Speaking Tongues Podcast: Celebrating Voices, Stories, and Flavors From Around the Globe

Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we dive into the intricate world of bilingualism and translation with Melanie Marquez Adams and Emily Hunsberger, author and translator respectively of Wonderland, a collection of crónicas, essays, and experimental texts.

Melanie Márquez Adams is an Ecuadorian American writer. She is the author of two collections of short stories and two essay collections as well as the editor of the anthology Del sur al norte: Narrativa y poesía de autores andinos, winner of a 2018 International Latino Book Award. 

Emily Hunsberger is a Philadelphia-based translator working in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. 

In this episode we discuss:

🇪🇨 Melanie's journey from Ecuador to the U.S. and how her bilingual identity and atypical immigration story has shaped her writing and perspective on language.

✍️ The differences in regional Spanish within the U.S. and how they have influenced Melanie's work as a writer.

📖 Emily's experiences as a translator and the importance of cultural knowledge in facilitating effective translations.

📖Their collaborative project, Wonderland, which showcases Melanie's crónicas and Emily’s process of translating them into English.

🌟 The significance of questioning stereotypes and assumptions in writing & translation and how they aim to create empathy and understanding through their work.

Big thank you to Melanie and Emily for sharing their insights and experiences with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we’re discussing the linguistic and cultural heritage of Galicia with Dani, a passionate Galician language teacher and content creator. Dani shares his journey of embracing his bilingual identity and the challenges faced while navigating the complexities of Galician and Spanish in a rapidly changing linguistic landscape.

In this episode we discuss:

🌟 Dani's bilingual upbringing in Galicia, where he learned both Galician and Castilian Spanish, and how his early experiences shaped his relationship with these languages.

🌟 The social stigma surrounding the Galician language and the impact of stereotypes on its speakers, particularly among younger generations.

🌟 The unique phonetic features of Galician that set it apart from Spanish, including its distinct sounds and grammatical structures.

 🌟The historical evolution of Galician, from its golden age to its current status in Spain, and the ongoing efforts to revitalize and preserve it.

🌟 Dani's insights on Galician folklore, including fascinating myths and legends, and their connection to the region's cultural identity.

🌟 The role of music and social media in promoting the Galician language and culture, and how the next generation is embracing their linguistic heritage.

A huge thank you to Dani for sharing your story and insights about the Galician language and culture. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Dani:

Instagram: @galicianwithdani

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In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we embark on a fascinating journey through the linguistic and cultural tapestry of Nigeria with Raphael, a multilingual storyteller and podcaster. Raphael shares his unique experiences growing up in Jos, Nigeria, navigating the complexities of language and identity amidst a rich backdrop of diverse cultures.

In this episode we discuss:

🇳🇬 Raphael's first language journey, starting with English and Ijaw, and his experiences learning Yoruba, Hausa, Pidgin English, and a bit of German and French.

🇳🇬 The impact of growing up in a multilingual environment and how different languages shaped his interactions and sense of identity.

🇳🇬 The significance of water in Ijaw culture, including its connection to mythology and the community's historical ties to river life.

🇳🇬 Raphael's reflections on the importance of community gatherings and how they foster a sense of belonging and cultural continuity among the Ijaw diaspora.

🇳🇬 The challenges and beauty of navigating multiple languages and cultures, and how these experiences have enriched his life and storytelling.

🇳🇬AFCON 2025 predictions and who Raphael would like to see bring home the big trophy! 

A huge thank you to Raphael for sharing your story and insights with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Raphael and White Label American:

https://www.whitelabelamerican.com/

https://www.instagram.com/whitelabelamerican/

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Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we explore the vibrant linguistic and cultural landscape of Mauritius with multilingual music artist, writer, producer, and podcaster Lazou. Growing up in a melting pot of languages, Lazou shares her unique experiences navigating English, French, and Mauritian Creole.

In this episode we discuss:

🇲🇺 Lazou's multilingual upbringing, balancing English, French, and Mauritian Creole, and the influence of her family's language dynamics.

🇲🇺 The intergenerational transmission of languages in Mauritius, and how cultural identity shapes language use within families.

🇲🇺 The role of Creole as a vibrant and accessible language, and its evolution in the context of modern communication.

🇲🇺 The impact of media on language exposure, and how the shift from French to English is changing the linguistic landscape in Mauritius.

🇲🇺 The culinary connections to her Chinese heritage, and how traditional foods play a crucial role in cultural identity and community bonding.

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we dive into the world of culinary storytelling and global flavors with Chef Einav Gefen. A seasoned chef and innovator, Einav shares her journey from her roots in Israel to her current role at Restaurant Associates, where she champions quality and sustainability in the culinary arts. 

Join us as we discuss:

🫒Chef Einav's multilingual upbringing, with Hebrew as her first language and her experiences learning English, German, Arabic, and French, and how these languages shaped her culinary journey.

🧅 The intersection of food and culture, and how culinary traditions reflect the history and stories of the communities they originate from.

 🌶️The importance of respect and communication in the diverse kitchen environment, and how language plays a crucial role in fostering teamwork and understanding.

🥚 The evolution of culinary practices and the acceptance of personal interpretations of traditional dishes, highlighting the creativity and adaptability of chefs in the modern culinary landscape.

 🍅Her insights on sustainability in food sourcing and the responsibility chefs have to tell the stories behind the ingredients they use, connecting diners to the origins of their meals.

 🥒The role of women in the culinary industry, the challenges they face, and the importance of mentorship and support for future generations of female chefs.

Big thanks to Chef Einav for sharing her culinary wisdom and experiences with us. Thank you also to Restaurant Associates for facilitating this conversation with Chef Einav.

If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

01:31 Chef Einav's Multilingual Background

03:19 Culinary Journey and Global Experiences

04:17 The Melting Pot of Kitchen Languages

06:33 Exploring Middle Eastern Cuisine

13:00 Passion for Food and Early Influences

19:56 Challenges and Responsibilities of an Executive Chef

25:29 Storytelling Through Food

28:51 Connecting Communities Through Cuisine

32:30 Cultural Reflections Through Food

33:20 Language and Belonging in the Kitchen

36:54 Embracing New Culinary Experiences

41:42 The Role of Women in the Culinary Industry

43:46 Impact of COVID-19 on the Food Industry

51:07 Working with Restaurant Associates

54:03 Favorite Dishes and Spices

Restaurant Associates:

https://www.restaurantassociates.com/

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Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues we’re going back to the roots in The Bahamas with multifaceted Bahamian artist Bodine Victoria. Heralded as one of the most consistent hitmakers in the local music business, Bodine Victoria has turned her gift for communication into a successful multi-faceted business. 

