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Speaking Tongues

Speaking Tongues

By Elle Charisse

The podcast in conversation with multi-linguals. Join me each Monday as we sit down to discuss language and culture!
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19: Speaking Spanish with Maria Ortega Garcia

Speaking TonguesAug 10, 2020

00:00
01:11:18
144. Speaking Georgian and Mingrelian 🇬🇪

144. Speaking Georgian and Mingrelian 🇬🇪

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: 

https://www.instagram.com/felamushi?igsh=MXY4aWtwYzkzdWx0cA==


To Find Speaking Tongues:

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4


Apr 01, 202401:07:06
143. Speaking Mandarin

143. Speaking Mandarin

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:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/languagetraveladoptee

IG: https://www.instagram.com/languagetraveladoptee/


To Find Speaking Tongues 

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4


Mar 25, 202401:00:45
142. Speaking Belize Kriol 🇧🇿

142. Speaking Belize Kriol 🇧🇿

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: 

National Kriol Council https://nationalkriolcouncil.org/the_council


Kriol – Inglish Dikshineri

https://www.sil.org/system/files/reapdata/91/95/49/91954925699176285931841170600318709537/BelizeKriol_EngDic_49337_2009.pdf


Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Mar 18, 202401:01:08
141. Speaking Basque

141. Speaking Basque

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

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Mar 11, 202401:02:56
140. Speaking Algerian Arabic

140. Speaking Algerian Arabic

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

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Mar 04, 202401:01:20
139. Speaking Ktunaxa

139. Speaking Ktunaxa

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

IG @ktunaxapride 

Linktree:

First Voices 

https://www.firstvoices.com/


To Find Speaking Tongues:

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Feb 26, 202401:07:10
138. Speaking Catalan 🇦🇩

138. Speaking Catalan 🇦🇩

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

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Feb 19, 202451:09
137. Speaking Brazilian Portuguese

137. Speaking Brazilian Portuguese

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: 

Areyoubrazilian.com 

https://www.instagram.com/djletylove/

https://www.instagram.com/areyoubrazilian/


To Find Speaking Tongues:

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

Subscribe on YouTube:

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here

Feb 12, 202401:01:17
136. Speaking Haitian Creole & Jamaican Patois

136. Speaking Haitian Creole & Jamaican Patois

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:

Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/c/CharisMaggieTV

Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/charismaggietv/

Website-https://www.charismaggietv.com/


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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Feb 05, 202401:06:05
135. Speaking Spanish & Italian

135. Speaking Spanish & Italian

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

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Jan 29, 202459:09
134. Speaking French

134. Speaking French

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:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/towandalanguageschool?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TowandaLanguageSchool?si=gIH7R67RbyPE0TEm

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Jan 22, 202459:58
133. Speaking Cantonese & Welsh

133. Speaking Cantonese & Welsh

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, 

https://www.instagram.com/rhapsodyinlingo/

https://www.youtube.com/@seoijin


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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Jan 15, 202401:02:09
132. Speaking Gujarati

132. Speaking Gujarati

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:

Website: https://kiooproject.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KIOO.project/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KIOOproject


To Find Speaking Tongues:

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

Subscribe on YouTube:

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee:

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon:

Buy my book here

May 30, 202301:03:60
131. Speaking Persian with Yara Elmjouie

131. Speaking Persian with Yara Elmjouie

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

Eat This with Yara: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZd3QRtSy5LNyVe7FQmxlxzYOihiv8N7R


Speaking Tongues Podcast:

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here


May 22, 202301:05:21
130. Speaking Dominican Spanish

130. Speaking Dominican Spanish

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4


May 15, 202301:03:02
129. Speaking Taiwanese

129. Speaking Taiwanese

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:

IG https://www.instagram.com/kuishimbomedia/ 

Website:https://kuishimbomedia.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kuishimbo/


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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

May 08, 202301:04:04
128. Speaking Dogri

128. Speaking Dogri

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. Today, we’re learning a ton about the Dogri language with linguist and educator, Dr. Devina Krishna.  When I tell you I was pumped to learn about Dogri and Dr. Krishna did not disappoint. In this conversation, we talk about how the Dogri language was once considered a dialect of Punjabi but now recently seen as a language independent of Punjabi. Dr. Krishna breaks down the grammar of Dogri and I’m so excited to learn about the tonal quality of the language. We even note in the episode that now that Dogri is classified as its own language, it’s only one of two tonal Indian languages. So exciting. While we’re taking this deep dive on tonality, Dr. Krishna also shows us how they relate to songs and folktales… and you know we love songs and folktales. She also tells us about the  Dogri to English dictionary that she created and she tells us how linguists are able to take steps like this to preserve linguistic data to keep a language from vanishing.  Many thanks to Dr. Krishna for sharing your language and culture 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 Dr. Krishna  Linked In Instagram Facebook 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 Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4
May 01, 202301:05:27
127. Speaking Fiji Baat

127. Speaking Fiji Baat

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. Today, I’m so honored to have this conversation about Fiji Baat, also known as Fiji Hindi with Ang and Ash of the NoTies1879 Podcast. 

