Speaking Tongues

In case you missed it, this is a repost of Episode 33. Speaking Swahili, Kikuyu & Sheng, first published Nov 16, 2020. Our guest Wairimu (@mwalimuwairimu) talks with us about experiences growing up in a multilingual environment and the origins of Swahili, its spread through East Africa, and the unique differences between coastal and Nairobi Swahili. In this episode, we discuss: 🇰🇪 Wairimu’s journey from being exposed to Kikuyu and English as a child to learning Swahili and French. 🇰🇪 The impact of educational policies on native language use in Kenyan schools and the broader implications for identity and culture. 🇰🇪 The cultural and linguistic diversity of Swahili, including its Bantu and Arabic influences and regional variations. 🇰🇪 The emergence and evolution of Sheng, a dynamic urban youth language in Nairobi, and the societal reactions to its growing prominence. 🇰🇪 The role of Swahili as a unifying language in Kenya and its use in various contexts, from marketplaces to media and politics. 🇰🇪 Wairimu’s personal project, Mwalimu Wairimu, and her mission to preserve and promote Swahili language and Kenyan culture through social media. 🇰🇪 My attempt at learning a Swahili proverb, showcasing the beauty and challenge of embracing a new language.

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, we're thrilled to explore several languages through jazz music, the legendary and influential Cesária Évora, and the new album, Cape Verdean Blues with the incredibly talented Kavita Shah. Kavita is an award-winning vocalist, composer, researcher, and educator who deeply engages with the jazz tradition while advancing its global sensibilities. In September 2023, after seven years of immersing herself in the traditional music of Cesária Évora on the Atlantic island of São Vicente, Kavita released her latest album, Cape Verdean Blues, which has been described as "gorgeous" by The Guardian and "quietly riveting" by The New York Times.  In this episode, we discuss: 🎵 Kavita’s multilingual journey, starting with Gujarati and spanning languages like Spanish, French, Portuguese, Yoruba, Hindi, Cape Verdean Creole, and more. 🎵 The influence of her multicultural upbringing in New York City and how it shaped her musical and linguistic path. 🎵 Her deep connection with Cesária Évora’s music and the profound impact of experiencing Cesaria live in concert while living in Brazil. 🎵 The journey of learning Cape Verdean Creole and the cultural significance of the language and music in Cape Verde. 🎵 The emotional and cultural resonance of the concept of "saudade" and how it connects to her own experiences of longing and belonging. 🎵 The process of creating her album Cape Verdean Blues, including her collaboration with Cesária’s musical director, Bau. 🎵 The founding of Folkalist Records, a music label centering female voices from the Global South, and its mission to celebrate and uplift diverse musical traditions. Thank you to Kavita for sharing your incredible linguistic and musical journey, your culture, and your music and our shared love of Cesaria with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Kavita Shah: Website: www.kavitashahmusic.com www.instagram.com/cantakavita  www.facebook.com/KavitaShahMusic https://www.youtube.com/KavitaShahMusic  www.twitter.com/cantakavita  FOLKALIST SOCIAL MEDIA Website: www.folkalistrecords.com www.instagram.com/folkalistrecords  www.facebook.com/FolkalistRecords Listen to Cape Verdean Blues: BandCamp: https://kavitashah.bandcamp.com/album/cape-verdean-blues Connect with 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

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, we're thrilled to have this conversation about Fado music and European Portuguese language with Cordeone, a multi-instrumentalist who began his musical journey at the tender age of nine. Cordeone's impressive repertoire includes the accordion, piano, classic guitar, Portuguese guitar, Brazilian percussion, drums, and bass. By 18, he had embarked on a professional music career, collaborating with artists across North and South America, the EU, and Africa. Today, he joins us to share his fascinating linguistic and musical adventures. In this episode, we discuss: 🇵🇹🇫🇷 Cordeone’’s bilingual upbringing in a Portuguese family in France, and how he navigated speaking both languages. 🇵🇹 The nuances of Portuguese dialects, including the differences between countryside Portuguese and Lisbon city Portuguese. 🇵🇹 The journey of reacquiring and refining his Portuguese language skills, especially through his passion for fado music. 🇵🇹 The influence of other languages on modern Portuguese, with slang phrases that come from Angola and Brazil 🇵🇹 The rich culture of Portugal, from the welcoming nature of its people to its diverse culinary delights. 🇵🇹 The distinct characteristics of fado music, its emotional depth, and the integral role of the Portuguese guitar. 🇵🇹 The evolution of fado, from traditional forms to contemporary expressions, and Cordeone’s personal contributions to the genre. 🇵🇹 The unique traditions within fado performances, including the playful, competitive exchanges between singers. Thank you to Cordeone for sharing your incredible journey, your culture, and your music with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Cordeone: www.cordeone.com Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/album/6qJVo4rGdQeMYjDnim2Xz9 Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cordeone/1215145816 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cordeone/featured Connect with 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