An actress, entertainer, presenter, and entrepreneur with 20-years of broadcast experience, She produces the YouTube series BodinePot and showcases the islands of The Bahamas through the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas show on ZNS' Fabulous Living Bahamian Style, lifestyle television series.  

She performs on the largest national and regional stages having opened for Patrice Roberts, Bunji Garlin, Kymani Marley and many more.  Bodine Victoria's music is steeped in culture with futuristic elements.  A true renaissance woman, Bodine Victoria Johnson is committed to the culture of education, entrepreneurship and entertainment.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇧🇸 Bodine's linguistic journey, starting with Bahamian Creole & English, and her efforts to learn Haitian Creole to connect with the diverse communities in the Bahamas.

🇧🇸 The diversity of languages spoken in the Bahamas, including the presence of Haitian Creole, and the cultural exchanges that occur in everyday life.

🇧🇸 The unique characteristics of Bahamian Creole, how it differs from Standard English and other Caribbean Creoles, and its deep African roots.

🇧🇸 The influence of Bahamian Creole in music and how artists like Bodine use it to convey cultural stories and messages through their art.

🇧🇸 The culinary delights of Bahamian cuisine, including Bodine's YouTube series "Bodine Pot," where she shares and preserves traditional recipes with a modern, healthier twist.

🇧🇸 The cultural significance of Junkanoo, a vibrant Bahamian festival, and its role in expressing community identity and heritage.

Big thank you to Bodine Victoria for sharing your work, your inspirations and your language with all of us.  If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Bodine Victoria:

This episode was originally published as Episode 39 on January 11, 2021.

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we're having a conversation about Martiniquais Creole and French with our guest Mickael, founder of French Class NYC. Mickael shares his insights on the Creole spoken in Martinique and the French spoken in France, discussing the cultural and linguistic nuances that define these languages.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇲🇶 Mickael's bilingual upbringing, with Creole as his mother tongue and French as the official language, and how this shaped his cultural identity.

🇲🇶 The perception versus reality of people of color in France, highlighting the diversity and expression of Black voices in French culture.

🇲🇶 The representation of French Caribbean culture in Paris and the similarities and differences between French Creole and French in the diaspora.

🇲🇶 Mickael's advice for learning authentic French and exploring regions in France beyond Paris.

🇲🇶 The challenges of maintaining a cultural identity within the context of a dominant French culture that often overlooks the contributions of its minority communities.

🇲🇶 The intimate and personal nature of Creole as a language, often used within families and close-knit communities.

Mickael also shares his journey in founding French Class NYC, his experiences teaching French in New York, and how he incorporates diverse voices and literature into his curriculum. He offers a glimpse into the vibrant cultural exchanges happening in his classes and the importance of informal French in connecting with native speakers.

To Connect with Mickael:

This episode was originally published as Episode 97 on April 18, 2022.

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we have a conversation about Singlish, a unique linguistic blend that reflects the multicultural essence of Singapore. Our guest, Marcus, provides fascinating insights into the nuances of Singlish and its interplay with the diverse languages of Singapore.

In this episode, we explore:

🇸🇬 The linguistic landscape of Singapore, where English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil coexist, shaping the distinct identity of Singlish.

🇸🇬 The evolution of Singlish, from its origins to its role in everyday communication, and the impact of the "Speak Good English Movement" on its perception.

🇸🇬 The fascinating concept of code-switching in Singapore, where individuals seamlessly navigate between multiple languages in social and professional contexts.

🇸🇬 The rich cultural expressions embedded in Singlish, including common phrases, greetings, and the use of discourse particles like "lah," "loh," and "meh."

🇸🇬 The unique cadence and tonality of Singlish, influenced by the diverse linguistic heritage of Singapore.

🇸🇬 The significance of abbreviations in Singaporean vernacular, reflecting the efficiency and adaptability of the language.

Marcus also shares delightful Singlish phrases and idioms, offering a glimpse into the humor and creativity that define this beloved linguistic variety.

To Connect with Marcus:

This episode was originally published as Episode 116 on October 24, 2022

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we journey into the world of Finnish language and culture with Saga from FinnishLearning on Instagram. Join us as we explore the intricacies of Finnish grammar, the unique agglutinative nature of the language, and the cultural significance of the sauna tradition in Finland.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇫🇮 The meaning and usage of the word "Suomi" in Finnish, and the differences between written and spoken Finnish.

🇫🇮 The similarities and differences between Finnish and other languages like Estonian and Hungarian, and the influence of regional dialects across Finland.

🇫🇮 The traditions of Christmas and Midsummer in Finland, including the magical midsummer spells and the importance of nature in Finnish culture.

🇫🇮 The communal and relaxing tradition of the Finnish sauna, and how it is an integral part of Finnish life.

🇫🇮 Saga shares insights into the Finnish language learning journey and the vibrant cultural experiences that await in Helsinki.

To Connect with Saga:

This episode was originally published as Episode 109. Speaking Armenian on July 25, 2022.

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we're having a conversation on the diverse world of the Armenian language and culture with our guest, Liana, a writer, journalist, and creator of "Dining in Diaspora." Liana shares her journey from Iran to the United States and her experiences within the Armenian community in Southern California.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇦🇲 Liana's immigration story from Iran to the U.S. and how she navigated the Armenian community in Los Angeles.

🇦🇲 The evolution of the Armenian language within the diaspora, including influences from Persian, English, Arabic, and Russian.

🇦🇲 The differences between Western and Eastern Armenian dialects and efforts to revitalize Western Armenian.

🇦🇲 The unique melodic cadence of the Iranian Armenian dialect and how dialects are recognized by their accents.

🇦🇲 The cultural significance of food in Armenian heritage, including contributions to American cuisine such as Almond Joy and the introduction of yogurt.

🇦🇲 Traditional Armenian dishes and the vibrant debates over whose recipe reigns supreme.

🇦🇲 Armenian idioms and expressions, including the charming saying, "May you grow old on one pillow."

To Connect with Liana:

This episode was originally published as Episode 94 on March 28, 2022

This week, we're diving into the fascinating world of Egyptian Arabic and ancient Egyptian cuisine with Dr. Menna El Dorry, an Egyptologist and archaeobotanist. Dr. Menna shares her expertise on the intersection of language, history, and food in Egypt, offering us a unique glimpse into the past and present culinary traditions of this remarkable country.

In this episode, we explore:

🇪🇬 Dr. Menna’s journey with languages, including Egyptian Arabic, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish.

🇪🇬The influence of ancient Egyptian languages on modern Egyptian Arabic, and the grammatical elements that have persisted through time.

🇪🇬 The distinct characteristics of the Cairene dialect and its widespread understanding across the Arabic-speaking world.

🇪🇬 The methods Egyptologists use to uncover ancient cooking techniques and dietary habits, including the analysis of plant and animal remains.

