Michael Rosen returns with a new series of Word of Mouth

Posted on 27 August 2026 • TV and radio

A new OU / BBC Radio 4 series, Word of Mouth, begins on Thursday 27 August at 15:30 on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

Presented by celebrated author Michael Rosen, the programme explores the world of words and how we use them.

The series explores the many ways language shapes our lives, examining topics including the growth of Gaelic in Scotland, the impact of the Norman Conquest on English, bias against women’s voices and language injustice in the courtroom. Through a range of expert interviews, Michael uncovers the stories behind the words we use and what they reveal about society.

The series opens with a discussion about the status of Gaelic in Scotland. Michael speaks to writer and broadcaster Roddy Maclean about the language’s origins, its distinctive place within the Celtic language family and its growing popularity among new learners and schoolchildren.

On 3 September, as part of Radio 4’s day of programming marking the arrival of the Bayeux Tapestry in Britain, Michael explores the lasting impact of the Norman Conquest on English. He is joined by Dr Philip Durkin, Deputy Chief Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary, to discuss how Anglo-Norman French helped shape the language we use today.

Later episodes examine bias against women’s voices and language injustice in the courtroom, exploring how language can influence people’s experiences and opportunities.

Dr Philip Seargeant, Senior Lecturer in English Language and Applied Linguistics, alongside Dr Zsuzsanna Barkanyi, Senior Lecturer in Spanish, were academic consultants for the series.

Supporting Online content:

Visit our Broadcast & Partnerships site OU Connect by clicking on this link to find out more about children’s stories and why they often feature magical creatures.

This series was commissioned by Broadcast & Partnerships and is supported by the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies, with particular relevance to Q39 BA (Hons) English Language and Literature, Q30 BA (Hons) Language Studies and R54 BA (Hons) English Language.

• Commissioned by Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Director, Broadcast & Partnerships
• Academic Consultants: Dr Philip Seargeant and Dr Zsuszanna Barkanyi
• Media Fellow: Dr Alex Twitchen
• Broadcast Project Manager: Clair Robinson
• Supporting Online Content: Xinmiao Zhang

Image: Word of Mouth BBC Radio 4 Series image, showing presenter Michael Rosen. Copyright BBC