Book description
More Than Words: How Talking Sharpens the Mind and Shapes Our World
Maryellen MacDonald's More Than Words turns a familiar habit-speaking-into a fascinating scientific adventure. With clarity and enthusiasm, she shows that talking is not just a tool for sharing ideas; it is a powerful cognitive exercise that sculpts our brains and our lives.
From the moment we begin to speak as infants, our brains are busy negotiating meaning, syntax, and emotion-all while we listen to others. MacDonald explains how this "word-work" shapes attention, memory, learning, and even emotional regulation. The book is peppered with compelling examples: how classroom conversations boost student engagement, how the rhythm of speech can predict mental illness, and how talking can slow cognitive decline in later life.
Her discussion on language diversity-how different cultures mold their words to fit conversational demands-is especially eye-opening. It reminds us that our linguistic habits are not static; they evolve with social interaction and purpose. The chapter on political polarization shows that even casual chatter can reinforce beliefs, a warning for anyone navigating today's media landscape.
For educators, parents, and policymakers, the implications are profound. MacDonald suggests simple yet effective changes: encouraging dialogue in schools, fostering mindful conversations at home, and designing public spaces that promote speech over silence. These ideas feel both practical and transformative.
Overall, More Than Words is a beautifully written, accessible guide that invites readers to rethink the everyday act of talking as an essential tool for mental fitness and societal connection. It's a must-read for anyone curious about how our voices shape not only what we say but who we become.
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience