Language

We've seen 'post-truth' politics flourish in the US and Britain - are New Zealand politicians also starting to adopt the tactic of 'alternative facts'? Audio

MPs at Parliament say they're making the time for te reo Māori lessons to honour the language.   Audio

Professor Penny Pexman was part of a team that conducted a series of studies looking at sound symbolism in names and the findings were fascinating. Audio

The countdown is on for Paraone Gloyne speaking only Te Reo Māori for the month of September. The Māori language advocate started the Mahuru Māori movement five years ago to normalise the language. Audio

Science correspondent Siouxsie Wiles looks at new research suggesting kanuka produces compounds with the ability to paralyse the spores that spread kauri dieback. Could differences in the shape of the… Audio

Language is an important way for migrants to New Zealand to maintain ties to their original culture. Dr Naashia Mohamed from the University of Auckland joins us to discuss her research into this area.

The government has allocated $14.5 million for improving adult literacy and numeracy. Jason Totton from Literacy Aotearoa joins us to talk about what this means. Audio

It used to be a common skill taught in classrooms but has since be culled, mainly because it's thought learning words off by heart can stifle creativity. But research fellow Veronica Alfano argues the… Audio

Should we do away with calling ourselves "Kiwis"? Columnist Paul Little thinks so, saying the term is too cute, too twee, and stops people from taking us seriously. Audio

For people who aren't great at spelling, AutoCorrect was like a gift from the gods ... but is it having knock-on effects on useful skills? Audio

Sweet as, heaps, aroha, hard case - Kiwi vernacular is pretty unique. But no more! Language expert Max Cryer has written the definitive guide to speaking like a New Zealander.  Audio

Our next guest has been based in Japan for 20 years, teaching translation studies and literature. Richard Donovan has just finished a book translating modern Japanese short stories into English for… Audio

The annual Cook Islands Language Week is underway with New Zealanders of Cook Islands heritage urged to speak the language to keep it alive. Audio

Word nerds, Scrabble geeks, and language freaks are going to enjoy 'Something Rhymes with Purple'! Maggie Hough emailed me at pods@rnz.co.nz about it, as it's one of her favourite shows. It's an… Audio

Professional 'grammar nerd' Ellen Jovin returns to the show to answer a selection of Radio New Zealand listener questions about grammar. Audio

That was some current and former politicians using a cornerstone of New Zealand vernacular, 'eh', in Parliament.

We're frequent users of 'eh', and new research has found it's used more by men than… Audio