What happens when we stop talking to each other? New research suggests we’re speaking hundreds of words less every day than we were just a few years ago. The decline may have profound consequences for how we form relationships and build communities. DW host Jared Reed speaks with author Dr Valeria Pfeifer, whose research shows we’re speaking around 338 fewer words per person per day, every year. Evolutionary psychologist Professor Robin Dunbar explains why conversation may be about much more than exchanging information – it’s one of the ways humans create community. And as face-to-face interaction gives way to texting, social media and video calls, they explore what we might lose when conversation becomes less common. Could fewer everyday conversations mean weaker relationships, greater loneliness and more divided communities? And if talking to other people is a skill, what happens when we stop practicing it? Link to the research: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1…#dwcurrentaffairs Chapters: 00:00 What happens when a society stops talking? 01:20 We’re rapidly losing spoken words 02:32 Aren’t we just being more efficient? 03:57 The evolutionary purpose of language 05:26 Is digital communication an adequate substitute? 07:00 Conversation in person is a skill 08:55 Possible impacts at a time of increased loneliness 10:19 Quality friendships help our wellbeing 10:59 Conclusion
Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
canisgallicus 