Fry's Planet Word - Series 1 Ep. 2 - Identity

Episode Info

Synopsis

What is it that defines us? Stephen argues that above all, it is the way we speak. Be it a national language, a regional dialect or even class variation - we interpret and define ourselves through our language. From markets in Kenya, to call centres in Newcastle, Stephen charts the shifting patterns of lingua franca and the inexorable spread of Globish (global English). As many of the worlds 6000+ languages are threatened with linguicide, Stephen seeks out examples of this rise and fall. In Ireland he learns how TV soaps are keeping Irish alive, whilst in Southern France, Provencal and other languages of Oc are struggling to survive after 200 years of suppression by Parisian orthodoxy and the heavy hand of the Academie Francaise. But even amidst the imminent death of some, other languages like Basque, survive. whilst Hebrew in Israel is reborn.

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

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

  The Power and the Glory Series 1 - Ep. 5

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• In this first episode Stephen seeks to uncover the origins of human language.

  Babel Series 1 - Ep. 1

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