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Ian McMillan presents Radio 3's 'Cabaret of the Word', with guests Elif Shafak, Jacob Polley, Laura Gribbon and BIRD.

Elif Shafak writes in both English and Turkish, and has published twelve books, eight of which are novels. She's been celebrated for her ability to blend Western and Eastern traditions of storytelling, and for bringing out the voices of women, minorities, subcultures and immigrants. Elif is also a political commentator; she's a regular contributor to the Haberturk, a newspaper in Turkey, as well as The Guardian and The New York Times. Elif talks to Ian about her relationship with language, especially the 'silent G' which occurs in Turkish, and about her new novel 'Honour' (Penguin/Viking).

Laura Gribbon uncovers the hidden messages and linguistic resonances embedded in the placards that Egyptians carried during the protests in Tahrir Square, and which they are still making today. She explains the unique history of silence in Egyptian culture, and the power of revolutionary humour. Her chapter 'Signs and Signifiers' was co-written with by Sarah Hawas, and can be found in 'Translating Egypt's Revolution' ed Samia Mehrez (American University of Cairo Press).

Jacob Polley has published three collections of poetry, the latest is called 'The Havocs' (Picador) and was nominated for the 2012 T.S.Eliot Prize. He's also written a novel in Cumbrian dialect called 'Talk of the Town'. Jacob reads his powerful poem 'Langley Lane' written in the ballad form, and explains whether he believes poems should be able to 'hold' difficult material.

BIRD are a three piece Liverpool band - the creation of Adele Emmas (singer, songwriter) Sian Williams (guitar, backing vocals) and Alexis Samata (drums, percussion). Together they create dark, haunting, atmospheric music. They perform 'I am the Mountain' and 'Waltz' and explain how Gorecki has influenced their sound. Their new EP Ophelia has just been released.

Produced by Faith Lawrence.