Culture | Johnson

A new book spells out the magic of language

David Adger explains an unsung human superpower

IN “AVENGERS: ENDGAME”, a superhero blockbuster, the baddy’s Infinity Gauntlet gives him the power to snuff out the universe with the snap of a finger. This may sound impressive, but—although few realise it—ordinary people possess an infinite power, too: language.

This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “Everyday superheroes”

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Still from Caught by the Tides.

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