I think Ang and Ash are so very cool and extremely chill and In this episode, they talk to us about the painful history of indentured labor in Fiji that led to many Indians from all over India being brought to Fiji, which you can hear more about this history on their podcast. We talk about Indo-Fijian culture and what cultural elements, including religion, affect the spoken language.They talk to us about some of the other Indian languages besides Hindi which can be used in Fiji Baat. We discuss the structure of Fiji Baat and how Keiviti and English words are also used within the language. Now one big takeaway from this conversation which cannot be ignored is our discussion about identity and reframing their identity of being twice removed Indo-Fijians living in Canada. Ang and Ash talk with us about the journey to reconnecting with their “Fijian-ness' and understanding how to define it. The journey, as you know listeners, is also a part of the story. And again I encourage all of you listeners to subscribe and listen to their podcast so you can gain a deeper understanding of Indo-Fijian culture for yourselves. 

Big thank you to Ash and Ang for having this amazing, cool conversation and for sharing your language and culture 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 NoTies1879: 

Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/3Jlh9tvTpgr5pRx1Khgpx2

IG: https://www.instagram.com/noties1879podcast/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noties1879podcast

Web Links: https://solo.to/noties1879


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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Apr 24, 202301:20:19
113. Speaking Mauritian Creole

113. Speaking Mauritian Creole

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, we’re speaking with Avishta, the founder of Lingua Cultura,  to talk about her language of Mauritian Creole. In this conversation, Avishta talks about learning Creole and French as first languages growing up in Mauritius and her journey through varying languages around the world. She tells us about the influences of Indian languages on the Creole and we even talk about some of the other Creole languages that can be heard in the Indian Ocean.  Avishta talks about how the language is spoken in the diaspora and how it varies from the language spoken on the island. We also learn more about the Lingua Cultura Conference which Avishta started on Clubhouse during the pandemic. Make sure you’re subscribed to my Patreon to hear deleted portions of this episode about Creole in Academia and Mauritian cuisine Big thank you to Avishta for sharing bits of your culture and languages with 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. 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 Avishta:  Instagram: @linguaculturaexp  Facebook: @linguaculturaexp Twitter: @LinguaCulturaXP  LinkedIn: The Lingua-Cultura Experience Clubhouse: Lingua-Cultura Experience 


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 Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues Pledge on going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast Buy my book here 

Apr 22, 202301:00:54
126. Speaking Welsh

126. Speaking Welsh

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. It’s no secret that I’ve been wanting to feature the Welsh language on this show for years, so I’m thrilled to have this conversation with Dafydd, host of the Life to the Full Podcast, about the Welsh language and culture in Wales. 

You’ll definitely want to stay tuned throughout as we learn a LOT of Welsh vocab and pronunciation this week. In this episode, Dafydd tells us about growing up speaking Welsh and English and attending school where Welsh was the language of instruction. He breaks down the Welsh language and how to understand and use the grammar and he even lets us know the one linguistic feature of Welsh that he loves. Since Wales is a bilingual country, we learn about where we’ll hear the language spoken and where we’ll see it while out and about. We take a pointed look at Welsh poetry including examples of the Cynghannedd rhyming pattern and Dafydd tells us about Welsh rugby, the longest place name in Europe and life in Cardiff. 


Massive thank you to Dafydd for this conversation and talking with us about your language and culture.  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 Dafydd:

IG: @dafyddmorse

@LifetotheFullPodcast

Listen to Life to the Full here https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/life-to-the-full/id1534223587


Speaking Tongues Podcast:

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

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Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here

Apr 17, 202301:00:56
125. Speaking Colombian Spanish

125. Speaking Colombian Spanish

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, joining me in conversation is Janny from MiLegasi and The Latina Mom Legacy Podcast to talk about her Colombian Spanish language and culture. 

In this episode, Janny talks to us about her upbringing between Florida and Medellin, Colombia. We talk about the pride that Colombians carry when speaking and representing their language all over the country. She tells us about ways that her family had been able to stay close to their Colombian roots through traditions and how in the area of Florida where she grew up, she was able to learn Spanish words and phrases of Caribbean origin. Janny talks to us about things she loves in Colombian culture including the humor and we even talk a bit about Colombian food. For the full portion of our food conversation, head over to my Patreon to hear the full 20 minute segment about all kinds of dishes you can find in Colombia. 

Big thank you to Janny for having this conversation with me and for sharing bits of your language and culture 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. 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 Janny

Website: https://www.milegasi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milegasi/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milegasi

Buy her book, "Nobody Told Me This About Raising a Bilingual Child: A Beginner's Guide to Bilingual Parenting" here: https://a.co/d/87ZAyZq


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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Apr 10, 202357:48
124. Speaking Turkish

124. Speaking Turkish

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week I’m talking to Elysse DaVega about learning and speaking Turkish. This episode was recorded before the devastating earthquake that affected Türkiye and Syria and that’s why you won’t hear us mention this current event during this conversation.

But here’s what you will hear in this conversation. Elysse tells us about the methods she used to learn Spanish and why she might not recommend others to learn this way (even though I think it’s brilliant). She tells us about how her interest in Turkish grew through her study of German language and her travels through Germany. Elysse helps us break down some Turkish grammar and how she used the ladder method to learn Turkish through German. She tells us about her time traveling in Türkiye – including how she was able to do it, what it was like communicating in Türkiye and some of the things she’s looking forward to experiencing on her next trip there. 