🇪🇬The evolution of Egyptian cuisine, the regional variations in food preferences, and the significance of traditional dishes like sunbread and fava beans.

🇪🇬 The challenges and surprises in replicating ancient recipes and understanding historical food palates.

🇪🇬 The importance of considering the past to appreciate and understand modern Egyptian cuisine.

🇪🇬 The cultural and culinary richness of Egypt, and the must-try experiences for anyone visiting Cairo.

To Connect with Dr. Menna

This episode was originally published as Episode 119 on November 14, 2022.

This episode of Speaking Tongues wades into the fascinating world of the Sardinian language & culture with our guest Dalila. We explore the unique characteristics of Sardinian, its historical influences from Catalan and Spanish, and how it stands apart from Italian. Dalila shares insights into the grammar, highlighting differences between Sardinian spoken in the north and south, and the linguistic variations across Sardinia's micro-regions.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇮🇹 The rich history of Sardinian, tracing its evolution from Latin and its influences from Catalan, Spanish, and Italian.

🇮🇹 The grammatical structure of Sardinian, including the unique use of interrogative sentences and the influence of Proto-Sardinian.

🇮🇹 The vibrant Sardinian literary tradition, featuring works from the 1500s and contemporary poetry, especially highlighting the contributions of female poets.

🇮🇹 The challenges and efforts in preserving the Sardinian language, including teaching it in schools and the debate over which variant should be standardized.

🇮🇹 The coexistence of other minority languages in Sardinia, such as Tabarchino, Sassarese, and Gallurese, and their relationship with Sardinian and Italian.

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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This episode with my guests Kimhia and Indira was originally published as Episode 98 on April 25, 2022.

This episode unfolds the many influences that have shaped Saint Lucian Creole, highlighting its roots in Mandinka and Wolof grammar structures. We explore the cultural significance of Creole Day in Saint Lucia and the use of Madras fabric, while also practicing some phrases in Creole.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇱🇨 The fascinating development of Saint Lucian Creole, including its linguistic ties to French and West African languages.

🇱🇨 The cultural expressions and celebrations in Saint Lucia, such as Creole Day and the island's vibrant music scene.

🇱🇨 The journey of Kimhia and Indira in preserving and teaching Creole through their Two Saints Language Academy, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage.

🇱🇨 The nuances of code-switching in Saint Lucia and the societal perceptions of Creole in different contexts.

🇱🇨 The rich culinary experiences and local traditions that visitors should explore when visiting Saint Lucia.

Kimhia and Indira also share delightful Saint Lucian Creole proverbs and sayings, offering a glimpse into the wisdom and humor embedded in the language.

To Find Twossaints

This episode with our guest Grace was originally published on May 2, 2022.

In episode 99, we explored the intricacies of Thai grammar, including its 72-letter alphabet, and practice the tonality of the Thai language. Grace guides us through the use of polite particles and highlights the similarities between Thai and Chinese, particularly the five distinct tones.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇹🇭 The structure of Thai grammar and the tonal nature of the language, with practical examples to differentiate meanings through tones.

🇹🇭 The cultural nuances of Thai dialects and how accents change across different regions in Thailand.

🇹🇭 Essential do's and don'ts for visitors to Thailand, including a humorous take on handling the spiciness of Thai cuisine.

🇹🇭 Grace's experience learning Thai boxing in Brazil and insights into the cultural significance of Muay Thai.

🇹🇭 The joyful nature of Thai people, often referred to as the "land of smiles," and how this reflects in their everyday interactions.

To Find Grace 

This episode was originally published as Episode 83. Speaking Te Reo Maori on January 10, 2022. Our guest is Amelia Butler, the founder of Learn Māori Abroad.

In this episode, we discuss:

🌿 Emilia’s journey with Te Reo Māori, from her early education in Māori immersion schools to her current role in teaching the language worldwide.

🌿 The historical transition of Te Reo Māori from an oral to a written language and the impact of colonization on Māori culture and language preservation.

🌿 The cultural significance of the haka, a traditional war dance, and its role in modern contexts such as sports and corporate environments.

🌿 The concept of Whakapapa, a foundational Māori principle of genealogy and interconnectedness, and its influence on Māori worldview and environmental stewardship.

🌿 The revitalization efforts of Te Reo Māori and cultural practices, highlighting the importance of community support and engagement in preserving indigenous heritage.

Emilia also shares a meaningful Māori karakia (prayer) with a message about embracing both light and darkness in life, reflecting the balanced perspective inherent in Māori culture.

Find Learn Maori Abroad: 

This conversation with Mauricio of @babelsolutions was originally published on March 21, 2022 as Episode 93: Speaking LatAm Spanish

Episode 93 takes us on a linguistic journey through Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, offering insights into the rich tapestry of Spanish dialects across these regions.

In this episode, we discuss:

🌎 Mauricio’s upbringing between Argentina and Peru, and how this duality shaped his understanding of Spanish.

🌎 The three geographical blocks of Spanish-speaking regions and why Chile and Argentina are considered linguistic outliers.

🌎 The unique characteristics of Chilean Spanish and how Mauricio navigates these differences in his translation work.

🌎 His career in translating media, including movies and television, and the impact of technology on the field of translation.

🌎 Observations on the influence of English on Spanish spoken in the US and the cultural nuances that arise from this interaction.

To Find Mauricio: 

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues.

This week, we're thrilled to explore several languages through jazz music, the legendary and influential Cesária Évora, and the new album, Cape Verdean Blues with the incredibly talented Kavita Shah. Kavita is an award-winning vocalist, composer, researcher, and educator who deeply engages with the jazz tradition while advancing its global sensibilities. In September 2023, after seven years of immersing herself in the traditional music of Cesária Évora on the Atlantic island of São Vicente, Kavita released her latest album, Cape Verdean Blues, which has been described as "gorgeous" by The Guardian and "quietly riveting" by The New York Times. 

In this episode, we discuss:

🎵 Kavita’s multilingual journey, starting with Gujarati and spanning languages like Spanish, French, Portuguese, Yoruba, Hindi, Cape Verdean Creole, and more.

🎵 The influence of her multicultural upbringing in New York City and how it shaped her musical and linguistic path.

🎵 Her deep connection with Cesária Évora’s music and the profound impact of experiencing Cesaria live in concert while living in Brazil.

🎵 The journey of learning Cape Verdean Creole and the cultural significance of the language and music in Cape Verde.

🎵 The emotional and cultural resonance of the concept of "saudade" and how it connects to her own experiences of longing and belonging.

🎵 The process of creating her album Cape Verdean Blues, including her collaboration with Cesária’s musical director, Bau.

🎵 The founding of Folkalist Records, a music label centering female voices from the Global South, and its mission to celebrate and uplift diverse musical traditions.

