Description: Poet Bob Holman travels the world to explore the diversity of languages, from the most spoken to the nearly extinct, highlighting the importance of linguistic diversity.

Fact: The series was inspired by Holman's own poetry and his passion for language preservation, leading to a unique blend of poetry and documentary filmmaking.

Description: This film traces the journey of a song from Sierra Leone, carried by slaves to America, and its rediscovery, highlighting the continuity of language and culture across continents.

Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival for Best Documentary.

Description: Follow two linguists as they travel to remote corners of the world to document languages on the brink of extinction. This film captures the urgency of linguistic preservation and the cultural significance of language.

Fact: The film was shot over a period of three years in 17 different countries. It was also nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Science and Technology Programming.

Description: This series traces the history of the English language from its Anglo-Saxon origins to its global spread, exploring dialects, slang, and the influence of other languages on English.

Fact: The series was accompanied by a bestselling book of the same name, and it has been widely used in educational settings to teach the history of the English language.

Description: A comprehensive look at the nature of human language, this series covers topics from the origins of language to the complexities of grammar, syntax, and semantics.

Fact: Hosted by Robert MacNeil, the series was produced by the BBC and PBS, making it accessible to a wide audience interested in linguistics.

Description: This documentary explores the groundbreaking work of Michael Ventris in deciphering the ancient Minoan script, Linear B, shedding light on one of the oldest known written languages.

Fact: The film includes interviews with surviving colleagues of Ventris and uses dramatic reenactments to bring the story to life.

Description: This documentary delves into how Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, used language in his children's books to teach reading and language skills in a playful and engaging manner.

Fact: The film features interviews with linguists, educators, and fans of Dr. Seuss, discussing the impact of his work on literacy.

Description: Explore the historical quest for a universal language, from the Tower of Babel to modern constructed languages like Esperanto, examining the philosophical and linguistic implications.

Fact: The documentary features interviews with linguists and philosophers, offering diverse perspectives on the concept of a perfect language.

Description: This documentary looks at how words are born, evolve, and die, exploring the etymology and the cultural significance of language through various case studies.

Fact: The film includes contributions from etymologists, lexicographers, and language enthusiasts, providing a rich tapestry of linguistic insights.

Description: Delve into the history and evolution of Chinese characters, one of the oldest continuously used writing systems, and their influence on East Asian languages and culture.

Fact: The documentary was produced in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, ensuring historical accuracy and depth.

Description: A groundbreaking film that explores the intersection of race, sexuality, and language through poetry, performance, and personal narrative, focusing on the Black gay community's linguistic expressions.

Fact: The film was controversial upon release but has since been recognized for its cultural significance.

Description: A journey to uncover the roots of a song sung by African slaves, revealing connections to the Mende language of Sierra Leone. This film explores the power of language to bridge time and distance.

Fact: The song in question was recorded in the 1930s by a folklorist, and its origins were unknown until the documentary's research.

Description: Follow two linguists as they travel to remote corners of the world to document languages on the brink of extinction. This film is a poignant exploration of the race against time to preserve linguistic diversity.

Fact: The film was shot in five countries, and the linguists featured are real-life academics from Swarthmore College.

Description: This documentary tells the inspiring story of the Wampanoag tribe's efforts to revive their language, which had been dormant for seven generations. It's a testament to the resilience of language and culture.

Fact: The Wampanoag language was not spoken for over 150 years before the revival efforts began.

Description: This nine-part series traces the history and evolution of the English language, showcasing its diversity and the influence of various cultures on its development.

Fact: The series was accompanied by a best-selling book by the same name.

Description: An exploration of the quest for a universal language, from Esperanto to the constructed languages of fiction, highlighting the human desire for linguistic unity.

Fact: The film features interviews with creators of constructed languages like Klingon and Na'vi.

Description: This documentary follows the efforts of linguists and local communities to document and revive languages with only a handful of speakers left, showcasing the urgency of their work.

Fact: The film was produced by National Geographic and features several languages from around the world.

Description: A fascinating look at how babies learn language, exploring the innate linguistic abilities of infants and the implications for language preservation and education.

