BBC World Service ·

Witness History

Wednesday 14 October 2026, 18:50 – 19:00 UK time

In 1970, Washoe the chimp was recognised as the first non-human to learn a human language. She was taught American sign language in a revolutionary and controversial experiment.

Upcoming showings

Other scheduled episodes, repeats and reruns across all channels. All times are UK time.

BBC World Service

Witness History

Tuesday 20 October 2026, 18:50 – 19:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Wednesday 21 October 2026, 03:50 – 04:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Wednesday 21 October 2026, 08:50 – 09:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Wednesday 21 October 2026, 12:50 – 13:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Wednesday 21 October 2026, 18:50 – 19:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Thursday 22 October 2026, 03:50 – 04:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Thursday 22 October 2026, 08:50 – 09:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Thursday 22 October 2026, 12:50 – 13:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Thursday 22 October 2026, 18:50 – 19:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Friday 23 October 2026, 03:50 – 04:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Friday 23 October 2026, 08:50 – 09:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Friday 23 October 2026, 12:50 – 13:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Friday 23 October 2026, 18:50 – 19:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Saturday 24 October 2026, 03:50 – 04:00

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BBC Radio 4 FM

Witness History

Sunday 25 October 2026, 08:48 – 08:58

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BBC Radio 4 LW

Witness History

Sunday 25 October 2026, 08:48 – 08:58

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BBC Radio 4 FM

Witness History

Sunday 25 October 2026, 17:00 – 17:10

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BBC Radio 4 LW

Witness History

Sunday 25 October 2026, 17:00 – 17:10

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Monday 26 October 2026, 08:50 – 09:00

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BBC World Service

Witness History

Monday 26 October 2026, 12:50 – 13:00

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