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, we're thrilled to chat with Chef Alexandra Strong, the executive chef for Restaurant Associates at the Mitsitam Café located at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Chef Alex shares her rich multicultural background with roots in the Indigenous Caribbean, West Africa, and Europe, and her unique culinary experience that honors the diversity of Indigenous communities of the Western Hemisphere.  In this episode, we explore: 🌽 Chef Alex’s journey from Puerto Rico to The Bronx, NY and how her Puerto Rican and Indigenous Taino heritage influences her culinary creations. 🌽 The linguistic and cultural differences between Puerto Rican Spanish in New York City versus on the island, and how these differences manifest in food traditions. 🌽 The importance of traditional ingredients and cooking methods, and Chef Alex’s commitment to honoring these practices in her dishes. 🌽 The fascinating connections between Caribbean and African cuisines, and the shared ingredients and dishes that link these cultures. 🌽 Chef Alex’s innovative approach to fusing traditional Puerto Rican flavors with other culinary traditions, such as her sweet plantain and goat cheese ravioli. 🌽 The role of language and communication in the kitchen, and how Chef Alex fosters a multicultural and inclusive environment for her diverse team. 🌽 The responsibilities of representing Indigenous cuisines authentically, and the importance of using traditional ingredients and techniques. 🌽 The significance of food as a medium for cultural expression, history, and storytelling, and how Chef Alex uses her platform to educate and celebrate Indigenous heritage. Thank you to Chef Alex for sharing your incredible journey, your culture, and your culinary wisdom with us and for being a beacon of Bronx excellence. A very special thank you to Raya Sfeir at Restaurant Associates and to the Mitsitam Café at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian for facilitating this conversation.  If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! Visit Mitsitam Café: Mitsitam Café at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian  Connect with 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

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, we're pumped to dive into Marathi language and culture with Uma, a writer, literary translator, and film enthusiast. In this conversation, Uma shares a wealth of knowledge about linguistic traditions in South Asia and shares her personal journey with translating her mother tongue, Marathi. In this episode, we explore: 🇮🇳 Uma’s linguistic background, growing up in Mumbai and learning multiple languages including Marathi, English, Gujarati, and Hindi. 🇮🇳 The linguistic diversity of Mumbai and how different languages influence each other in this melting pot city. 🇮🇳 The historical and cultural significance of Marathi, its literary traditions, and the influence of Persian on the language. 🇮🇳 The unique characteristics of Mumbai Hindi and how it differs from standard Hindi due to Marathi influence. 🇮🇳 Uma’s journey into literary translation, her passion for sharing Marathi culture, and the challenges and joys of translating literature. 🇮🇳 The vibrant Marathi cinema, notable directors, and films that showcase the cultural and historical richness of the Marathi-speaking community. 🇮🇳 The culinary delights of Maharashtra, including the famous Ukadiche Modak and the beloved Varan Bhaat. Thank you to Uma for sharing your work, your culture, and your language with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Uma: Instagram: @lyrically_obscure Connect with 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

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week we’re celebrating Ekpeye language and culture with Franca, founder of the  Speak Ekpeye Fluently Language Initiative, an NGO dedicated to the revitalization and promotion of the Ekpeye language.  In this episode we discuss:  🇳🇬the intricacies of the Ekpeye language, its tonal and descriptive nature used when communicating in the language 🇳🇬It’s similarities and differences to the Igbo language, and how despite often classified as a dialect of Igbo, the traits that make Ekpeye stand out as its own language 🇳🇬The debate between Ekpeye & Igbo over names with “chi” and the reasons people have for thinking these names belong to one or the other 🇳🇬We learn why until recently, there had not been a word in Ekpeye for “window” - and Franca tells us what that word is! 🇳🇬Festivals that are present in her community and how wrestling is a much beloved sport in Ekpeye land 🇳🇬How she started encouraging students to learn Ekpeye and the importance of being able to communicate in this language as well as one the major 3 Nigerian languages Thank you to Franca for sharing your knowledge, your culture, and your language with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Franca:  Website: https://speakekpeyefluently.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ekpeye_language_hub/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPEAK.ekpeye.fluently/?_rdc=1&_rdr YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@speakekpeyefluently692 7000 Languages: https://www.7000.org/ekpeye Connect with 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

