Fry's Planet Word - Series 1 Ep. 1 - Babel

Episode Info

Synopsis

In this first episode Stephen seeks to uncover the origins of human language and how and why we are the only species on the planet to have this gift. From attempts to teach chimps to speak to the so called singing mice who have been given the human “language gene”, FOXP2, Stephen uncovers to what extent our brain is uniquely hard wired for language. Watching how a child acquires language Stephen hears from psycholinguist Steven Pinker how grammar is an innate quality yet still has to be nurtured. Case studies of feral children, like Victor of Aveyron, illustrate how difficult it is to be certain which is more important whilst at The National Theatre of the Deaf in Connecticut he learns why sign language is a true language. Taking part in a Klingon version of Hamlet prompts Stephen to ask the question why we have created the 6000 plus languages which exist on the planet.

See all available episodes (5)

Episode Info:

Release:

2011

Running Time:

60 min

Certificate:

General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

Availability:

• Watch online: Unavailable
• Download: Unavailable

Genre:

• Documentary

Cast:

• Stephen Fry

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More episodes from this series

• What is it that defines us?

  Identity Series 1 - Ep. 2

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• This programme looks at the ways language is used and abused.

  Use & Abuse Series 1 - Ep. 3

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• In this programme, Stephen Fry explores ‘The Written Word’.

  Spreading The Word Series 1 - Ep. 4

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  Documentary
• Stephen uncovers why certain words can make us laugh, cry or tear our hair out.

  The Power and the Glory Series 1 - Ep. 5

  Not Available

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