Thank you to Kavita for sharing your incredible linguistic and musical journey, your culture, and your music and our shared love of Cesaria with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Kavita Shah:

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, we're thrilled to have this conversation about Fado music and European Portuguese language with Cordeone, a multi-instrumentalist who began his musical journey at the tender age of nine. Cordeone's impressive repertoire includes the accordion, piano, classic guitar, Portuguese guitar, Brazilian percussion, drums, and bass. By 18, he had embarked on a professional music career, collaborating with artists across North and South America, the EU, and Africa. Today, he joins us to share his fascinating linguistic and musical adventures.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇵🇹🇫🇷 Cordeone’’s bilingual upbringing in a Portuguese family in France, and how he navigated speaking both languages.

🇵🇹 The nuances of Portuguese dialects, including the differences between countryside Portuguese and Lisbon city Portuguese.

🇵🇹 The journey of reacquiring and refining his Portuguese language skills, especially through his passion for fado music.

🇵🇹 The influence of other languages on modern Portuguese, with slang phrases that come from Angola and Brazil

🇵🇹 The rich culture of Portugal, from the welcoming nature of its people to its diverse culinary delights.

🇵🇹 The distinct characteristics of fado music, its emotional depth, and the integral role of the Portuguese guitar.

🇵🇹 The evolution of fado, from traditional forms to contemporary expressions, and Cordeone’s personal contributions to the genre.

🇵🇹 The unique traditions within fado performances, including the playful, competitive exchanges between singers.

Thank you to Cordeone for sharing your incredible journey, your culture, and your music with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Cordeone:

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, we're thrilled to chat with Chef Alexandra Strong, the executive chef for Restaurant Associates at the Mitsitam Café located at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Chef Alex shares her rich multicultural background with roots in the Indigenous Caribbean, West Africa, and Europe, and her unique culinary experience that honors the diversity of Indigenous communities of the Western Hemisphere. 

In this episode, we explore:

🌽 Chef Alex’s journey from Puerto Rico to The Bronx, NY and how her Puerto Rican and Indigenous Taino heritage influences her culinary creations.

🌽 The linguistic and cultural differences between Puerto Rican Spanish in New York City versus on the island, and how these differences manifest in food traditions.

🌽 The importance of traditional ingredients and cooking methods, and Chef Alex’s commitment to honoring these practices in her dishes.

🌽 The fascinating connections between Caribbean and African cuisines, and the shared ingredients and dishes that link these cultures.

🌽 Chef Alex’s innovative approach to fusing traditional Puerto Rican flavors with other culinary traditions, such as her sweet plantain and goat cheese ravioli.

🌽 The role of language and communication in the kitchen, and how Chef Alex fosters a multicultural and inclusive environment for her diverse team.

🌽 The responsibilities of representing Indigenous cuisines authentically, and the importance of using traditional ingredients and techniques.

🌽 The significance of food as a medium for cultural expression, history, and storytelling, and how Chef Alex uses her platform to educate and celebrate Indigenous heritage.

Thank you to Chef Alex for sharing your incredible journey, your culture, and your culinary wisdom with us and for being a beacon of Bronx excellence. A very special thank you to Raya Sfeir at Restaurant Associates and to the Mitsitam Café at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian for facilitating this conversation. 

If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, we're pumped to dive into Marathi language and culture with Uma, a writer, literary translator, and film enthusiast. In this conversation, Uma shares a wealth of knowledge about linguistic traditions in South Asia and shares her personal journey with translating her mother tongue, Marathi.

In this episode, we explore:

🇮🇳 Uma’s linguistic background, growing up in Mumbai and learning multiple languages including Marathi, English, Gujarati, and Hindi.

🇮🇳 The linguistic diversity of Mumbai and how different languages influence each other in this melting pot city.

🇮🇳 The historical and cultural significance of Marathi, its literary traditions, and the influence of Persian on the language.

🇮🇳 The unique characteristics of Mumbai Hindi and how it differs from standard Hindi due to Marathi influence.

🇮🇳 Uma’s journey into literary translation, her passion for sharing Marathi culture, and the challenges and joys of translating literature.

🇮🇳 The vibrant Marathi cinema, notable directors, and films that showcase the cultural and historical richness of the Marathi-speaking community.

🇮🇳 The culinary delights of Maharashtra, including the famous Ukadiche Modak and the beloved Varan Bhaat.

Thank you to Uma for sharing your work, your culture, and your language with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Uma:

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week we’re celebrating Ekpeye language and culture with Franca, founder of the  Speak Ekpeye Fluently Language Initiative, an NGO dedicated to the revitalization and promotion of the Ekpeye language. 

In this episode we discuss: 

🇳🇬the intricacies of the Ekpeye language, its tonal and descriptive nature used when communicating in the language

🇳🇬It’s similarities and differences to the Igbo language, and how despite often classified as a dialect of Igbo, the traits that make Ekpeye stand out as its own language

🇳🇬The debate between Ekpeye & Igbo over names with “chi” and the reasons people have for thinking these names belong to one or the other

🇳🇬We learn why until recently, there had not been a word in Ekpeye for “window” - and Franca tells us what that word is!

🇳🇬Festivals that are present in her community and how wrestling is a much beloved sport in Ekpeye land

🇳🇬How she started encouraging students to learn Ekpeye and the importance of being able to communicate in this language as well as one the major 3 Nigerian languages

Thank you to Franca for sharing your knowledge, your culture, and your language with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Franca: 

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, we’re excited to share this conversation about the Irish and Valencian languages with Alexandra, a PhD candidate at the University of Valencia and a mentor with the Endangered Languages Project. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Alexandra now resides in Valencia, Spain, and shares her incredible journey and insights into these two vibrant languages and cultures.

In this conversation, we discuss:

🇮🇪 Alexandra’s linguistic journey, starting with her first language, English, and her experiences learning Irish, Spanish, and Valencian.

🇮🇪 The dynamic linguistic landscape of Ireland, especially in Dublin, and how Irish is becoming more prevalent in urban areas.

🇮🇪 The structure and characteristics of the Irish language, including its verb-subject-object word order, initial mutations, and prepositional pronouns.

🇮🇪 The historical and ongoing efforts to promote and normalize the use of Irish in Dublin and other urban areas.

🇮🇪 The challenges and stigmas associated with speaking Irish in Dublin, and how these perceptions are being challenged and changed.

🇮🇪 Alexandra’s research on urban speakers of minoritized languages and her work with the Endangered Languages Project.

🇪🇸 The Valencian language and its relationship with Catalan, including the debate on whether Valencian is a variety of Catalan or a separate language.

🇪🇸 The cultural and linguistic diversity in Valencia, and the challenges faced by Valencian speakers in maintaining their language in urban settings.