Bg thank you to Elysse for this conversation and talking to us about your language journey with the Turkish language.  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. 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 Elysse: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elyssespeaks

IG: https://www.instagram.com/elyssedavega/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elyssedavega


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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Apr 03, 202353:56
123. Speaking Aymara, Quechua & Bolivian Spanish

123. Speaking Aymara, Quechua & Bolivian Spanish

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals.This week my guest Shana Infofuentes joins me to talk about her languages of Aymara, Quechua & Bolivian Spanish.

In this episode we talk about so much more than just the languages of the region, as Shana tells her story of being part of the largest Quechuan and the largest Bolivian community in the U.S. located in the Washington D.C. area. We talk about the special bond she had with her grandmother that forged a deep connection with Quechua & Aymara. We learn about the influences of indigenous languages on the syntax of Bolivian and Andean Spanish and how we hear these three languages being used in the city of La Paz. Shana and I share a moment of reflection on identity and the nature of anchoring oneself in a new reality and we talk about how the younger generation views their indigenous language and practices. Shana is the founder of The Quechua Project, which she tells us all about in this episode and why having a community organization like this is of utmost importance to the diaspora.

Big thank you to Shana for sharing your language and culture with all of us. Be sure to click the links in the show notes to find information on how to donate to Shana’s upcoming documentary that we discussed in the episode.  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. 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 Shana: 

Website: www.shanainofuentes.com

Quechua Project: https://quechuaproject.com/

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4


Mar 27, 202301:00:55
122. Speaking Bislama & Nafsan

122. Speaking Bislama & Nafsan

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week we’re having a conversation with Ana and Nick about Bialsma & Nafsan - two languages of Vanuatu.

Ana Krajinovic (Kra-yee-novich) & Nick Thieberger (Tee-berger) joined me in what I liked to call a 360 episode - Me being in NYC, Ana in Germany and Nick in Australia - how cool is that? In this episode, we talked about their work as linguists in the Pacific nation of Vanuatu. We learn how the Bislama language came to be named, how Bislama and Nafsan are constructed and how they are used among the 130 languages spoken by Ni-Vans in Vanuatu. Ana & Nick tell us about how they each came to studying these languages through their field work and Ana tells us some details about the specific grammar function that she focused on for her PhD. We even learn a linguistic similarity between Nafsan and Croatian. Who knew! Along the way, we also talk about changes in Nafsan and Bislama over generations, the culture of storytelling and concepts of self sufficiency in Vanuatu.

Thank you to Ana and Nick for sharing bits of your research and field work 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. 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! Ok, Let’s chat!

To Find Ana

https://anakrajinovic.com/

https://anakrajinovic.medium.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@anakrajinovic


To Find Nick

https://nthieberger.net/

https://www.paradisec.org.au/blog/

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

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Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

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Mar 20, 202301:14:48
121. Speaking Bengali & Italian

121. Speaking Bengali & Italian

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. We are back this week after an extended hiatus with Urmi to talk about her languages of Bengali and Italian.

In this episode, Urmi talks with us about growing up between two cultures and languages — being of Bengali heritage while growing up in Italy. She tells us about being among the first Bengali families living in Sicily and observing the growth of the community over the years. We talk about using both of these languages on a daily basis and the challenges that came with blending Bengali and Italian culture. Urmi talks with us about being a “third-culture kid” and how this term resonates in her life. She tells us about her passions of empowering others in exploring their cross-cultural identities and she even tells us about how life in Montreal allows her to use her languages and express her culture in new ways. We also have a moment to talk about food and just a side note, if you want to hear more conversations about food that are usually not included in these episodes, head on over to my Patreon where you can find segments just like this about food from around the world.

Thank you to Urmi for sharing bits of your languages and culture 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. 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 Urmi:

Book: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B75X14G7/ref=sr_1_2?crid=38ODHSOSYZ3W8&keywords=urmi+hossain&qid=1658373403&sprefix=urmi+hossain%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-2

Blog- https://www.myways.ca/

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZoiI0SGU0Xo9_lNjtLWtgg

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Mar 13, 202351:29
120. Speaking Duala & Abo

120. Speaking Duala & Abo

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 Diane and Epée, architects and coauthors of The African Dwelling: From Traditional to Western Style Homes about their languages of Duala and Abo.

Diane and Epée are both polyglots with many languages spoken between them and this was an exciting conversation for me to hear them switch so effortlessly between several of them. In this episode Epée explains naming traditions in Duala and how he was given his names - and several other names he has been called throughout his life. We learn the similarities and differences between Duala and Abo which other language Abo has more in common with. We learn about the grammar of Duala and even how communication happens using the slit drum and whistles – and why these practices are fading. We learn about cultural celebrations taking place on a disappearing island, we explore Camfranglais and Cameroonian Pidgin and the beauty of the dynamic musical genre of Makossa. Stay tuned to hear about what happened with Diane met Manu Dibango and to get a lesson in Duala tonality at the end of this episode.

Big thank you to Diane and Epée for this conversation and for your work in documenting Duala language and African vernacular architecture. 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. 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! Ok, Let’s chat!

