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Laura Spinney

Science writer and journalist. Author of 'Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global'.

Top 5 podcasts with Laura Spinney

Ranked by the Snipd community
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61 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 43min

The Birth of Indo-European

Laura Spinney, a science journalist and author of 'Proto,' dives into the fascinating world of Indo-European languages and their origins. She explores the evolution from Proto-Indo-European roots to modern languages like Latin and Sanskrit. Spinney discusses the complexities of linguistic history, emphasizing diverse origins rather than a single starting point. Also highlighted are the techniques used by linguists and archaeologists to unravel ancient languages and the impact of the Yamnaya culture on language evolution and trade.
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19 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 46min

Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global, with Laura Spinney

Laura Spinney, a renowned science writer and journalist, is joined by global historian Caroline Dodds Pennock to explore the fascinating legacy of Proto-Indo-European, the ancient tongue that influenced countless modern languages. They discuss how this prehistoric language spread across continents due to trade and migration. The duo also unravels the intricate relationship between language evolution and human movement, revealing how wheeled vehicles played a pivotal role in cultural exchange. Their insights shed light on the connections between language, identity, and history.
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13 snips
May 17, 2025 • 1h 1min

Laura Spinney: rise of the proto-Indo-Europeans

Laura Spinney, a Paris-based British author and science journalist, dives into the fascinating origins of the Indo-European languages. She discusses the revolutionary role of paleogenetics in understanding these ancient people's migrations. Spinney explores the ongoing debates about the proto-Indo-European homeland, weighing archaeological versus linguistic perspectives. The conversation also touches on the unique journey of the Albanian language and the significance of storytelling in connecting cultures throughout history.
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May 8, 2025 • 49min

Laura Spinney, "Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global" (Bloomsbury, 2025)

Laura Spinney, an acclaimed science writer and author of "Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global," delves into the fascinating roots of Proto-Indo-European. She discusses how this ancient language, spoken around 4000 BC, evolved and influenced modern languages like English and Hindi. Spinney debates the dynamics of language spread, touching on migration and cultural exchange over conquest. She also highlights the complexities of understanding Sanskrit's origins within the Indo-European family and the importance of preserving today's linguistic diversity.
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May 4, 2025 • 1h 37min

Canadian Election Panel, Ancient language, Andrew Coyne, That's Puzzling!

In this engaging discussion, political commentator Andrew Coyne addresses the 'crisis' in Canadian democracy while experts Sean Speer, Emilie Nicolas, and Rob Russo unpack the implications of the recent federal election results. Science journalist Laura Spinney unveils the fascinating legacy of Proto-Indo-European, revealing how an ancient dialect shaped modern languages. The lighthearted segment featuring word puzzles adds a touch of fun, showcasing the importance of language and communication in both history and contemporary politics.

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