Fact: The documentary was inspired by the work of linguist Patricia Kuhl.

Description: This film examines the loss of language among immigrant communities in the UK, exploring the emotional and cultural implications of language shift.

Fact: The film was part of a larger project on language and identity in the UK.

Description: An immersive audio-visual experience that captures the sounds and languages of the Kaluli people of Papua New Guinea, showcasing the intimate relationship between language and environment.

Fact: The film was recorded using binaural sound techniques to give listeners a 3D audio experience.

Description: Hosted by Nicolas Cage, this series explores the etymology of profanity, offering a humorous yet informative look at how these words came to be.

Fact: The show was created by Bellamie Blackstone, known for her work on "The History of Sex."

Description: This nine-part series traces the development of the English language from its Anglo-Saxon origins to its global spread. It's a must-watch for understanding how English became the lingua franca of the modern world.

Fact: The series was produced by MacNeil/Lehrer Productions and was accompanied by a best-selling book.

Description: This documentary explores the diversity of American English, looking at how regional dialects and accents have evolved and what they tell us about American identity.

Fact: The film was inspired by the book by Robert MacNeil and William Cran, who also produced "The Story of English."

Description: Melvyn Bragg takes viewers on a historical journey through the English language, highlighting key moments that shaped its development, from the Viking invasions to the digital age.

Fact: The series was broadcast on ITV and has been praised for its engaging narrative style.

Description: This documentary series explores the history and evolution of words, revealing how they reflect our culture, history, and human experience.

Fact: It was produced by BBC Four, known for its high-quality documentary content.

Description: Based on Mark Forsyth's book, this documentary delves into the quirky and often surprising origins of everyday words, connecting them in unexpected ways.

Fact: The film was crowdfunded and has a cult following among word lovers.

Description: This documentary examines how languages have influenced each other, focusing on the etymology of words that have traveled across continents.

Fact: It features interviews with linguists from around the globe.

Description: This documentary series traces the journey of specific words through history, showing how their meanings have shifted over time.

Fact: It was produced by the Open University, known for its educational content.

Description: This film explores the etymology of food-related words, revealing how culinary terms reflect cultural exchanges and historical events.

Fact: The documentary was inspired by the book by Dan Jurafsky.

Description: This documentary looks at how language has evolved, focusing on the etymology of words to understand broader linguistic changes.

Fact: It features contributions from renowned linguists like Steven Pinker.

Description: A powerful exploration of Black gay identity through language, poetry, and personal narrative, highlighting the intersection of race, sexuality, and language.

Fact: The film was controversial upon release but has since been recognized for its cultural significance.

Description: This film traces the journey of a song from Sierra Leone to the United States, revealing a hidden connection between African and African-American cultures through language.

Fact: It won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in

Description: Follow two linguists as they travel to remote corners of the world to document languages on the brink of extinction. This film captures the urgency of preserving linguistic diversity.

Fact: The film was shot over three years in locations including Siberia, India, and Bolivia. It was nominated for an Emmy Award.

Description: This documentary tells the story of the Wampanoag tribe's effort to revive their language, lost for generations. It's a testament to the resilience of cultural identity through language.

Fact: The film won the Audience Award at the 2010 Rhode Island International Film Festival.

Description: While not strictly about language, this documentary explores the cultural and linguistic journey of Chinese-American cuisine, reflecting on identity and heritage.

Fact: It was an official selection at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Description: A nine-part series that traces the evolution of the English language from its Anglo-Saxon roots to its global dominance, highlighting its linguistic diversity and adaptability.

Fact: The series was accompanied by a best-selling book of the same name.

Description: Explore the linguistic landscape of the United States, examining regional dialects, accents, and the ongoing evolution of American English.

Fact: The documentary was based on a book by Robert MacNeil and William Cran.

Description: Documenting the efforts to save the world's most endangered languages, this film highlights the importance of linguistic diversity for cultural preservation.

Fact: The film features interviews with the last speakers of several languages.