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, we’re excited to share this conversation about the Irish and Valencian languages with Alexandra, a PhD candidate at the University of Valencia and a mentor with the Endangered Languages Project. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Alexandra now resides in Valencia, Spain, and shares her incredible journey and insights into these two vibrant languages and cultures. In this conversation, we discuss: 🇮🇪 Alexandra’s linguistic journey, starting with her first language, English, and her experiences learning Irish, Spanish, and Valencian. 🇮🇪 The dynamic linguistic landscape of Ireland, especially in Dublin, and how Irish is becoming more prevalent in urban areas. 🇮🇪 The structure and characteristics of the Irish language, including its verb-subject-object word order, initial mutations, and prepositional pronouns. 🇮🇪 The historical and ongoing efforts to promote and normalize the use of Irish in Dublin and other urban areas. 🇮🇪 The challenges and stigmas associated with speaking Irish in Dublin, and how these perceptions are being challenged and changed. 🇮🇪 Alexandra’s research on urban speakers of minoritized languages and her work with the Endangered Languages Project. 🇪🇸 The Valencian language and its relationship with Catalan, including the debate on whether Valencian is a variety of Catalan or a separate language. 🇪🇸 The cultural and linguistic diversity in Valencia, and the challenges faced by Valencian speakers in maintaining their language in urban settings. 🇪🇸 The impact of urbanization and globalization on minoritized languages, and the efforts to create spaces where these languages can thrive. 🇪🇸 Alexandra’s personal experiences and reflections on the importance of language and cultural identity in both Ireland and Valencia. Thank you to Alexandra for sharing your knowledge, your culture, and your languages with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Alexandra: Email: Alexandra@endangeredlanguages.com Schedule an ELP Mentor appointment/ Is féidir leat cruinniú saor in aisce a chur in áirithe anseo: https://endangeredlanguagesproject.as.me/schedule/9f4dee73/appointment/40138871/calendar/7762129?appointmentTypeIds[]=40138871 Connect with 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

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a special bonus episode of Speaking Tongues. Today, we have an extraordinary conversation with Ross Perlin, a linguist, writer, and translator, who joins us to discuss the endangered languages of New York City. Ross has written extensively for major publications and is the author of the compelling book "Language: The Fight to Preserve Endangered Mother Tongues in New York."  In this conversation, we explore: 🗽 Ross’s linguistic journey from growing up monolingual in New York to diving into multiple languages such as Mandarin, Spanish, French, Latin, Greek, Luo, Uyghur, and Russian. 🗽 His experiences in China, studying the Tibeto-Burman language Trung, and how this led to his work in language documentation and endangered languages. 🗽 The founding and mission of the Endangered Language Alliance (ELA) in New York City, an organization dedicated to urban linguistic diversity and supporting immigrant and diaspora communities. 🗽 The rich linguistic history of New York City, from its origins as a Lenape-speaking archipelago to its status as the most linguistically diverse city in the world. 🗽 Portraits of six speakers from different parts of the world who have come to New York and are actively documenting, defending, and teaching their endangered languages. 🗽 The impact of socio-political changes and challenges such as the 2016 election, COVID-19, and anti-immigrant politics on linguistic diversity in New York. 🗽 The future of endangered languages in New York amidst rising living costs and gentrification, and the importance of building a linguistic infrastructure to support these communities. Thank you to Ross Perlin for sharing your work, your insights and Language City with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Ross Perlin and the Endangered Language Alliance: Visit the Endangered Language Alliance: https://www.elalliance.org Explore the Language Map: https://languagemap.nyc Get Ross’s book, "Language: The Fight to Preserve Endangered Mother Tongues in New York": https://bookshop.org/a/104518/9780802162465 Connect with 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

Hello Language Lovers! Today, we’re thrilled to talk with Fari, a language lover and multilingual originally from Zimbabwe, joining us from Vancouver. Fari’s diverse linguistic journey has given her a unique perspective on the languages and cultures of Southern and Eastern Africa. In this conversation, we discuss: 🇿🇼 Fari’s first language, Shona, and her journey learning other languages such as Zulu, Ndebele, Swahili, Spanish, and more. 🇿🇼 The interconnectedness of Bantu languages and how understanding one can help you understand many others. 🇿🇼 Cultural nuances and respect embedded in the Shona language, especially when addressing elders. 🇿🇼 The impact of colonialism on Zimbabwean languages and culture, including the loss of traditional dress and the adoption of English names. 🇿🇼 The vibrant Zim Dancehall music scene, its roots, and how it reflects the struggles and triumphs of Zimbabwean life. 🇿🇼 The challenges of maintaining linguistic and cultural identity in the diaspora, especially among Zimbabweans in countries like England and Australia. 🇿🇼 The traditions and practices surrounding marriage and dowries in Zimbabwean culture. 🇿🇼 Fari’s personal experiences with language and culture, and her reflections on the importance of preserving and celebrating her heritage. Thank you to Fari for sharing your incredible linguistic journey, your culture, and your insights with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! Connect with Speaking Tongues: Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod 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