🇪🇸 The impact of urbanization and globalization on minoritized languages, and the efforts to create spaces where these languages can thrive.

🇪🇸 Alexandra’s personal experiences and reflections on the importance of language and cultural identity in both Ireland and Valencia.

Thank you to Alexandra for sharing your knowledge, your culture, and your languages with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Alexandra:

Email: Alexandra@endangeredlanguages.com

Schedule an ELP Mentor appointment/ Is féidir leat cruinniú saor in aisce a chur in áirithe anseo:

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a special bonus episode of Speaking Tongues. Today, we have an extraordinary conversation with Ross Perlin, a linguist, writer, and translator, who joins us to discuss the endangered languages of New York City. Ross has written extensively for major publications and is the author of the compelling book "Language: The Fight to Preserve Endangered Mother Tongues in New York." 

In this conversation, we explore:

🗽 Ross’s linguistic journey from growing up monolingual in New York to diving into multiple languages such as Mandarin, Spanish, French, Latin, Greek, Luo, Uyghur, and Russian.

🗽 His experiences in China, studying the Tibeto-Burman language Trung, and how this led to his work in language documentation and endangered languages.

🗽 The founding and mission of the Endangered Language Alliance (ELA) in New York City, an organization dedicated to urban linguistic diversity and supporting immigrant and diaspora communities.

🗽 The rich linguistic history of New York City, from its origins as a Lenape-speaking archipelago to its status as the most linguistically diverse city in the world.

🗽 Portraits of six speakers from different parts of the world who have come to New York and are actively documenting, defending, and teaching their endangered languages.

🗽 The impact of socio-political changes and challenges such as the 2016 election, COVID-19, and anti-immigrant politics on linguistic diversity in New York.

🗽 The future of endangered languages in New York amidst rising living costs and gentrification, and the importance of building a linguistic infrastructure to support these communities.

Thank you to Ross Perlin for sharing your work, your insights and Language City with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Ross Perlin and the Endangered Language Alliance:

Hello Language Lovers! Today, we’re thrilled to talk with Fari, a language lover and multilingual originally from Zimbabwe, joining us from Vancouver. Fari’s diverse linguistic journey has given her a unique perspective on the languages and cultures of Southern and Eastern Africa.

In this conversation, we discuss:

🇿🇼 Fari’s first language, Shona, and her journey learning other languages such as Zulu, Ndebele, Swahili, Spanish, and more.

🇿🇼 The interconnectedness of Bantu languages and how understanding one can help you understand many others.

🇿🇼 Cultural nuances and respect embedded in the Shona language, especially when addressing elders.

🇿🇼 The impact of colonialism on Zimbabwean languages and culture, including the loss of traditional dress and the adoption of English names.

🇿🇼 The vibrant Zim Dancehall music scene, its roots, and how it reflects the struggles and triumphs of Zimbabwean life.

🇿🇼 The challenges of maintaining linguistic and cultural identity in the diaspora, especially among Zimbabweans in countries like England and Australia.

🇿🇼 The traditions and practices surrounding marriage and dowries in Zimbabwean culture.

🇿🇼 Fari’s personal experiences with language and culture, and her reflections on the importance of preserving and celebrating her heritage.

Thank you to Fari for sharing your incredible linguistic journey, your culture, and your insights with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

Connect with Speaking Tongues:

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, we’re thrilled to bring you a conversation about the Hausa language with Amina, an online Hausa teacher joining us from Nigeria. You know how much we love linguistic diversity and I’m so happy to share this conversation exploring the intricacies of Hausa language and the rich cultural tapestry of northern Nigeria. 

In this conversation, we discuss:

🇳🇬 The linguistic landscape of Nigeria, highlighting the diversity with over 100 languages and the three widely spoken ones: Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.

🇳🇬 The structure and characteristics of the Hausa language, including its gender-based pronouns and sentence construction.

🇳🇬 The cultural significance of greetings in Hausa and how respect is woven into the language, especially when addressing elders.

🇳🇬 The influence of Arabic on Hausa due to historical trade and the spread of Islam, with examples of borrowed words. 

🇳🇬 The regional variations of Hausa across Nigeria and neighboring Niger. 

🇳🇬 The blending of Hausa with other languages such as English and French, and how this is reflected in modern communication, especially online. 

🇳🇬 The vibrant Hausa media landscape, including Kannywood (!!), TV shows, and music, and Amina’s recommendations for Hausa shows on Netflix and YouTube.

🇳🇬 Cultural insights into Hausa traditions, such as weddings, clothing, and Eid celebrations.

🇳🇬 Practical advice for learners of Hausa, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural nuances and gender distinctions in the language.

Thank you to Amina for sharing your knowledge, your culture, and your language with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Amina:

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, we’ve reached episode 150 and I’m so proud to share this conversation about Babanki & Cameroon Pidgin with Pius Akumbu. Pius is a Cameroonian linguist working at LLACAN, a laboratory of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) that specializes in the study of the languages and cultures of Africa. He is also one of the language revitalization mentors of the Endangered Languages Project (ELP). 

In this conversation we discuss: 

🇨🇲 Pius’s first language, Babanki, also known as Kejom, and how it is used beside Cameroon Pidgin, English,

🇨🇲 The linguistic landscape of Cameroon, including the bilingual nature of the country with English and French-speaking regions.

🇨🇲 The structure and characteristics of Babanki, including its noun class system and tonal nature.

🇨🇲 The FASCINATING cultural and linguistic diversity within the Grassfields region of Cameroon

🇨🇲 The impact of colonialism on Cameroonian languages and the challenges faced in language preservation and revitalization.

🇨🇲 The role of Cameroon Pidgin as a language of wider communication and its spread across different regions.

🇨🇲 Efforts to promote and preserve Babanki, including community initiatives and the use of technology and social media.

🇨🇲 Cultural highlights of Cameroon, including traditional foods, music, and notable figures like MMA champion Francis Ngannou.

🇨🇲 We also learn about the importance of language and cultural identity, and Pius shares some fascinating insights into the unique aspects of Babanki, including honorific language used to address the chief of the Babanki kingdom.

Thank you to Pius for sharing your knowledge, your culture, and your languages with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Pius:

Hello Language Lovers and welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week we are speaking about Tamazight and Moroccan Darija with Itto Outini. Itto is a journalist, Fulbright Scholar, Steinbeck Fellow, MacDowell Fellow, public speaker, and author of the forthcoming memoir, “Blindness is the Light of My Life”. She holds an MA in journalism and strategic media from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and a BA in applied linguistics from Mohamed V University in Rabat, Morocco. Itto has published with US-based and international outlets including The Relatable Voice Magazine, The Fulbright Chronicle, and The Chicago Tribune. Organizations for which she has spoken include The United Nations, Cal Tech University, Verizon Wireless, and The International Trade Centre. In addition to writing and speaking, she offers a diverse suite of services tailored to writers, young professionals, and entrepreneurs.

