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The Big Idea

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A big idea that shapes how we understand our place in the world - from the idea’s creator.

What are the big ideas shaping our world?  This new series from the BBC World Service picks the best ideas from economics to psychology, neuroscience to philosophy, political science to anthropology, and makes them easy to digest.

Each episode of "The Big Idea" outlines the important idea through the words of the person who’s developed the theory. In just nine minutes we offer a weekly chance to listen and feel just a little bit wiser.

The Big Idea: How does language work?

How Does Language Work?

08/09/2018 GMT

How does language work?

BBC World Service - The Big Idea, How does language work?

How do we process language? We speak to a neuroscientist who specialises in language

So how does language work?  Is there a single mechanism in the brain, or multiple mechanisms? We speak to Cathy Price a neuroscientist and expert in language.

Humans are a unique species in many ways, but an important one is that we communicate with sophisticated language, using words and grammar.  So how does language work?  Is there a single mechanism in the brain, or multiple mechanisms?  Is it useful to learn a second language – what are the cognitive advantages to being bilingual?  Cathy Price is a neuroscientist and a leading expert in language.  

Presenter David Edmonds 
Producer Ben Cooper

Image: A man delivering a speech (Credit: BBC)

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