To Purchase The African Dwelling: From Traditional to Western Style Homes

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/African-Dwelling-Traditional-Western-Style/dp/1476673802

McFarland Books: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/the-african-dwelling/


Find Diane on Medium here


Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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Nov 21, 202201:16:15
119. Speaking Sardinian

119. Speaking Sardinian

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week I’m happy to bring you all this conversation with Dalila about her Sardinian language.

In this episode, Dalila tells us about the language and its influences from Catalan and Spanish. We talk about the grammar of Sardinian, how it differs from Italian and what it has in common with English. Dalila talks about the differences between Sardinian spoken in the North and in the south of Sardinia and how micro regions of Sardinia have linguistic variations in pronunciation. We talk about the Sardinian literary tradition and how Dalila has spent time finding and uncovering the works of women in Sardinian poetry. We also find out about some of the other minority languages in Sardinia which yours truly learned about for the very first time.

Thank you so much Dalila for sharing so much of your language and culture 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. 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! Ok, Let’s chat!

To Find Dalila

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dalila_manca/

https://linktr.ee/DalilaManca


Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Nov 14, 202259:40
118. Speaking Nahuatl

118. Speaking Nahuatl

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, I’m so happy to share this conversation with Kwi and Daniel about the Nahuatl language.

In this episode, we start with a land acknowledgement and call to action to support indigenous communities. Kwi and Daniel talk with us about how they each grew up with the Nahuatl language and how they have learned more about their cultures growing up. We talk about the construction of Nahuatl and variants within the language. We talk about the evolution of the language through generations and through the influence of colonial Spanish language in Mexico. Kwi and Daniel tell us about community based efforts to reinforce Nahuatl language and culture and how we can respectfully engage with the community.

Thank you again to Kwi and Daniel for sharing your language and heritage 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! Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Linnea H. , Pat N. and Yari A. 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! Ok, Let’s chat!

To Find Speak Nahuatl:

https://linktr.ee/speaknahuatl

http://tlahtoltapazolli.com/

https://speaknahuatl.com/


Speaking Tongues Podcast:

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

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Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Nov 07, 202201:08:00
117. Speaking Punjabi & Urdu

117. Speaking Punjabi & Urdu

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, I’m so happy to share this conversation with Khawar, the founder of Somos, about his heritage languages of Punjabi and Urdu.

Now, Somos is a startup which provides affordable language education and supports language teachers, by allowing them to earn a living from their wages. In this episode, Khawar tells us about his heritage and lineage from India, through Kenya and into the UK. He talks about growing up hearing these two languages peppered with Swahili words. We talk about the relationships between Punjabi and Urdu spoken at home and how identity and language are affected in a country like England. He tells us about coming from a big family,  his special connection with his grandmother and shares some of the lessons he learned from her and their connection through food. We talk about the inspiration in building Somos and how reflecting on racial strife in London and his own heritage and community has impacted the work he does now.

Thank you Khawar for this terrific conversation and for sharing your story and culture 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! Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Linnea H. , Pat N. and Yari A. 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! Ok, Let’s chat!

To Find Somos:

Website: https://somos.education/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_somosgram/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somoseducation

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/somos-education/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_somostweets

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4


Oct 31, 202252:51
116. Speaking Finnish

116. Speaking Finnish

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 about all things Finnish with Saga of Finnish Learning on Instagram.

I had a lot to learn about Finland and I was so happy that Saga and I had such a fun conversation. In this episode, we learn what the word Suomi means and when it is used. Saga tells us about the grammar, pronoun usage and cases in Finnish and we learn about the agglutinative nature of the language. We share some ideas about why some people may consider Finnish to be a difficult language and Saga tells us some of the differences between the written and spoken language. We talk about the similarities between Finnish and Estonian, regional variances of Finnish and the unique nature of Finnish spoken in Helsinki. Saga tells us about Christmas in Finland and we learn many, many things about the tradition of Sauna! Make sure you listen to find out which Finnish tradition may help you to find your future spouse. And of course, if you try it, let me know if it worked!

Big thank you to Saga for this fun conversation and for sharing bits of your language and culture 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. 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! Ok, Let’s chat!

To Find Saga:

Instagram @finnishlearning

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on-going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

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Oct 24, 202255:18
115. Speaking Kabuverdianu

115. Speaking Kabuverdianu

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, let me tell you… I’m honored to have this discussion about Kabuverdianu with Jon of Learn Kabuverdianu and Cabo Verdean Linguist Adeleide Monteiro.

In this week’s episode, we are learning how Cabo Verde and Kabuverdianu grew together. We learn the exact city where the language originated and why we use the term “kabuverdianu” when talking about criolu. Jon & Adelaide talk to us about the structure of the language including why it’s important to include the subject and how this structure differs from Portuguese. Adelaide tells us about West African languages that have influenced the structure and how linguists today are using technology to gather information on Kabuverdianu in real time. Adelaide tells us about Portuguese creoles from other countries that can be understood by Cabo Verdeans and Jon tells us about food and music to experience in Cabo Verde- which I myself cannot wait to partake in in person. Stay tuned through the episode to find out which word that yours truly already knew in Kabuverdianu and why I know this word (spoiler alert: there is singing involved!)