In this episode we talk about: 

🇲🇦 Itto’s first language, Tamazight, and her journey learning multiple languages including Moroccan Darija, French, Standard Arabic, and English.

🇲🇦 The challenges and triumphs of growing up in an isolated community in Morocco with no access to education.

🇲🇦 How Itto overcame immense personal struggles, including homelessness and blindness, to achieve academic and professional success.

🇲🇦 The structure and usage of Tamazight as spoken in Morocco, and its recent standardization including the introduction of the Tifinagh alphabet.

🇲🇦 The cultural and linguistic diversity within Morocco, including the various dialects of Arabic and Tamazight spoken across different regions.

🇲🇦 The importance of oral storytelling in Tamazight culture and how it influenced Itto’s love for language and journalism.

🇲🇦 Itto’s experiences as a multilingual individual navigating different cultural and linguistic identities.

🇲🇦 The creation and growth of Itto’s international media platform, The Date Keepers, which publishes work by journalists and non-fiction writers from around the world.

Huge thank you to Itto for sharing your remarkable story, your languages, your culture and your work with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

“Speaking Tongues  is not an official site of the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State. The views expressed on this site are entirely those of Speaking Tongues and do not represent the views of the Fulbright Program, the U.S. Department of State, or any of its partner organizations.”

To Find Itto: 

Hello Language Lovers and thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues. Today, we’re talking about a language that I have really wanted to feature on the show for a long time! Gara is joining us from Tenerife to talk about Silbo Canario and Spanish spoken in the Canary Islands. With a deep passion for preserving and promoting the unique linguistic heritage of her homeland, Gara brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to our conversation.

Gara shares her knowledge about how this form of whistled communication varies across different parts of the Canary Islands and even draws connections to similar practices in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. We uncover how whistled language conveys information over vast distances and how it was nearly lost to a recent generation who stopped whistling due to economic changes. 

In this episode, Gara shows us how to whistle and the postures and placements that we use when we’re whistling. She gives us some examples of what she’s learned to say and she even tells us about the people in El Hierro island who are working to preserve Silbo Canario and the measures they are able to take to teach people who want to learn. 

We also dive into the distinctive features of Spanish spoken in the Canary Islands. Gara shares insightful comparisons to Caribbean Spanish, highlighting the fascinating linguistic and cultural influences that shape the way Spanish is spoken in these regions.

Thank you to Gara for having this conversation with us in English and for sharing your heritage and your languages with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFOPq3j7wGteY-PjcZaMxg

Hello Language Lovers and welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. Today we’re talking about Khroskyabs with Yulha. Yulha is native speaker of this endangered language, from the Tibetan Plateau. She has been working on documenting and revitalizing her mother tongue since her high school and she is optimistic of her work moving into a positive direction. 

In this conversation, we discuss: 

• Life and tradition in Tibet and the meaning of “Tibetan-ness”

• Using language in Tibet and the role Buddhism plays in language standardization

• Oral traditions and storytelling within her community, and collecting sayings and proverbs in Khroskyabs

• How space and geography are encoded in Khroskyabs language

• Technology changing the way that we're able to conduct revitalization and preservation work with endangered languages

Big thank you to Yulha for sharing your culture, your mother tongue and your amazing stories with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

To Find Yulha:

Hello Language Lovers. Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues, the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. Today, we’re talking with Joshua about Kannada, one of the several languages he grew up speaking in his native Karnataka. Joshua is an Indian expat living in France and owes a lot of finding his dream job to his language learning skills. He is from South India and speaks 9 languages at various levels. He works at L'oreal in Paris and makes videos on youtube about his language learning journeys among other topics in his free time. He's among the few expats that love their lives in Paris and owes a big chunk of that to his language learning too.

In this episode we discuss: 

🇮🇳 Joshua’s growing up in a very multilingual family 

🇮🇳 Linguistic diversity that we experience in Karnataka

🇮🇳 How a chance encounter led him to Urdu poetry and calligraphy

🇮🇳 How Kannada changes between north and south regions of  Karnataka 

🇮🇳 Ancient poetry you can still hear sung on the streets 

Big thank you to Joshua for sharing your culture, your love of language and your incredible stories with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

To Find Joshua 

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues, the podcast in conversation with multi linguals. Today, we’re talking with Óskar about Icelandic language and culture. Óskar Bragi is the Chief Icelandic Language Coach at Speak Viking. He has been teaching Icelandic for over 10 years. When not teaching, you can find him: Spending time with his daughter, going to the movies (he's a bit of a human IMDB and loves soaking in everything about the art of filmmaking), marveling and exploring the gorgeous and dramatic Icelandic nature. Occasionally he will cool off with an ice plunge (sometimes in the Atlantic Ocean!) but he IS frequently warming up with a great cup of coffee.

In this episode we talk about: 

🇮🇸 The Icelandic language’s relation to Old Norse and connection to Faroese 

🇮🇸 Some reasons he’s encountered people wanting to learn the language

🇮🇸 How filler words can help Icelandic learners in conversations

🇮🇸 The historical push to maintain the integrity of Icelandic

🇮🇸 Icelandic self care rituals and the traditions of the thermal waters

🇮🇸 And surprisingly enough, Icelandic hip hop music. 

Big thank you to Oskar for sharing your language, culture and your sense of humor with all of us! If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues, the podcast in conversation with multi linguals. Today, I’m speaking with Gvantsa about her languages of Georgian and Mingrelian. Gvantsa is a Master's student at the Technical University of Munich. Although she speaks several languages, her linguistic journey is particularly marked by a deep connection to Georgian, her native language, and Mingrelian, a language she has been intimately familiar with through family. 

In this episode we discuss: 

🇬🇪 Georgia’s relationship to the other Kartvelian languages

🇬🇪 Changes of Georgian throughout the country including a town in the mountains with a different way of speaking

🇬🇪 Folk tales, songs and dances in Georgian - including Georgian polyphonic singing

🇬🇪 Speaking Mingrelian in families and the reasons why it’s become an endangered language

🇬🇪 How Mingrelian is used and how it is expressed orthographically

🇬🇪 How technology is changing the future of language study and how it has been helpful to her

🇬🇪 Of course, we also had to talk about Georgian wine and food - so make sure you keep listening for that part of the conversation 

Big thank you to Gvantsa for this incredible conversation about your languages and your culture. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Pat N. and John L.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

To Find Gvantsa: 

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues, the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, I’m joined by Emily of Language Travel Adoptee to talk about her language story and her journey of connecting to Mandarin Chinese

In this episode Emily talks to us about: 

💫 Her adoption story and her journey to deciding that she was ready to share it with the world

💫 A reluctance she faced in connecting to her past and to the Chinese language

💫 Healing and feeling her way through feelings of grief, shame and loss, turning it into into her power, her voice and her platform

💫 Being authentic and helping other language learners navigate mental health

💫 Taking initial steps in learning Mandarin and what she’s excited to learn on this journey. 

