Now You're Talking: Human Conversation from the Neanderthals to Artificial Intelligence

The Times offers a lively, intelligent, and persuasive history of speech, exploring why humans are the only animals that can speak and why it matters. It examines the full range of our voice, how we speak and sing, how our vocal anatomy works, what happens when things go wrong, and how technology enables us to imitate and manipulate the human voice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2019
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

A captivating and insightful journey through the history of speech

The Times presents an engaging and informative exploration into the enigmatic phenomenon of human speech. Expertly and patiently explained, this captivating narrative delves into the profound question: Why are human beings the only animals capable of speech? Moreover, what significance does this unique ability hold?

If you have ever been startled by the sound of your own voice, you will undoubtedly understand the immense importance of your voice in shaping your personal identity. We form judgments about others, and whether we trust them, not solely based on their words but also on the manner in which they speak. The way they articulate their words, their tone, their accent, all play a crucial role in forming our perception of them.

Now You're Talking takes us on a comprehensive journey, encompassing the full spectrum of our voice. It explores how we speak, how we sing, the intricate workings of our vocal anatomy, the potential complications that may arise, and the remarkable ways in which technology empowers us to imitate and manipulate the human voice.

Trevor Cox, in his engaging conversations with vocal coaches who assist individuals undergoing gender transitions, record producers who have revolutionized the singing voice through technological advancements, and computer scientists who replicate the human voice in their pursuit of artificial intelligence, sheds light on various aspects of our voice.

Beginning with the Neanderthals, this captivating documentary takes us on a journey through time, culminating in the digital age. It raises a thought-provoking prospect: Will we soon hear the phrase "Unexpected item in the bagging area" more frequently than a friendly "Hello, how are you?" in the streets?

In conclusion, The Times' presentation of Now You're Talking offers a lively, intelligent, and persuasive exploration into the history of speech. Through expert analysis and captivating storytelling, it sheds light on the unique qualities of human speech, its significance in shaping our identities, and the fascinating developments that have shaped our vocal communication over time. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in the mysteries of human language and the profound impact it has on our lives.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784705220