Gigantic over land and sea thanks to Jon & Adelaide for this conversation and for sharing the beauty and majesty of Cabo Verde - its language, culture, traditions and people 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. 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 Learn Kabuverdianu & Adelaide Monteiro

Website https://learnkabuverdianu.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/learnkabuverdianu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearnKabuverdianu/?view_public_for=169947066967818&_rdc=1&_rdr

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnKabuverdianu/featured

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tGZuWfQfe4JUO0wU3bbWv?si=07d214b214384b49&nd=1

Adelaide Monteiro:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc4sPrBlSAE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2iIca-td_s&t=2s

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

IG: @speakingtonguespod

Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Facebook: @speakingtonguespod

Subscribe on YouTube

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee

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Buy my book here

Oct 17, 202201:16:47
114. Speaking Flemish & Italian

114. Speaking Flemish & Italian

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, I’m speaking with Kenny, a polyglot and language teacher about two of his languages, Belgian Dutch and Italian.

In this episode, Kenny tells us how language is a part of life where he grew up in Belgium and which languages are spoken in which regions of the country. He tells us about how politics and language are often related in Belgium and how it can impact interactions with strangers. I’m even telling a story about how this once affected my travels in Brussels. We talk about some variations on Standard Dutch and Belgian Dutch and we talk about understanding why we say Belgian Dutch and why we say Flemish. Kenny talks to us about code switching in Flanders, subtitles on Belgian television, his experience with learning Afrikaans. He also tells us about how a trip to Italy at a young age sparked his love with Italian language and culture. And we have a bit of a moment bonding over both of us being introverts.

Big thank you to Kenny for this conversation and sharing bits of your languages and culture 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. 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! Ok, Let’s chat!

To find Kenny: 

Website: somethingpolyglot.com

Italki: https://www.italki.com/teacher/8639713

Twitter: @kenny_db1983

Instagram: @something.polyglot

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

Subscribe on YouTube

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here 

Oct 10, 202201:01:53
112. Speaking Wolof

112. Speaking Wolof

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, Awa is joining me to talk about her language of Wolof and her career as a translator.

In this episode, Awa talks to us about growing up with Wolof and French as her first languages. She tells us where we’re likely to hear Wolof used in Senegal, particularly in Dakar and how Wolof is not just a language but also an ethnic group. We talk about some basic grammar points, formalities and honorifics in Wolof. Awa tells us how people mix Wolof with French in Dakar and why it’s incorrect to assume that everyone in Senegal speaks French. We also talk about diversity in West Africa, Senegalese culture in Paris and the art of drum making and storytelling in Senegal.

Big thank you to Awa for sharing bits of your language, culture and work 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. 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 Awa: 

Website: https://www.thewoloftranslator.com/

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod

Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost

Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod

Subscribe on YouTube

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here 

Sep 26, 202254:54
111. Speaking Gujarati

111. Speaking Gujarati

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. Joining me this week in conversation about Gujarati language and culture is Jenny Bhatt, writer, translator and founder of Desi Books.

In this episode, Jenny talks to us about growing up in Mumbai and many of the languages that are spoken and heard in this cosmopolitan city. We talk about the unique nature of Hindi as it’s spoken in Mumbai and the Gujarati dialects heard not only in Mumbai but in regions of Gujarat. We discuss Gujarati literary tradition and using translation as a language revitalization tool. And speaking of translation, Jenny is talking with her latest translation work “The Shehnai Virtuoso and other Stories” which is the first Gujarati to English book length translation of noted writer Dhumketu and the first translation of this kind to be published in the U.S. As Jenny is also the founder of Desi Books, we talk translated works of South Asian authors as well. Now, make sure you keep an eye on my instagram account because we are doing an IG live “afterparty” to talk about The Shehnai Virtuoso and South Asian literature. Links can be found in the shownotes to all platforms.

Big thank you to Jenny for this conversation and for all that you do in uplifting the works of South Asian authors and community. 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! Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Linnea H and Pat N. 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 Jenny: 

https://jennybhattwriter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennybhatt0/

Twitter:https://twitter.com/jennybhatt

To Find Desi Books: 

Desi Books: https://desibooks.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desi.books/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DesiBooks

Buy "The Shehnai Virtuoso and other Stories": https://store.deepvellum.org/products/the-shehnai-virtuoso

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4


Sep 19, 202201:02:35
110. Speaking Lingala

110. Speaking Lingala

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 about the Lingala language and Congolese culture with Melissa, the founder and teacher behind Lingala Lessons.

In this episode, Melissa tells us about growing up in Paris speaking both Lingala and French and how this often felt like living in two different countries- France and DRC. She tells us about how her parents made the effort to reinforce Lingala and their Congolese roots at home and how Black American tv shows were impactful in African French communities. We talk about Lingala grammar and learn how the language is used in DRC, Republic of Congo and other Lingala speaking regions. Melissa tells us about Congolese music and why it’s really important to Congolese people and keep listening to find out where we can experience Congolese culture & food in Paris.

Big thank you to Melissa for this conversation and for sharing parts of your languages and culture with 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! Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Linnea H and Pat N. 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 Lingala Lessons:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lingalalessons/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lingalalessons/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@lingalalessons?lang=fr

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Sep 12, 202201:00:12
109. Speaking Armenian

109. Speaking Armenian

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 about Armenian with Liana, a writer and journalist and creator of Dining in Diaspora, A book and multimedia project documenting the Armenian experience in America through food.