Description: Discover how babies learn language, exploring the innate linguistic abilities of infants and how these early years shape their linguistic future.

Fact: The documentary was inspired by the work of linguist Patricia Kuhl.

Description: This film delves into the social and cultural implications of how we speak, examining accents, dialects, and the politics of language.

Fact: It features interviews with linguists, sociologists, and everyday people discussing their relationship with language.

Description: While not directly about dictionaries, this film explores the power of language and communication, themes central to the creation and use of dictionaries.

Fact: The film stars Sarah Polley and Tim Robbins and was directed by Isabel Coixet.

Description: This documentary focuses on the competitive world of Scrabble, which relies heavily on dictionary knowledge, offering insights into the importance of words and their definitions.

Fact: The film follows several top Scrabble players, including Marlon Hill, who was the National Scrabble Champion at the time.

Description: While not exclusively about dictionaries, this documentary follows two linguists as they document endangered languages, highlighting the role of dictionaries in preserving linguistic diversity.

Fact: The film was directed by Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller, and Jeremy Newberger, and it won several awards for its insightful portrayal of language preservation.

Description: This film, although not strictly a documentary, provides a dramatized account of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, focusing on the unusual collaboration between a professor and a patient in a mental institution.

Fact: The film was adapted from Simon Winchester's best-selling book of the same name. It stars Mel Gibson and Sean Penn.

Description: This documentary series explores the history of the English language, with one episode dedicated to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary, highlighting its importance in standardizing English.

Fact: The series was narrated by Robert MacNeil, a well-known journalist, and featured interviews with linguists and historians.

Description: Although a fictional narrative, this film delves into the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, focusing on the words that were left out, providing a unique perspective on lexicography.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by Pip Williams and was adapted for the screen by the same author.

Description: This documentary provides an in-depth look at the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, from its inception to its completion, showcasing the monumental task of compiling such a comprehensive work.

Fact: The film includes interviews with lexicographers and historians who worked on the OED.

Description: This documentary explores the personal and cultural significance of language, touching on the role of dictionaries in shaping identity and heritage.

Fact: The film was directed by Vadim Jendreyko and focuses on the relationship between a father and son through the lens of language.

Description: This film delves into the history of the Webster's Dictionary, exploring how it shaped American English and its impact on education and culture.

Fact: The documentary includes interviews with linguists and historians, providing a comprehensive view of Noah Webster's legacy.

Description: This documentary uncovers the stories of the people who contributed to the Oxford English Dictionary, offering a human perspective on the monumental task of dictionary-making.

Fact: The film highlights the contributions of volunteers from around the world, many of whom had fascinating personal stories.

Description: Poet Bob Holman travels the world to explore the power of language, from endangered languages to the rise of digital communication, highlighting the importance of linguistic diversity.

Fact: The series was co-produced by PBS and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Description: A poignant exploration of the Gullah language, tracing its roots back to Sierra Leone and revealing the deep connections between African and African-American cultures.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject.

Description: Follow two linguists on a global quest to document languages on the brink of extinction, highlighting the importance of linguistic diversity and the race against time to preserve it.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Programming.

Description: This documentary tells the story of the Wampanoag tribe's efforts to revive their language, lost for generations, showcasing the power of language in cultural identity and revival.

Fact: The film won the Audience Award at the 2010 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.

Description: This nine-part series traces the history of the English language from its Germanic roots to its global dominance today. It's a must-watch for understanding how English has evolved and continues to evolve.

Fact: The series was narrated by Robert MacNeil, and it includes interviews with notable linguists like Noam Chomsky.

Description: This documentary explores the diversity of American English, examining regional dialects, accents, and the social implications of language variation across the United States.

Fact: The film features interviews with language experts like John McWhorter and Deborah Tannen.

Description: This series explores the origins of human language, its structure, and its evolution, providing a comprehensive look at how language has shaped human thought and society.

Fact: Hosted by Robert MacNeil, this series was produced by the same team behind "The Story of English."

Description: This documentary delves into the historical quest for a universal language, from Esperanto to modern attempts at creating a global lingua franca.

