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The Stories Behind Our First and Last Words

The Stories Behind Our First and Last Words

We talk about the power these words have on us.

KQED's Forum

February 24, 202555m 44s

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Show Notes

Linguist Michael Erard says that a child’s first words and a dying person’s last words exist on a Möbius-strip of beginnings and endings where “parallels emerge and then fade while asymmetries persist.” In his new book, “Bye Bye I Love You: The Story of Our First and Last Words,” Erard compiles stories from medical archives and ancient texts as well as first-hand accounts by doctors and doulas. He joins us to talk about the power these words have on us. And we hear from you: Do you have a story about a loved one’s first or last words?


Guests:

Michael Erard, author, linguist

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