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?
The Stories Behind Our First and Last Words
Linguist Michael Erard joins to talk about the power a child's first words and dying person's last words have on us.
(Photos courtesy of Michael Erard)
Guests:
Michael Erard, author, linguist