Fact: It features interviews with linguists and language creators, including the creator of Klingon.

Description: Based on Mark Forsyth's book, this documentary explores the curious origins of everyday words, revealing the surprising connections and stories behind our language.

Fact: The film was inspired by Forsyth's popular blog, "The Inky Fool."

Description: This documentary uncovers the hidden stories behind common words, showing how language reflects our history, culture, and the evolution of human thought.

Fact: It features contributions from linguists, historians, and writers, offering a rich tapestry of linguistic insights.

Description: This film offers an in-depth look at the community of conlangers, exploring various constructed languages and their creators. It's a celebration of linguistic creativity and the passion that drives people to invent new ways of communication.

Fact: The documentary was successfully crowdfunded, reflecting the interest in constructed languages.

Description: A look at Esperanto, the most widely spoken constructed language, this documentary explores its history, its community, and its potential as a tool for global understanding.

Fact: Esperanto has been used in various international contexts, including at the United Nations.

Description: This documentary examines the phenomenon of glossolalia (speaking in tongues) but also touches on constructed languages, exploring how language can be a form of expression beyond conventional communication.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Emmy Award.

Description: This documentary explores the work of David J. Peterson, the linguist behind languages like Dothraki from "Game of Thrones" and Na'vi from "Avatar." It provides a deep dive into the process of creating a language from scratch, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail required.

Fact: Peterson also created languages for the TV series "Defiance" and "The

Description: Focused on the history and development of constructed languages, this documentary traces the lineage from Esperanto to Klingon, highlighting the motivations behind their creation and their impact on culture and society.

Fact: It features interviews with linguists and creators of well-known conlangs.

Description: This film delves into the futuristic aspect of constructed languages, focusing on how they might evolve or be used in future societies, including in science fiction settings.

Fact: It features interviews with science fiction writers and linguists.

Description: An exploration of the Elvish languages created by J.R.R. Tolkien for his Middle-earth legendarium, this documentary provides insights into Tolkien's linguistic genius and the depth of his world-building.

Fact: Tolkien was a professor of linguistics at Oxford University.

Description: This documentary looks at the sacred languages used in religious texts and rituals, but also includes a segment on constructed languages designed for spiritual or mystical purposes.

Fact: It includes interviews with scholars of ancient languages.

Description: While not exclusively about constructed languages, this documentary explores the language and code used in "The Matrix" films, offering a unique perspective on how language can be used to create immersive worlds.

Fact: It was released alongside "The Matrix Reloaded" to provide context for the film's universe.

Description: This documentary explores the role of language in human relationships, including a section on constructed languages designed to express love and affection in new ways.

Fact: It features couples who communicate in their own private languages.

Description: A poignant look at the lives of deaf people in the UK, focusing on their experiences with BSL and the challenges they face in a hearing world.

Fact: The film was directed by a deaf filmmaker, highlighting authentic deaf experiences.

Description: While not exclusively about BSL, this film explores the debate over cochlear implants within the deaf community, highlighting the cultural significance of sign language.

Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This short film tells the story of a deaf child learning BSL, highlighting the importance of early language acquisition for deaf children.

Fact: It won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.

Description: This documentary provides a comprehensive look at the history of deaf culture in the U.S., with significant segments on BSL and its role in the deaf community.

Fact: It was broadcast on PBS and includes interviews with prominent figures in the deaf community.

Description: This film delves into the lives of four deaf entertainers, showcasing how they navigate the entertainment industry using BSL. It's a testament to the power of communication beyond spoken words.

Fact: The documentary was produced by a deaf filmmaker, Hilari Scarl, who also appears in the film.

Description: Follows a deaf teenager from New York who learns to express himself through poetry and hip-hop, with BSL playing a crucial role in his journey.

Fact: The film was featured at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Description: This documentary explores the intersection of technology and BSL, showing how digital tools are enhancing communication for the deaf.

Fact: It includes interviews with tech innovators who are deaf.

Description: Although an anime, this film has been adapted into BSL for UK audiences, offering a deep dive into the emotional and social aspects of deafness.