In this conversation, Liana talks about immigrating to the U.S. from Iran as a child and settling into the vast Armenian community in Southern California. We talk about the Armenian language changes through the diaspora and the other languages that have influence on diaspora speakers all over the world. We talk about differences between the Eastern & Western Armenian dialects and efforts being made to revitalize Western Armenian. Liana talks about diversity within Armenian culture and the melodic cadence of the Iranian-Armenian dialect. She tells us about ways that the Armenian community has been able to remain connected to the culture and because she writes about food, we discuss some of her favorite dishes and Armenian contributions to American cuisine.

Big thank you to Liana for this conversation and sharing your language, heritage and history of your community 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. 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 in the show notes! 

To Find Liana:

Dining in Diaspora: https://www.diningindiaspora.com/

Website: http://www.lianaaghajanian.com/

Instagram @diningindiaspora


Speaking Tongues listeners receive a special 10% off all languages with our friends at NaTakallam!  NaTakallam pairs displaced people with learners worldwide for online language learning & cultural exchange. With NaTakallam, you can support these individuals & their host communities by working with them as online tutors, teachers, translators, & cultural exchange partners – regardless of their location & status. Use the code SPEAKING10 at www.natakallam.com to redeem your discount. NaTakallam -- Learn a Language, Make a Friend, Change a Life.


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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Jul 25, 202201:01:54
108. Speaking Urdu

108. Speaking Urdu

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 about Urdu language and Pakistani culture- and global citizenry with Faiza, an Urdu language educator, author and content creator.

In this episode Faiza talks to us about the languages she was exposed to while growing up in Karachi. We learn about the similarities and differences between Urdu and Hindi and how many Urdu speakers can also understand spoken Hindi.  We talk about the importance of greeting in Urdu and we even learn how the greetings change depending on the age of the person you’re speaking with. We talk about her going from a speaker of Urdu to navigating how to be an educator of the language and why she still considers herself a student of Urdu. Faiza tells us important points about identity and why it’s important to not just assume a person’s heritage based on their looks. She also tells us about her published children's book and her mission to get children interested in reading - in any language, not just in Urdu.

Big thank you to Faiza for sharing bits of your language and heritage 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. 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 Faiza:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/teacher_missfaiza/

Go Read PK 

One Black Cat: Aik Kala Billa 

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here 

Jul 18, 202249:32
107. Speaking Hebrew, Arabic & Persian

107. Speaking Hebrew, Arabic & Persian

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. We are back after a short break this week to talk about Hebrew, Arabic and Persian with Erin who is a Western & Central Asian linguist and academic, a translator and teacher.

In this episode, Erin and I talk about her beginnings as a linguist through the Spanish and French languages and how she came to studying Arabic and Semitic languages. She tells us about the grammar and spoken similarities between Arabic and Hebrew and about loan words and influences on Persian from Arabic. We unpack the terms Persian, Farsi and Dari and try to understand when to use which and where in the world we can expect to use each term. Erin tells us about her view on being a professional translator and why it’s not as simple a job as an outsider may think. She tells us about what she thinks it means to embody a language and the important nuances of appropriation vs appreciation. Make sure you stay tuned to the end of this episode to learn a Syrian proverb along with me - there will be plenty of opportunities to practice the letter ghayn.

Big thank you to Erin for sharing your wisdom and expertise and languages 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! Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Linnea H and Pat N. 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 Erin:

IG trans.lingual

Twitter trans_lingual

Website: www.exhalingwords.com

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Jul 11, 202201:14:00
105. Speaking American Sign Language

105. Speaking American Sign Language

Hello Language Lovers. Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, I am joined by Wanyā, an American Sign Language  interpreter and we are talking about all things ASL!

Now this is just the audio version of our conversation and I really think the best way to listen in on our conversation would be to head over to YouTube and watch the video of our chat. In this episode, Wanyā tells us how ASL came into his life and how he started signing. We talk about things that may not be known by people outside of the deaf community, the basics of ASL and some of the first things that one learns in this language. Wanyā tells us why it’s important to learn ASL from a deaf person and how we can respectfully engage with the deaf community. He tells us how the interpretation profession works on a technical level and we talk about the different types of ASL interpretation. We also touch briefly on Black American Sign Language and in a second episode we are diving into a deeper conversation about Black American Sign Language with Dr. Joseph C. Hill of the Rochester Institute of Technology. You can find both of these episodes on YouTube and while you are over there, please make sure you subscribe, like and comment on these videos so that I will know that you are interested in more of this type of content.

Big thank you to Wanya for not only coming to chat with me about ASL but for also facilitating an introduction to Dr. Hill for episode 106 and for you time and effort in providing the closed captioning for this episode. 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! Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Heidi L., Linnea H and Pat N. 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 in the show notes!


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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here 

Jun 13, 202201:08:58
104. Speaking Brazilian Portuguese

104. Speaking Brazilian Portuguese

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 Emily from Tea with Emily about her journey to learning Brazilian Portuguese and about her tips for learning a language YOUR way.

