Touching on physics, music, archaeology, neuroscience, biology, and design, Cox explains how sound is made and altered by the environment and how our body reacts to peculiar noises - from the exotic sonic wonders he encounters on his journey, or the equally unique and surprising sounds of our everyday environment.
Exploring the evolution of human communication, this book delves into the development of conversational skills throughout history. It examines the unique attributes that define human interaction and contrasts them with the advancements in artificial intelligence. As computers begin to replicate conversational abilities, the narrative raises questions about the future of human dialogue and the implications of machines engaging in conversation. The work invites readers to reflect on the essence of communication in an increasingly digital world.
`A lively, intelligent and persuasive history of speech...Expertly and patiently explained' The TimesWhy are human beings the only animals that can speak? We judge others - and whether we trust them - not just by their words but by the way they talk: their intonation, their pitch, their accent.
Takes the reader on an evocative journey into Hove's past through a selection of beautiful old postcards.