A Linguist’s Dream, Declining Wildlife, a Narcissistic World Leader
A Masai Mara giraffe.
This week: We psychoanalyze a world leader from afar. We hear about big problems in a famed African wildlife reserve. And we talk to a linguist with a daring scientific vision.
The Dream: Linguist Derek Bickerton studies creole languages, which are hybrids of two or more languages. For years, he dreamed of putting a bunch of people who spoke different tongues on an island to see what kind of language they would create. What happened?
Report: By The World’s Patrick Cox.
Wildlife Decline: In Kenya, the Masai Mara Reserve is famous for its charismatic megafauna, including wildebeest, zebras, impalas, giraffes, and lions. A new study says many of the animals are in trouble.
Guest: Robin Reid, Colorado State University.
The Head Case: Over his two years in office, French president Nicolas Sarkozy has made an impression on the public. “Sarko,” as he’s called, likes attention. We offer a psychological profile.
Report: By The BBC’s Emma Jane Kirby
Next week: We talk to Jonah Lehrer, author of “How We Decide,” a new book on the neuroscience behind decision-making.
Also next week: We roll out our interactive forum. You can talk about Jonah’s book and your own take on decisions. And best of all, Jonah will check in, comment, and respond to what you say.
Send us your questions for Jonah Lehrer. And check back next week to join the forum.
Useful links:
Derek Bickerton’s site
The Center for Collaborative Conservation, where Robin Reid works.
Songs:
Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, Creole Two Step
Victor Green, Creole Girl
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