In this episode, Emily tells us about her experience with learning other languages, including French, Spanish and Korean as a native British English speaker. She takes us back to the beginning of the pandemic when she started learning Portuguese with a challenge she named “ The Loneliness Project”. We talk about the way she has been able to use language exchange apps to her advantage and she also shares the dos and don'ts that work for her when finding a language partner. Emily is also a published author and she’s talking to us about her book series “How to Be Me: Life Stories” which is available now on Amazon in English and French. Spanish, German & Brazilian Portuguese. Link to buy is listed in the shownotes of this episode.

Thank you to Emily for sharing your language learning process 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! Special shout out to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Linnea H and Pat N. 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 in the show notes! 


To find Emily & How to Be Me series:

Website: https://campsite.bio/teawithemily

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here

Jun 06, 202257:23
103. Speaking Missouri French

103. Speaking Missouri French

Hello language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, we’re speaking about Missouri French with Louranse Deveraux, the founder of NorthAmericanFrench.com

In this conversation, Louranse is telling us about his exposure to Missouri French through family heritage. We learn about dialectical changes in Missouri French and relationships to other North American French dialects including Kouri Vini, Haitian Creole and New Orleans Creole.  He tells us about the places where French was historically spoken in the Midwest and where we see vestiges of the language in the area today. We also talk about foods that are part of the culture including the paw paw fruit and where possum is likely to end up on your dinner table. Louranse also tells us about the connection to Missouri French through Wolof and how storytelling and folk characters in the Missouri French culture retain a link to this Senegalese language.

Big thank you to Louranse for sharing your knowledge about the language and history of Missouri French 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. 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 in the show notes!

To find North American French

Website: northamericanfrench.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northamericanfrench

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northamericanfrench/

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here

May 30, 202256:56
102. Speaking Reunionese Creole

102. Speaking Reunionese Creole

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 Reunionese Creole - that’s the creole language spoken on the island of Reunion - with Nelsy of Yseuln Abroad.

In this episode, Nelsy the world traveler tells us about language and culture more close to home on Reunion. We talk about how French and Creole are used and the generational differences that occur when speaking the Creole. She tells us some expressions spoken by older people that haven’t made their way to the  younger generation and she even teaches us some basic creole phrases. Nelsy talks about understanding the way a Creole language is structured and how this can factor into understanding Creoles of the Caribbean. We also talk about dialects, food and diversity on Reunion and if there are any linguists out there, we are asking a big question about the relationship between Creole languages. Nelsy tells us what we can look forward to when we visit Reunion- from the food to the diversity and community of people on the island.

Thank you Nelsy for this conversation about Reunionese Creole and for sharing a part of your culture 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! Thank you to Speaking Tongues’ recent supporters and Patrons Linnea H. and Pat N. 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 in the show notes! 

To find Nelsy: 

Website: https://yseuln.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yseuln_abroad/


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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book, Taste Buds Vol 1., on Lulu.com  here

May 23, 202201:01:21
101. Speaking Tamil

101. Speaking Tamil

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 about Tamil with Aysha from Tamil for Kids.

In this episode, we talk about Tamil as it’s spoken in Singapore, where Aysha is from, and in Tamil Nadu in India. We talk about similarities between Malayalam and Tamil and how, through films and pop culture, she has been able to understand and communicate in basic Hindi. We discuss formal and spoken Tamil and the ways in which they differ and the Tamil grammar and alphabet including borrowings from Sanskrit. There’s also a moment here where Aysha is reading something I’m holding up in Tamil and if you want to see what we’re talking about, you can see images on my social media or my website to follow along. Aysha and I talk about

how clothing plays a part in strengthening familial bonds and linking generations, multilingualism in India and she tells us how she’s helping kids to learn Tamil in Singapore and beyond with Tamil for Kids.

Big thank you to Aysha for this fun conversation full of Tamil language, culture and laughs! 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! And, If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now support the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com. Patreon extras are coming soon! Links to all platforms are in the show notes! Ok! Let's chat!

To find Aysha:

IG : https://www.instagram.com/tamilforkids/

Website: https://tamil-for-kids.com/

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Pledge on going monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast

Buy my book here

May 16, 202254:31
100. Speaking with Elle Charisse
May 09, 202201:11:05
99. Speaking Thai

99. Speaking Thai

Hello language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week we are one conversation away from 100 episodes and in Episode 99, we are talking about the Thai language and culture with Grace.

Grace is a Thai teacher, polyglot, traveler and YouTuber based in Bangkok. In this episode we talk about Thai grammar  including the alphabet and its 72 letters! We get a lot of practice with tonality in the Thai language and understand how and when to use polite particles. We talk about similarities that Thai has to Chinese and the 5 distinct tones that are found in Thai. Grace tells us about dialects and changing accents throughout the country, some big do’s and don’ts that people visiting should consider, how she learned Thai boxing in Brazil and her words of warning when it comes to eating Thai cuisine.

Big thank you to Grace for this conversation and for sharing bits of Thai language and culture with 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! And, If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now support the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com. Patreon extras are coming soon! Links to all platforms are in the show notes! Ok! Let's chat!

To Find Grace

Thai with Grace : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtxPNb4l4rf4msU-oD-Abqg

Polyglot Grace : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN8CAEKDnWEamcYMJXpNecg

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

May 02, 202242:51
98. Speaking Saint Lucian Creole

98. Speaking Saint Lucian Creole

Hello language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Kimhia and Indira of Twossaints about their language of Saint Lucian Creole.