Fact: It was one of the first anime films to receive a BSL version for UK distribution.

Description: This documentary captures the beauty of BSL through the stories of deaf individuals, showcasing the language's expressive power.

Fact: It was screened at several international film festivals.

Description: An exploration of what it means to be deaf, with a strong emphasis on BSL as a cultural and linguistic identity.

Fact: The term "Deafhood" was coined by Paddy Ladd, a prominent deaf scholar.

Description: Poet Bob Holman travels the world to explore the importance of language preservation and the role of poetry in keeping languages alive.

Fact: The series was inspired by Holman's own experiences with endangered languages.

Description: This film documents the journey of a song from Sierra Leone, revealing the history of the slave trade through the lens of language and music.

Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: Follow two linguists as they travel to remote parts of the world to document endangered languages, highlighting the race against time to preserve linguistic diversity.

Fact: The film was shot over four years in 17 countries, capturing the urgency of language preservation.

Description: This documentary explores the challenges and triumphs of bilingual education in America, focusing on students learning English as a second language.

Fact: It was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Programming – Long Form.

Description: While not strictly about language learning, this documentary traces the origins of General Tso's Chicken, offering insights into cultural exchange and language through food.

Fact: It was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival and explores the culinary and linguistic bridges between cultures.

Description: A nine-part series that traces the history and evolution of the English language, from its origins to its global spread.

Fact: The series was produced by the BBC and PBS, offering a comprehensive look at English's linguistic journey.

Description: This documentary investigates the diversity of American English, exploring regional accents, dialects, and the impact of immigration on the language.

Fact: It was based on the book by Robert MacNeil and William Cran, who also co-produced the documentary.

Description: A three-part series that examines the nature of language, its origins, and how it shapes our thoughts and culture.

Fact: Hosted by Robert MacNeil, the series was designed to be accessible to a wide audience, not just linguists.

Description: Explore how babies learn language, showcasing the innate abilities of infants to acquire linguistic skills.

Fact: The documentary features insights from renowned linguist Noam Chomsky.

Description: This documentary traces the history and current state of the Welsh language, highlighting efforts to revive and maintain it.

Fact: It was produced by S4C, the Welsh-language public-service television channel.

Description: A powerful exploration of black gay identity through poetry, performance, and personal narrative, highlighting the role of language in self-expression.

Fact: The film was controversial for its explicit content but has since been recognized for its cultural significance.

Description: This documentary uncovers the story of a song that connects African Americans with their Sierra Leonean ancestors, exploring the power of language in cultural memory.

Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This film follows two linguists as they travel the globe to document languages on the brink of extinction, offering a poignant look at the race to preserve linguistic heritage.

Fact: The film was shot in six countries and features languages spoken by fewer than 1,000 people.

Description: It chronicles the revival of the Wampanoag language, which was thought to be extinct, highlighting the efforts of Jessie Little Doe Baird to bring it back to life.

Fact: The film won the Audience Award at the 2010 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.

Description: While primarily about the origins of a dish, it delves into the cultural and linguistic exchanges between China and America, highlighting the impact of language on cuisine.

Fact: The film was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival in

Description: This documentary examines the evolution of American English, exploring regional dialects, slang, and the influence of immigration on the language.

Fact: The film was inspired by the book of the same name by Robert MacNeil and William Cran.

Description: A nine-part series that traces the history of the English language from its origins to its global spread, showcasing its adaptability and influence.

Fact: The series was accompanied by a best-selling book of the same name.

Description: This three-part series explores the origins, structure, and future of human language, providing insights into how languages evolve and change.

Fact: Hosted by Robert MacNeil, it was produced by the same team behind "The Story of English."

Description: This documentary follows the efforts to document and revive languages with very few remaining speakers, showcasing the urgency of linguistic preservation.

Fact: It features the work of the Endangered Languages Project.

Description: While not exclusively about language, it explores the cultural history of Abbey Road Studios, where countless songs in various languages have been recorded.

Fact: The film includes interviews with musicians like Paul McCartney and Elton John, discussing the studio's impact on music and language.