CultureAugust 15, 2026

talkies

TAW-keez

Definition

Motion pictures with synchronized sound, specifically referring to the historical transition period in the early 20th century when silent films were replaced by films featuring recorded dialogue.

Etymology

Originating in the late 1920s, 'talkie' is a colloquial term formed by adding the suffix '-ie' to the word 'talk', representing the novelty of sound in film.

In the news

The word is used to describe the historical evolution of cinema, marking the specific transition phase from silent films to those with spoken audio.

Director reflects on iconic film 35 years later

Read the full article ↗

China Daily Global Edition

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