A Way with Words in The Idiom

The Idiom is quirky exploration of the complexities of language. Image supplied.

Reporter

Freshly launched SBS podcast, The Idiom, celebrates the wonderful phrases used in multicultural Australia and explores the different ways cultures express themselves with a delightful blend of introspection and silliness.

The eight-episode podcast series adopts a quirky approach to exploring idioms and the profound influence they have on our thoughts, actions, and interactions.

“Idioms have become a kind of gateway in interrogating the complexities of a specific language and culture, and its context,” says Idiom host Rune Pedersen who speaks Danish, English and German.

An expert in cross-cultural communication, Pedersen works for multicultural/community engagement advisory agency CultureVerse, a division of communications agency Think HQ.

“I developed a curiosity for idioms whilst working in multicultural communication and translation. This experience opened my eyes to the richness and diversity of languages across the world. With campaigns, I noticed that creative copywriting struggled to translate effectively due to their reliance on cultural references and poetic devices,” she says.

With the help of linguistic experts and other guests, Rune navigates the origins of idioms and their role in everyday conversations – such as being “in a pickle" or “wearing your heart on your sleeve” which both have Shakespearean roots. 

Find out why it’s raining cats and dogs in The Idiom. Image supplied.

The Idiom also looks at similar sayings across languages including Arabic, Cantonese, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese. For example, where English-speakers say, “when pigs fly”, Spanish speakers say, “when frogs grow hair”. 

David Hua, SBS Director of Audio says the new series is part of the network’s commitment to producing distinctive content for its listeners.

“We’re delighted to be sharing this insightful, weird and wonderful exploration of culture and language. With The Idiom,” says Hua.

The Idiom was produced in partnership with Think HQ and commissioned from SBS Audio’s annual call out for podcast pitches. Other commissioned podcasts include Seen, Bad Taste, Our Deaf Ways and many others.

The Idiom is available on SBS Audio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LiSTNR and other streaming platforms.

You might also like