ONE Language For EVERYONE?
I Totally Know What You Mean!
What The IF we ALL spoke the SAME Language, and there were NO other languages at all?
Maya and Zoey Stanley, identical twins, bring their unique perspective to this very deep question about what it means to get along with each other, in every way possible.
MORE ON THE IF THIS WEEK:
1. Universal Language Movement
In creating Esperanto, Zamenhof hoped not just for a universal way of communicating, but a step towards world peace. Learn more about the history of the universal language movement and the development of Esperanto in this article.
2. Esperanto
If you’re interested in finding out more or even trying to learn a bit of this synthetic language yourself, here are a bunch of sources for Esperanto organizations and learning materials!
3. Incubus
Before Klingon, it was Esperanto! Incubus, starring William Shatner, is the first and only movie filmed entirely in Esperanto. To hear William Shatner speak Esperanto, here’s a clip from the movie.
4. Universal Grammar
Are there any innate principles all languages share? Find out more about the concept of universal grammar proposed by Chomsky.
Got an IF?
Want to have us consider your idea for a show topic? Send YOUR IF to us! Email us at feedback@whattheif.com and let us know what's in your imagination. No idea is too small, or too big!
Special Thanks
To Illia Zheng and Howard Zheng for their help with the show.
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