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, we’re thrilled to bring you a conversation about the Hausa language with Amina, an online Hausa teacher joining us from Nigeria. You know how much we love linguistic diversity and I’m so happy to share this conversation exploring the intricacies of Hausa language and the rich cultural tapestry of northern Nigeria.  In this conversation, we discuss: 🇳🇬 The linguistic landscape of Nigeria, highlighting the diversity with over 100 languages and the three widely spoken ones: Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. 🇳🇬 The structure and characteristics of the Hausa language, including its gender-based pronouns and sentence construction. 🇳🇬 The cultural significance of greetings in Hausa and how respect is woven into the language, especially when addressing elders. 🇳🇬 The influence of Arabic on Hausa due to historical trade and the spread of Islam, with examples of borrowed words.  🇳🇬 The regional variations of Hausa across Nigeria and neighboring Niger.  🇳🇬 The blending of Hausa with other languages such as English and French, and how this is reflected in modern communication, especially online.  🇳🇬 The vibrant Hausa media landscape, including Kannywood (!!), TV shows, and music, and Amina’s recommendations for Hausa shows on Netflix and YouTube. 🇳🇬 Cultural insights into Hausa traditions, such as weddings, clothing, and Eid celebrations. 🇳🇬 Practical advice for learners of Hausa, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural nuances and gender distinctions in the language. Thank you to Amina for sharing your knowledge, your culture, and your language with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Amina: Follow on Instagram: @learnhausawithmina Follow on Facebook: Learn Hausa with Amina https://www.facebook.com/learnhausawithamin/ Follow on TikTok: @learnhausawithamina Connect with 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

Hello Language Lovers! Welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week, we’ve reached episode 150 and I’m so proud to share this conversation about Babanki & Cameroon Pidgin with Pius Akumbu. Pius is a Cameroonian linguist working at LLACAN, a laboratory of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) that specializes in the study of the languages and cultures of Africa. He is also one of the language revitalization mentors of the Endangered Languages Project (ELP).  In this conversation we discuss:  🇨🇲 Pius’s first language, Babanki, also known as Kejom, and how it is used beside Cameroon Pidgin, English, 🇨🇲 The linguistic landscape of Cameroon, including the bilingual nature of the country with English and French-speaking regions. 🇨🇲 The structure and characteristics of Babanki, including its noun class system and tonal nature. 🇨🇲 The FASCINATING cultural and linguistic diversity within the Grassfields region of Cameroon 🇨🇲 The impact of colonialism on Cameroonian languages and the challenges faced in language preservation and revitalization. 🇨🇲 The role of Cameroon Pidgin as a language of wider communication and its spread across different regions. 🇨🇲 Efforts to promote and preserve Babanki, including community initiatives and the use of technology and social media. 🇨🇲 Cultural highlights of Cameroon, including traditional foods, music, and notable figures like MMA champion Francis Ngannou. 🇨🇲 We also learn about the importance of language and cultural identity, and Pius shares some fascinating insights into the unique aspects of Babanki, including honorific language used to address the chief of the Babanki kingdom. Thank you to Pius for sharing your knowledge, your culture, and your languages with us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long-time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Pius: Schedule an ELP Mentor appointment ⁠here / Vous pouvez prendre rendez-vous gratuitement ici : Connect with 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