Big thank you to Emily for sharing your story, for being vulnerable and for all the work you do around identity, confidence, and mental health. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Pat N. and John L.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Find Emily:

Hello Language Lovers. Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, I’m thrilled to bring you this conversation with Belizean linguist, Silvanna Udz. 

Silvaana Maree Udz, Ed.D., is a founding member of di National Kriol Council of Belize. In addition to ongoing Belize Kriol language outputs, she also spent seven years as an assistant professor teaching English in Taiwan, at Ming Cuan University,  researching di embryonic standardization of East Asian Englishes. Before that she worked at the University of Belize and at its pre-amalgamated colleges, teaching either full time or part time since 1981: Currently, she is an adjunct assistant professor at Galen University in Belize. Her current focus with Belize Kriol and the National Kriol Council of Belize is working with a team on updating the current Belize Kriol-English dictionary.

In this episode, we discuss: 

🇧🇿 The structure of Belize Kriol and some of it’s developmental origins

🇧🇿 How she has worked with the team to document the changing language through usage

🇧🇿 Standardizing spelling and learning the orthography rules

🇧🇿 How education and getting kids involved in learning the Kriol early in school has proven successful

🇧🇿 What we’re eating, drinking and doing while we’re spending time in Belize

To Learn More: 

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues, the podcast in conversation with multi linguals. This week, we’re talking with Eukene about her language of Basque. Eukene is a Ph.D. candidate in Linguistic Studies at the University of Miami. She is an advocate of minority languages and cultures. Her work focuses on the language variation in young Basque speakers and ethnolinguistic identities and attitudes towards Basque, both in the Basque Country and the Basque diaspora of Idaho.

In this episode we discuss:

- The perceptions of Basque being a “difficult” language and why that’s not true

- Efforts that have been made over decades to ensure that children are learning the language

- Trauma that exists within minoritized languages

- The standard variety of Basque and the local languages spoken in Pais Vasco 

- Conducting research among the Basque community in Idaho

Big eskerrik asko to Eukene for sharing your language, your research and culture with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Pat N. and John L.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

To Find Eukene:

Instagram & Threads: @minoritylanguaging2

Twitter: @EukeneFL

To Find Speaking Tongues 

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues, the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. In this episode, we’re talking to Meriem about her Algerian language and culture, as well as architecture and design. Meriem is an Algerian-born, Doha-raised designer currently based in the US, coalescing cultural experiences into multidisciplinary design exploration and fabrication. 

In this episode, we discuss

🇩🇿The distinctions of spoken Arabic spoken in Algeria among other Arabics spoken in North Africa

🇩🇿 Contrasts between Algerian and Gulf spoken Arabic

🇩🇿 How the French colonization of Algeria has affected generations of speakers and educators

🇩🇿 The way Amazigh culture and language and design are such a part of contemporary Algerian life

🇩🇿 What to expect at an Algerian wedding and an Algerian birth

🇩🇿 Rai music that we all know and love! 

Big thank you to Meriam for sharing your culture, your heritage and your design sensibilities with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Pat N. and John L.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

To find Meriem

@meriem.aiouna

To Find Speaking Tongues 

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

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Hello Language Lovers! Thanks for tuning in to this new episode. This week we’re speaking with Aiyana (IG@ktunaxapride) about her language of Ktunaxa. Aiyana Twigg is Indigenous, belonging to two nations in Canada, the Ktunaxa Nation and Blackfoot. She grew up within the Ktunaxa Nation in Tobacco Plains and graduated from University with a passion to revitalize her Indigenous language Ktunaxa. 

In this episode we talk about

Growing up in the community and her journey to wanting to learn more about the Ktunaxa language

The efforts being taken to revitalize Ktunaxa and what those responsibilities are like, including developing dictionaries and apps with audio (yes!!)

The wisdom ritual and traditions being passed down and recorded by elders in the community

Advice for how we can support indigenous language and community. 

And we even get to learn some Ktunaxa words and phrases along the way. 

Big thank you to Aiyana for sharing your heritage, your language and your community and all of your hard work you do with the Ktunaxa Nation with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Pat N. and John L.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

To Find Aiyana

Hello Language Lovers! This is episode 138 and I’m thrilled to bring you this conversation with Taylor @centralpolyglot about Catalan language and culture in Andorra.  Taylor is a Fulbright scholar currently living in the European microstate of Andorra and in this episode, we talk about: 

🇦🇩 Her path to the Fulbright program that led her to living in Andorra from her upbringing in Missouri

🇦🇩 Variations of Catalan spoken around the country

🇦🇩 Andorran pride in being the only country with Catalan as an official language

🇦🇩 Some of the most popular pastimes and activities that people partake in

🇦🇩 Celebrations and festivals around the country

🇦🇩 Andorra’s pastoral history and how that shows up in modern life

Big thank you to Taylor for sharing your scholarship and language and your adventures with us all!   If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Pat N. and John L.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

“Speaking Tongues  is not an official site of the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State. The views expressed on this site are entirely those of Speaking Tongues and do not represent the views of the Fulbright Program, the U.S. Department of State, or any of its partner organizations.”

To Find Taylor:

IG @centralpolyglot

To Find Speaking Tongues:

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

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Hello Language Lovers! Today we are chatting all things Brazilian Portuguese and Brazilian music with our favorite samba dancer, DJ and musician Leticia @areyoubrazilian  Leticia, like me, is a self-proclaimed Brazilophile and having this chance to collectively geek out over Brazilian dance, culture, and samba music new and old was truly a blast!

In this episode we talk about 

🇧🇷 How Leticia initially became drawn to Brazilian Portuguese 

🇧🇷 Learning Portuguese in Brazil during a fully immersive experience

🇧🇷 The connections between dance, music and language - and the joy it brings!

🇧🇷 Different subgenres of samba music - and some of her faves 

🇧🇷 The different types of instruments we’ll hear and see when we listen to Brazilian music

🇧🇷 🗽And of course, keeping up with the Brazilian music and dance scene in NYC 

Big thank you to Leticia for sharing your language, your adventures, and your musicality with us all! If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Pat N. and John L.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

To Find Leticia: 

Hello Language Lovers! Today we are speaking with Maggie, a content creator based in Toronto about her languages of Haitian Creole and Jamaican Patois

Maggie is a perfect person to have this conversation with as she is so well versed on creole languages spoken not just in the Caribbean but all over the world. In this episode we talk about

How Jamaican stands out in the Caribbean through culture and language

The way language is spoken differently in different parts of Jamaica

Growing up in a Haitian Creole speaking household and experiencing different languages spoken daily

French based creoles around the world and what they have in common

Caribbean culture and its influence in Toronto

Big thank you to Maggie for sharing your language, your culture and your adventures with us all! If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Pat N. and John L.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

To Find Maggie:

Hello Language Lovers! Today we’re talking about Spanish (spoken in Spain) & Italian with Jamal. 

