AI threatens to destroy so much of our culture. Our greatest loss might be our ability to listen
Australians are conversing less every year, with a recent study showing we lost an average of 338 spoken words each day between 2005 and 2019
TL;DR
- Australians are speaking fewer words annually, with a significant daily decrease observed between 2005 and 2019.
- This decline in spoken language impacts our ability to listen, connect with diverse perspectives, and understand humanity.
- Oral histories, like those at the National Library of Australia, preserve voices from various eras and backgrounds, offering invaluable insights.
- Listening to these diverse stories fosters empathy, patience, and an appreciation for difference.
- The capacity for deep listening is crucial for cultural preservation and maintaining human connection in an increasingly digital world.