How to disagree better: Listen to 6 Minute English

Have we lost respect for those who disagree with us? At a time when public debate has become so ill-tempered, a battle of ideas might have become an exchange of insults. Sam and Rob wonder if the art of persuasion is lost and teach you related vocabulary.

This week's question
Which spiritual leader is famous for saying “Disagreement is something normal”? Is it… ?
a) Pope Francis
b) The Dalai Lama
c) Ravi Shankar
Listen to the programme to find out the answer.

Vocabulary
pedantic
focussing too much on the small details or formal rules

hierarchy
a way of organising people according to their importance

contempt
a dislike or lack of respect for someone or something

a point of view
someone’s perspective on something

civility
polite behaviour

stagnation
staying the same and not developing

[Cover: Getty Images]

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