- The Language You Cry In (1998)
- The Linguists (2008)
- The Story of English (1986)
- The Human Language Series (1995)
- Do You Speak American? (2005)
- The Secret Life of Words (2015)
- The Story of the Welsh Language (2013)
- The Language of the Basques (2011)
- The Language of the Inuit (2009)
- The Language of the Maya (2010)
Language is the cornerstone of human civilization, shaping our thoughts, cultures, and histories. This curated collection of documentaries delves into the intricate tapestry of language families, offering viewers a unique journey through time and geography. From the Indo-European roots to the isolated clicks of African languages, these films not only educate but also celebrate the diversity and evolution of human communication. Whether you're a linguist, a language enthusiast, or simply curious about the world, this selection promises to enrich your understanding of how languages have shaped humanity.
The Language You Cry In (1998)
Description: This documentary uncovers the connection between the Gullah language of the Sea Islands and the Mende language of Sierra Leone, showcasing the African roots of language families in the Americas.
Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in
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The Linguists (2008)
Description: Follow two linguists as they travel the world to document endangered languages, providing insight into the diversity of language families and the urgent need for preservation.
Fact: The film was shot in 17 countries and includes languages from the Chukchi-Kamchatkan, Khoisan, and Arawakan families.
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The Story of English (1986)
Description: This documentary series explores the history and development of the English language, tracing its roots back to the Indo-European family. It's a must-watch for understanding how English became a global lingua franca.
Fact: The series was narrated by Robert MacNeil, and it was one of the first to use computer graphics to illustrate linguistic evolution.
30 Days Free The Human Language Series (1995)
Description: This series examines the origins of language, its structure, and its evolution, focusing on different language families and their unique characteristics.
Fact: Hosted by Robert MacNeil, the series was produced by the same team behind "The Story of English."
30 Days Free Do You Speak American? (2005)
Description: While primarily focused on American English, this documentary touches on the broader Indo-European family, exploring regional dialects and their historical roots.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "Do You Speak American?" by Robert MacNeil and William Cran.
30 Days Free The Secret Life of Words (2015)
Description: This documentary explores the power and evolution of words, touching on various language families and their impact on human culture.
Fact: It features interviews with linguists, poets, and writers from around the world.
30 Days Free The Story of the Welsh Language (2013)
Description: This film delves into the Celtic language family, focusing on the Welsh language's history, its decline, and its revival efforts.
Fact: It was produced by S4C, the Welsh-language public-service television channel.
30 Days Free The Language of the Basques (2011)
Description: An exploration of Euskara, the Basque language, which is a language isolate with no known relation to other language families.
Fact: The documentary includes interviews with Basque linguists and historians.
30 Days Free The Language of the Inuit (2009)
Description: This documentary focuses on the Inuit language, part of the Eskimo-Aleut language family, and its role in Inuit culture and identity.
Fact: It was produced by the National Film Board of Canada.
30 Days Free The Language of the Maya (2010)
Description: This film explores the Mayan language family, its ancient roots, and its modern-day usage, highlighting the linguistic diversity of Mesoamerica.
Fact: The documentary was part of a series on indigenous languages of the Americas.
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