis. Mr. Otis travels to England with his family and moves into a haunted castle. Lord Canterville, the previous owner of the castle, warns Mr. Otis that the ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville has haunted the castle ever since he killed his wife, Eleonore, centuries ago.

In the fall of 2025 we visited Elder and Knowledge Keeper Wes Fineday in Sweetgrass, Saskatchewan to collect stories 100 years after the first visit to Sweetgrass by Leonard Bloomfield. From the original collection of texts by Bloomfield, two books were published: Sacred Stories of the Sweetgrass Cree (1930), and Plains Cree Texts (1934). Our visit in 2025 gives us the opportunity to glimpse into the past as Wes is a direct descendant of one of the original story tellers, and knew some of the others personally. This collection, "Sweetgrass Stories: A 21st Century Perspective" hopes to build ...

Hi! I'm Linda - An ABC(ish) writer/illustrator currently based in NYC. PODCAST WHAT: This podcast is an extension of the Panda Cub Stories webcomic, where I'm documenting my own journey of (re)learning Chinese language and reconnecting with my family's heritage. Here, I'll be musing on what I've learned about Chinese language, culture, folklore, and/or festivals. PODCAST WHY: While I LOVE making the webcomics, there's a lot of content I can't fit into those few panels... so I thought I'd relaunch this podcast to share the extra goodies with you! PODCAST (LANGUAGE) FORMAT:I'll be switching back...

Daily Story & Book ReadingHosted by Leeo BarkDaily Story & Book Reading is an educational and inspirational podcast designed to nurture knowledge, imagination, and thoughtful learning through the power of stories and books. This podcast is created for listeners of all ages, with a special focus on children, students, and book lovers who enjoy meaningful and engaging content.Through this podcast, we bring you:📖 Moral and educational stories📚 Daily book reading sessions for children and learners🧠 Knowledge-based and thought-provoking content🌍 Stories and literature from around the ...