English Language

Sir Michael Morpurgo believes that once the Covid-19 pandemic is beaten, the world will be a kinder, more compassionate place. The War Horse author joins the show to discuss the pandemic and the light… Audio

Three Minutes Max, New Zealand commentators with succinct opinions. Here's Latin teacher Robert Griffiths on the importance of keeping what some consider a 'dead' subject alive. Audio

Running away to join the circus is a dream for many, but for Kiwi theatre performer Thom Monckton it's been an absolute reality. Thom's based in Helsinki but is Calling Home is currently touring his… Audio

How many times have you been typing with serious intent without watching the screen, only to realise you've had the caps lock key on? Writer Daniel Colin James is arguing the case that the caps lock… Audio

What if plants are smarter than we think - a lot smarter? That's the central premise for an essay, published in The Paris Review by New York-based writer and editor Cody Delistraty.  Audio

There is a definite method to the madness when it comes to the language used in Nigerian scam emails. Deborah Schaffer is a professor of English at MSU Billings and has researched the role of language… Audio

James Whitta is living the dream in his role as a product developer for the world's largest home furnishing retailer, IKEA, in its spiritual birthplace. The award-winning furniture designer is Calling… Audio

Short, succinct opinions from New Zealander on subjects of their choice. Here's consultant and former Auckland City Art Gallery Directory Christopher Johnstone on the issue of mispronunciation and the… Audio

The Scottish Maritime Museum recently decided to adopt gender-neutral signage for its vessels, dropping "she" for "it" after two signs were vandalised. Ella Tennant, an English Language Teaching… Audio

Wordsmith Max Cryer knows better than most about the origin of turns of phrases. He's written and talked about the English language for many years. Cryer is a well-known broadcaster, author… Audio

Dr Tim Lomas is trying to drive the English language into new, uncharted territory. He's creating an index of words, that have no direct English equivalent, that represent emotional experiences. And… Audio