Some people question whether Shakespeare really wrote the works that bear his …
Some people question whether Shakespeare really wrote the works that bear his name- or whether he even existed at all. Could it be true that the greatest writer in the English language was as fictional as his plays? Natalya St. Clair and Aaron Williams show how a linguistic tool called stylometry might shed light on the answer. [4:07]
It can be hard sometimes, when speaking, to remember all of the …
It can be hard sometimes, when speaking, to remember all of the grammatical rules that guide us when we're writing. When is it right to say "the dog and me" and when should it be "the dog and I"? Does it even matter? Andreea S. Calude dives into the age-old argument between linguistic prescriptivists and descriptivists - who have two very different opinions on the matter. [4:39]
The value of money is determined by how much (or how little) …
The value of money is determined by how much (or how little) of it is in circulation. But who makes that decision, and how does their choice affect the economy at large? Doug Levinson takes a trip into the United States Federal Reserve, examining how the people who work there aim to balance the value of the dollar to prevent inflation or deflation. [3:52]
Lexicographer and co-founder of new online dictionary Wordnik, Erin McKean, discusses the …
Lexicographer and co-founder of new online dictionary Wordnik, Erin McKean, discusses the many ways today's print dictionary is positioned to change, transforming not just dictionaries, but how we interact with language itself. [15:15]
Video explains how mice, coyotes, and newts can show signs of evolution, …
Video explains how mice, coyotes, and newts can show signs of evolution, even in a big city such as New York. [5:16] Includes a brief quiz and a list of additional resources to explore.
Video discusses the concept of evolution and the five processes that can …
Video discusses the concept of evolution and the five processes that can cause it to happen. [5:24] Includes a brief quiz and a list of additional resources to explore.
The recent generations have been bathed in connecting technology from birth, says …
The recent generations have been bathed in connecting technology from birth, says futurist Don Tapscott, and as a result the world is transforming into one that is far more open and transparent. In this inspiring talk, he lists the four core principles that show how this open world can be a far better place. [17:52]
If you read "Bob, a DJ and a clown" on a guest list, are three people coming to the party, or only one? That depends on whether you're for or against the Oxford comma- perhaps the most hotly contested punctuation mark of all time. When do we use one? Can it really be optional, or is there a universal rule? TED-Ed explores both sides of this comma conundrum. [3:25] L.11-12.1a Gram/Usage changes, L.11-12.1b Usage issues
Is a universal translator possible in real life? We already have many …
Is a universal translator possible in real life? We already have many programs that claim to be able to take a word, sentence, or entire book in one language and translate it into almost any other. The reality, however, is a bit more complicated. Ioannis Papachimonas shows how these machine translators work, and explains why they often get a bit mixed up. [4:45]
This lesson focuses on the evolution of the English language. What is …
This lesson focuses on the evolution of the English language. What is the difference between "a hearty welcome" and "a cordial reception"? In a brief, action-packed history of the English language video, Kate Gardoqui explains why these semantically equal phrases evoke such different images. Free registration is required to receive full access to the the complete lessons.
Being able to sense time helps us do everything from waking and …
Being able to sense time helps us do everything from waking and sleeping to knowing precisely when to catch a ball that's hurtling towards us. And we owe all these abilities to an interconnected system of timekeepers in our brains. But how do they work? Marco A. Sotomayor details how human bodies naturally tell time. [5:08]
An atom smasher, or particle accelerator, collides atomic nuclei together at extremely …
An atom smasher, or particle accelerator, collides atomic nuclei together at extremely high energies, using engineering that exploits incredibly cold temperatures, very low air pressure, and hyperbolically fast speeds. Don Lincoln explains how scientists harness the power of both electric and magnetic fields to smash atoms, eventually leading to major discoveries about the matter in our universe. [3:35]
In previous decades, most news with global reach came from several major …
In previous decades, most news with global reach came from several major newspapers and networks with the resources to gather information directly. The speed with which information spreads now, however, has created the ideal conditions for something called circular reporting. Noah Tavlin sheds light on this phenomenon. [3:42]
Reading and stories can be an escape from real life, a window …
Reading and stories can be an escape from real life, a window into another world -- but have you ever considered how new fictional experiences might change your perspective on real, everyday life? From Pride and Prejudice to Harry Potter, watch this video and learn how popular fiction can spark public dialogue and shape culture. Free registration is required for full access the lesson.
Language is complex, and when abstract or nuanced concepts get lost in …
Language is complex, and when abstract or nuanced concepts get lost in translation, the consequences may be catastrophic. Given the complexities of language and cultural exchange, how do these epic miscommunications not happen all the time? Ewandro Magalhaes explains how much of the answer lies with the skill and training of interpreters to overcome language barriers. [4:56]
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