| Description |
1 online resource (streaming video file) (58 min. 1 sec.) ; 351870791 bytes |
| Summary |
*Coarse Language*Language is what defines humans from other species, and with our planet home to around 7,000 different languages, words have played a crucial role in our evolution. Renowned wordsmith and host of this series, Stephen Fry, is the perfect guide for this fascinating exploration of language in all its forms: from cutting edge linguistic research to the glories of world literature. The series travels the globe as Fry takes viewers on a journey through the thousands of years since man first mastered speech to the cyber world of today with its HTML, codes and texting. Revealing how language is used, abused and continues to evolve, Fry's Planet Word looks at whether we are any closer to understanding the most complex activity of the human brain.This episode looks at the ways language is used and abused. While not everyone approves of 'bad' language, Stephen learns that swearing plays an important part in human communication all over the world. He undergoes an MRI scan and discovers the parts of the brain associated with swearing - and meets a sufferer of Tourettes and a stroke patient who swear they can't help using the F-word.Stephen and Brian Blessed participate in some rather colourful experiments to examine how swearing can help relieve pain and Stephen discusses the positive and negative power of 'bad' words in humour and social interactions. Stephen also meets nurses, sailors, teenagers, and rappers to discover how slang and jargon can both aid and thwart clear communication, but ultimately add to the richness and texture of language.PRODUCTION DETAILS:A Sprout Pictures production |
| Event |
Broadcast 2012-03-25 at 21:30:00 |
| Notes |
Classification: MA |
| Subject |
Basal ganglia.
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English language -- Obscene words.
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Euphemism.
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Swearing -- Psychological aspects.
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Tourette syndrome -- Patients.
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Lady Chatterley's lover (Lawrence, D. H.)
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| Form |
Streaming video
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| Author |
Williamson, Helen, director
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Fry, Stephen, host
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