08/24/2012

Mapping the Birthplace of Modern Languages

Reporting in Science, researchers write that many of today’s most widely spoken languages, like English, Spanish, and Hindi, can be traced back to ancient tongues in present-day Turkey. Evolutionary biologist Quentin Atkinson talks about investigating language evolution using the same methods geneticists use to trace flu virus outbreaks.

Segment Guests

Quentin Atkinson

Quentin Atkinson is a senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand.

Meet the Producer

About Christopher Intagliata

Christopher Intagliata was Science Friday’s senior producer. He once served as a prop in an optical illusion and speaks passable Ira Flatowese.