Word of Mouth

Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo and many other beloved children's books, tells Michael Rosen about her own writing, reading, speaking and listening. Her childhood experiences were a big influence, as was busking in Paris and writing songs which ended up on Play School and Play Away. One of the songs became her first book, A Squash and a Squeeze. They also talk about Julia's new book, Paper Chase, illustrated by Victoria Sandøy. Produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Beth O'Dea, in partnership with the Open University. Subscribe to the Word of Mouth podcast and never miss an episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b006qtnz

Derek Bousfield, a Reader in Pragmatics and Communication, delves into the fascinating world of how context shapes meaning in conversation. He discusses the role of everyday phrases like 'How are you?' as mere social signals rather than genuine inquiries. Bousfield also explores the power of euphemisms, clichés, and metaphors, illustrating how they anchor relationships and convey deeper implications. His entertaining anecdotes, such as the awkwardness of polite vagueness, reveal the intricate dance of language in our daily interactions.

Dr. Jessica Aiston, a postdoctoral researcher at Queen Mary University London, delves into the alarming language of online anti-feminist communities known as the manosphere. She discusses their specialized vocabulary, including terms like 'Chad' and 'MGTOW,' revealing how these labels reflect resentment and entitlement towards women. Aiston also highlights the connection between this rhetoric and real-world violence, emphasizing the need for critical analysis and societal change to combat these harmful ideologies.

Michael Rosen is joined by linguist Dr Catherine Laing to discuss onomatopoeia and other words that sound like their meanings. Not just words for sounds like 'crash' and 'bang', or words for animal noises like 'woof' and 'quack', but also other words which perhaps hold something of their meaning within their form. Is there something rough about the word 'rough'? Does 'smooth' feel smooth? And how can we play with this in everyday speech and in poetry? Produced by Becky Ripley, in partnership with the Open University.

Michael Rosen talks to criminal defence barrister Joanna Hardy-Susskind about the legal language of Crown Court cases in England and Wales. From the grandeur of the courtroom and stock phrases like "with respect to my learned friend" to the more colloquial directness of talking to a defendant. How do barristers build persuasive arguments when talking to a jury, or when discussing legal matters with the judge? Do weak arguments hide behind elaborate language? Do the best barristers use more stripped back language? And how do they deliver their words? The tone, the pace, the performance. Produced in partnership with The Open University for BBC Audio Bristol by Becky Ripley. Subscribe to the Word of Mouth podcast and never miss an episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b006qtnz

Michael Rosen talks to Samantha Ellis, author of Chopping Onions on My Heart, about her efforts to keep alive the language of her parents: Judeo-Iraqi Arabic. Samantha grew up in London hearing her parents speak the language they spoke in their homeland of Iraq. Now she's keen to try and speak it herself, and to share the poetic expressions of Judeo-Iraqi Arabic with her son.Produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Sally Heaven, in partnership with The Open University.Subscribe to the Word of Mouth podcast and never miss an episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b006qtnz

Michael Rosen asks what happens to people's sense of identity and social being when speaking becomes hard. Jonathan Cole has interviewed people with conditions such as cerebral palsy, vocal cord palsy, spasmodic dysphonia and post-stroke aphasia. They describe in their own words what the experience of not being able to express themselves is like, the frustration and isolation as well as the adaptation and resilience. Jonathan Cole is the author of Hard Talk: When Speech Is Difficult and a consultant in Clinical Neurophysiology at University Hospitals, Dorset. Produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Beth O'Dea, in partnership with the Open University. Subscribe to the Word of Mouth podcast and never miss an episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b006qtnz

Michael Rosen chats with Haru Yamada, a sociolinguist and author of 'Kiku: The Japanese Art of Good Listening'. Haru shares insights on how listening varies across cultures, particularly in Japan, where empathetic listening is central. She emphasizes the importance of 'listening with 14 hearts' for deeper connections. The conversation touches on the significance of personal experiences and the nuanced roles of silence and vocal characteristics in communication. Haru believes we can all enhance our listening skills to strengthen relationships.

Most of us make lists in some form or other - from essential groceries to reasons to feel positive about life. In this programme Linguistics Researcher Jo Nolan talks to Michael about her interest in the language we use in their making and their uses in literature and society. Jo says the language we use in our lists is idiolectal - it reflects our inner selves, whether in our abbreviations, our choice of spelling, in-words, jokes etc. Her interest some would say obsession with lists extends to her collecting other people's shopping lists discarded in supermarket trolleys to gain what Michael and Jo describe as portholes and portals into people's lives.Producer: Maggie Ayre Produced in partnership with The Open University

In a special recording at the Hay Festival, Michael Rosen talks to bilingual Welsh radio and television presenter Huw Stephens about the Welsh language. And then Huw gets Michael to try reading 'Dyn Ni yn Mynd i Hela Arth, also known as We're Going on a Bear Hunt. Produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Beth O'Dea, in partnership with the Open University. Subscribe to the Word of Mouth podcast and never miss an episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b006qtnz