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[Wow in the World: Linguistic Wonders, Animal Communication, and the Science of Comedy]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Just Joking Around]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2020-04-24

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Introduction to the November Festivities

In this episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz kick off an exciting month of programming. They announce a series of special collaborations, including appearances by Circle Round and Terrestrials, as well as a guest spot from Elmo on November 24th. The hosts express great enthusiasm for their upcoming 250th episode, which they describe as a "musical" celebration. They invite members of the "World Organization of Wowzers" to an exclusive listening party on November 22nd, emphasizing that this will be a "November to remember."

Scientific Insights: Language and Primates

The episode transitions into their signature game show, Two What's and a Wow, focusing on the science of language. The hosts reveal the answer to a previous challenge regarding primate communication. They confirm that it is a "true wow" that gorillas can learn sign language. Specifically, they highlight Koko the gorilla, who, with the help of Dr. Penny Patterson, learned to use American Sign Language to express concepts like "drink," "food," and complex emotions such as "sad" or "love."

Addressing other statements from the previous round, Mindy and Guy Raz clarify that while learning multiple languages does not physically enlarge the brain, it does help people "focus on tasks and solve problems." Furthermore, they note that out of the 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, over half lack a written form, providing a fascinating glimpse into global linguistic diversity.

The Science of Comedy

For the current round of Two What's and a Wow, the theme shifts to comedy. The hosts present three scientific statements for the listeners to evaluate:

  • Option A: The brain often cannot distinguish between real and fake laughter.
  • Option B: Crows are known to pull pranks on one another.
  • Option C: A rhesus monkey has made a pun or play on words using sign language.

Listeners are encouraged to test their scientific knowledge and participate in "Operation Laugh-Off." This challenge involves writing and performing jokes for family members to measure the number of "laughs per joke," turning the household into a laboratory for humor. This segment underscores the show's mission to help young listeners "learn about their world through play."

Conclusion and Community Engagement

The episode concludes with a reminder about the Wow in the World product line, designed to foster curiosity through science kits and educational toys. By blending entertainment with educational facts, Mindy and Guy Raz maintain their commitment to making science accessible and fun. They encourage listeners to stay engaged by sharing their own "wows" and participating in the upcoming reveal of the comedy-themed game show answers, reinforcing the sense of community that defines the Wowzer fanbase.

🎯Key Sentences

1
That's my favorite food.
2
Hold the phone, Guy Raz.
3
Be my guest.
4
I'm thinking this might not work.
5
We really are funnier together.
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with
3
hold the phone
4
give it a shot
5
be my guest
Expand All

📖 Transcript

Grownups, Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to Wow in the World early and ad-free right now.
Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids Plus on Apple Podcasts.
Hey, Wowzer fans, Mindy here.
And before we start the show, I gotta let you know that this November, with a special new episode featuring our friends at Circle Round and Terrestrials on Radiolab for Kids,
And don't miss when Elmo from Sesame Street stops by Wow in the World to make us all belly laugh on November 24th.
Oh, but that's not all, Reg.

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