Kimhia and Indira talk about the development and influences that have shaped Saint Lucian Creole including grammar structures that have origins in Mandinka and Wolof. We talk about the history of Culture Day in Saint Lucia and the significance of madras. We talk about the grammar of the language and how it’s structured and we actually get some practice of the creole language. We talk about understanding French through Creole and the variations with other Caribbean Creoles, especially Haitian Creole. Kimhia and Indira tell us about their language academy and the importance of passing on the creole tradition as well as finding room to create new words in Creole. Diversions include: Code switching and accents, St. Lucian music, and what we can look forward to experiencing when we visit the island!

Big thank you to Kimhia and Indira for this conversation and for sharing the language and culture of your lovely island 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! And, If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now support the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com. Patreon extras are coming soon! Links to all platforms are in the show notes! 

To Find Twossaints:

Website: https://twossaints.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/twossaints/

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Apr 25, 202201:02:59
97. Speaking Singlish

97. Speaking Singlish

Hello language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week I’m delighted to share this conversation with Marcus where we talked about one of his languages, Singlish!

I’ve been very curious about Singaporean culture and language for a long time now and I’m so happy that Marcus had time to share a bit of his culture with me and all of us. In this episode, we talk about the languages of Singapore and how they mingle and coexist. We talk about the education system and which languages kids learn, code switching and even the various types of Singlish that can be heard in Singapore. Marcus talks about the Good English movement that started in the 2000’s by discouraging Singlish but how it has evolved and changed over time. He teaches us some Singlish phrases and words and we even have a slight diversion about the meaning of annual leave, the versatility of the word “ can” and how abbreviations play a big role in Singaporean vernacular.

Big thank you to Marcus for this lovely conversation and sharing your languages and culture 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! And, If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now support the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com. Patreon extras are coming soon! Links to all platforms are in the show notes! Ok! Let's chat!

To Find Marcus

Instagram: @goodsinglish

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Apr 18, 202256:09
96. Speaking Italian

96. Speaking Italian

Hello language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, we are talking about Italian with Elfin of All Things Italian.

In this episode, Elfin tells us about learning to speak Italian as a child when her family moved to Italy from America. We talk about identity and figuring out one’s place in between two different cultures. Elfin talks about the expectations vs the reality of life in Italy and how she found a way to fall in love with the country after a period of disillusionment. She tells us about the importance of learning a language for pleasure and how Italian can be useful for this purpose. She gives us a tip for learning the Italian language and even tells us how she has been able to inspire her students through travel and prompts which help them bring Italy closer into their lives.

Big thank you to Elfin for sharing this insightful look at Italian language and culture with 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! And, If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now support the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com. Patreon extras are coming soon! Links to all platforms are in the show notes! Ok! Let's chat!

To find Elfin:

Website: https://allaboutitalian.com/

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

Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Apr 11, 202257:13
95. Speaking Somali

95. Speaking Somali

Hello language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week I am joined in conversation by Sagal, the host of Memnoire podcast to talk about her language of Somali.

Sagal was so much fun to talk to and I had a ton to learn from her. In this conversation we talked about identity with language and how much it matters for language learners of color to see representations of themselves out in the world. We talk about French stereotypes and diversity in France & connecting to Somali culture in London. Sagal tells us about growing up in a Somali speaking home while learning English out in the world. She tells us a story about traveling to see her grandmother and being able to communicate with her in Somali and we even talk about Somali grammar and orthography! We talk about Somali representation in London including the one time of year where you’re likely to run into some big Somali celebrations!

Big thank you to Sagal for sharing parts of your language and culture with 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! And, If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now support the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com. Patreon extras are coming soon! Links to all platforms are in the show notes! Ok! Let's chat!

To find Memnoire podcast

Website: memnoire.com

Instagram: @memnoirethepodcast

Listen: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MRG2LpHh0fHTMLq6WVn2H

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Apr 04, 202257:44
94. Speaking Egyptian Arabic

94. Speaking Egyptian Arabic

Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, I’m honored to be joined by Dr. Mennat-allah El Dorry, an egyptologist and archaeobotanist to talk not only about her language of Egyptian Arabic but also about foods in egypt, past and present.

In this episode, Menna tells us which ancient and living languages are important to her work. We talk about the influences from Ancient Egyptian languages that we can hear in Modern Egyptian Arabic today and how certain grammatical elements from Coptic are heard in the Egyptian dialect. We talk about Arabic as it’s spoken in Cairo and the Cairene dialect while Menna tells us about the prevalence of the Egyptian dialect and why it is so understood by Arabic speakers all over. When it comes to food, Menna talks about how we know what Ancient Egyptians ate, and how egyptologists are able to understand Ancient cooking methods. We talk about changing food palettes and food choices, how Egyptian food varies all over the country and why it’s important to consider the past when we are consuming modern Egyptian cuisine.

Huge thank you to Menna for this conversation and for sharing your work, culture 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! And, If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now support the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com. Patreon extras are coming soon! Links to all platforms are in the show notes! Ok! Let's chat!

To Find Menna:

Instagram @eatlikeanegyptian

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Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

Mar 28, 202258:30