In this episode, he talks to us about 

• Making the switch from using academic Spanish to conversing in everyday Spanish

• His favorite conversation words in Spanish 

• Learning Italian - specifically the Roman vernacular - while living in Spain

• How personas can change when speaking different languages 

• The ways he was able to learn Italian solely through conversation

• Octopus lasagna. What?! 

Big thank you to Jamal for sharing your language and your adventures with us all! If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Pat N. and John L. For just $5 per month, you will have access to excerpts of this conversation that did not make it to the full published episode.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

Hello Language Lovers! Today, we’re talking about French - a language that many of you know I’m learning - with Julie, the founder of Towanda Language School. Julie is a language teacher and learner who loves to bust myths around language learning. She talks to us in this conversation about how language has helped her make connections as she’s traveled all over the world. 

In this episode some of the topics we discuss include

The French connection to the Arabic language

A few different ways that French is used around the francophone world

How learning a few words of Kinyarwanda led her to a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Some of the things French learners can do to take the pressure off of the learning process

Her list of French things she loves… and hates!

Big thank you to Julie for sharing your language and your adventures with us all! If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Linnea H. , Pat N. and Yari A. For just $5 per month, you will have access to excerpts of this conversation that did not make it to the full published episode.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

To find Julie:

Hello Language Lovers! It’s a new year and a new season of Speaking Tongues. Today, we’re welcoming Israel to talk about his languages of Cantonese and Welsh. Israel is a composer by day and a polyglot/language enthusiast/YouTuber/podcaster by night (though nowadays usually in reverse) from Hong Kong, based in Manchester. His interest in languages was sparked by his musical ear, and extends to a variety of language families; more recently, he's been drawn towards issues surrounding language, social change, and identity.

Topics discussed in this episode include: 

Why everyone should learn Cantonese 

Measure and counter words in Cantonese 

Using language to impact social change and identity.

A controversial stance on Cantonese language decline and revival 

Methods he’s used to help learn the Welsh language

Welsh language tools and resources 

As always, big thank you to Israel for sharing your stories, your adventures, your language and culture with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Linnea H. , Pat N. and Yari A. For just $5 per month, you will have access to excerpts of this conversation that did not make it to the full published episode.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! 

To Find Israel 

https://www.youtube.com/rhapsodyinlingo, 

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, we’re talking with Babita Patel, a humanitarian photographer and founder of The KIOO Project, about her language of Gujarati. 

In this episode, Babita talks to us about her very international life and growing up speaking Gujarati in her home and community in New Jersey. We talk about some of the features of Gujarati that she finds fascinating (including a lack of curse words) and how she’s noticed language changing through generations. I should mention that Babita is an incredible story teller and she talks to us about a visit she made to Nepal, and a chance encounter on the holy Ganges river that led her to her humanitarian purpose in life. She tells us about the KIOO Project, which is on a mission to change gender dynamics in economically-challenged communities through photography and also we learn the funny story about how KIOO came to be named.

Big thank you to Babita for sharing your stories, your adventures, your language and culture with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Linnea H. , Pat N. and Yari A. For just $5 per month, you will have access to excerpts of this conversation that did not make it to the full published episode.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Find KIOO:

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals.This week’s episode we are talking with Yara Elmjouie who is a James Beard award winning, Emmy nominated journalist for AJ Plus about his language of Persian. 

I’ve been a fan of Yara’s work for a long time and I’m thrilled to have had a chance to talk with him about Persian language and Iranian and Iranian-American culture and heritage. In this episode, we talk about some of his favorite things about Persian language, including direct object identifiers and its similarity to other languages he’s familiar with. We talk about growing up between the US and Iran, navigating the cultural differences between the two places. Yara talks to us about exploring rural parts of Iran with his dad and encountering first hand how language varies around the country. He also tells us about his path to becoming a journalist and being intentional about reconnecting to his Persian heritage. 

Big thank you to Yara for this conversation and for sharing your language, culture and your work with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Linnea H. , Pat N. and Yari A. For just $5 per month, you will have access to excerpts of this conversation that did not make it to the full published episode.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Find Yara:

IG: @yelmjouie

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week we’re staying a lot closer to home and talking about Dominican Spanish and Dominican culture in NYC with Anny of LaLorenzona. 

In this conversation Anny talks to us about growing up and navigating language between bilingual school and English only school. We talk about the way Dominicans in New York City speak Spanish with a rhythm that compliments the flow and pace of the city. Anny talks to us about encountering biases that people have sadly had against Dominican Spanish and how those connotations spurred her to action with creating her IG platform and in intentionally finding Spanish classes that supported and held space for her heritage. We’re also chopping it up about books and Anny shares a few of her recent Dominican reads as well as some of the reasons why it’s been so important to her to showcase books that showcase Latin culture to her son. 

Big thank you to Anny for having this conversation with me and for sharing your language, culture and our city with all of us.  If you enjoy episodes of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Linnea H. , Pat N. and Yari A. For just $5 per month, you will have access to excerpts of this conversation that did not make it to the full published episode.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Find Anny:

IG: @la_lorenzona

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFOPq3j7wGteY-PjcZaMxg

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, we are having a deep and impactful  conversation about Taiwanese language, heritage, culture and identity with Erica of Kuishimbo and the World Languages Project. 

What I love about this conversation is not only the way Erica tells a story, but also that we are taking a closer look at how language, the loss and gain of it, the way it’s used and weaponized, even criminalized can have lasting effects on generations of families in society. Erica talks to us about growing up in California of mixed Asian heritage and experiencing proximity to her parents’ languages. She talks to us about the disconnection she felt from her ancestry at times and some of the steps and practices she put in place to reestablish that connection. She talks about learning Taiwanese and how she’s been able to learn while she has been living in Taiwan for the past few years. I just want to give you all fair warning, there is a fair amount of discussion around trauma, both racial and generational, so if this is something that you’re also working through, I want you to be warned before you listen. 

Thank you to Erica for being so candid and so open in talking about not just your journey but also sharing your Taiwanese heritage and language with all of us.  If you enjoy episodes of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Linnea H. , Pat N. and Yari A. For just $5 per month, you will have access to excerpts of this conversation that did not make it to the full published episode.  And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

To Find Erica: