Why Only Humans Have Language
Thursday 12th January 2023, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (London Time)
Language and speech, in the forms we have them, are unique to humans.
Why should that be?
I will suggest that they evolved in our lineage to bond the very large groups that we evolved, and probably only dates back around 200,000 years or so.
Although we do use it to say things about ourselves (a kind of advertising function), in fact we gain most of our information on this aspect of who we are from non-verbal cues.
Rather, the main function of speech seems to be to allow us to tell stories – everything from jokes to history to fiction.
If you would like a certificate of attendance for this event, please send us an email.
Professor Robin Dunbar
Robin Dunbar MA PhD DSc(Hon) FRAI FBA is Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Oxford, an Emeritus Fellow of Magdalen College, and an elected...

Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.

Wednesday 7th May 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 14th May 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 21st May 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 28th May 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 4th June 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Advanced Certificate in Accents and Phonetics for Coaching Actors

Louisa Morgan
12 week course! Sharpen your coaching skills, discover new tools, and learn how to connect more deeply with your clients in our advanced certificate in accents and phonetics for coaching actors. The course provides an in-depth look at some of the key fundamental aspects of coaching accents, like phonetics and prosody, as well as introducing some theory and practice-based concepts relating to the complexities of this field, such as coaching for neurodiverse performers, English as an additional language (EAL) speakers and identity politics.

Monday 2nd June 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 9th June 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 16th June 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 23rd June 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 30th June 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificate in Foundations of Vocology with Adam Roberts

Adam Roberts
This fifteen week (30-hour) Vocology Cohort Intensive provides a comprehensive overview of basic vocal anatomy, physiology, and theories of voice production & perception, fundamentals of vocal health, pathology, evaluation, performance, and habilitation of the speaking and singing voice, and a survey of research, resources, and professional opportunities.


Tuesday 3rd June 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
THE MUSICAL BREATH : Singing for Lung Health – 2007-2025

Phoene Cave
This presentation will offer an overview of Singing for Lung Health in the UK and how it has developed over the past 17 years. Phoene Cave started the work at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals in London and has gone on to train 320+ facilitators globally. Her personal experience is at hospital bedside with individuals and with groups of outpatients. The session will appeal to singing teachers, community choir leaders, respiratory nurse specialists, as well as allied health professionals (e.g. music therapists, respiratory physiotherapists and occupational therapists) and anyone challenged with breathlessness.