Hello Language Lovers and welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. This week we are speaking about Tamazight and Moroccan Darija with Itto Outini. Itto is a journalist, Fulbright Scholar, Steinbeck Fellow, MacDowell Fellow, public speaker, and author of the forthcoming memoir, “Blindness is the Light of My Life”. She holds an MA in journalism and strategic media from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and a BA in applied linguistics from Mohamed V University in Rabat, Morocco. Itto has published with US-based and international outlets including The Relatable Voice Magazine, The Fulbright Chronicle, and The Chicago Tribune. Organizations for which she has spoken include The United Nations, Cal Tech University, Verizon Wireless, and The International Trade Centre. In addition to writing and speaking, she offers a diverse suite of services tailored to writers, young professionals, and entrepreneurs. In this episode we talk about:  🇲🇦 Itto’s first language, Tamazight, and her journey learning multiple languages including Moroccan Darija, French, Standard Arabic, and English. 🇲🇦 The challenges and triumphs of growing up in an isolated community in Morocco with no access to education. 🇲🇦 How Itto overcame immense personal struggles, including homelessness and blindness, to achieve academic and professional success. 🇲🇦 The structure and usage of Tamazight as spoken in Morocco, and its recent standardization including the introduction of the Tifinagh alphabet. 🇲🇦 The cultural and linguistic diversity within Morocco, including the various dialects of Arabic and Tamazight spoken across different regions. 🇲🇦 The importance of oral storytelling in Tamazight culture and how it influenced Itto’s love for language and journalism. 🇲🇦 Itto’s experiences as a multilingual individual navigating different cultural and linguistic identities. 🇲🇦 The creation and growth of Itto’s international media platform, The Date Keepers, which publishes work by journalists and non-fiction writers from around the world. Huge thank you to Itto for sharing your remarkable story, your languages, your culture and your work with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!  “Speaking Tongues  is not an official site of the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State. The views expressed on this site are entirely those of Speaking Tongues and do not represent the views of the Fulbright Program, the U.S. Department of State, or any of its partner organizations.” To Find Itto:  The DateKeepers Website: https://www.thedatekeepers.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ittooutini/ Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/itto-outinis-newsletter-7150166078709567488/ 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

Hello Language Lovers and thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues. Today, we’re talking about a language that I have really wanted to feature on the show for a long time! Gara is joining us from Tenerife to talk about Silbo Canario and Spanish spoken in the Canary Islands. With a deep passion for preserving and promoting the unique linguistic heritage of her homeland, Gara brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to our conversation. Gara shares her knowledge about how this form of whistled communication varies across different parts of the Canary Islands and even draws connections to similar practices in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. We uncover how whistled language conveys information over vast distances and how it was nearly lost to a recent generation who stopped whistling due to economic changes.  In this episode, Gara shows us how to whistle and the postures and placements that we use when we’re whistling. She gives us some examples of what she’s learned to say and she even tells us about the people in El Hierro island who are working to preserve Silbo Canario and the measures they are able to take to teach people who want to learn.  We also dive into the distinctive features of Spanish spoken in the Canary Islands. Gara shares insightful comparisons to Caribbean Spanish, highlighting the fascinating linguistic and cultural influences that shape the way Spanish is spoken in these regions. Thank you to Gara for having this conversation with us in English and for sharing your heritage and your languages with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!  Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFOPq3j7wGteY-PjcZaMxg 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

Hello Language Lovers and welcome back to a new episode of Speaking Tongues. Today we’re talking about Khroskyabs with Yulha. Yulha is native speaker of this endangered language, from the Tibetan Plateau. She has been working on documenting and revitalizing her mother tongue since her high school and she is optimistic of her work moving into a positive direction.  In this conversation, we discuss:  Life and tradition in Tibet and the meaning of “Tibetan-ness” Using language in Tibet and the role Buddhism plays in language standardization Oral traditions and storytelling within her community, and collecting sayings and proverbs in Khroskyabs How space and geography are encoded in Khroskyabs language Technology changing the way that we're able to conduct revitalization and preservation work with endangered languages Big thank you to Yulha for sharing your culture, your mother tongue and your amazing stories with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!  To Find Yulha: ELP mentor appointment: https://endangeredlanguagesproject.as.me/schedule/9f4dee73/appointment/40138205?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=40138205 Khrosyyabs mother tongue revitalization videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUgfvqpBlF7Tvurb_ChXvIg Warming Your Hands with Moonlight PDF https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/items/e76d2158-360d-46ac-8e85-1e0fedff6341 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

Hello Language Lovers. Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues, the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. Today, we’re talking with Joshua about Kannada, one of the several languages he grew up speaking in his native Karnataka. Joshua is an Indian expat living in France and owes a lot of finding his dream job to his language learning skills. He is from South India and speaks 9 languages at various levels. He works at L'oreal in Paris and makes videos on youtube about his language learning journeys among other topics in his free time. He's among the few expats that love their lives in Paris and owes a big chunk of that to his language learning too. In this episode we discuss:  🇮🇳 Joshua’s growing up in a very multilingual family  🇮🇳 Linguistic diversity that we experience in Karnataka 🇮🇳 How a chance encounter led him to Urdu poetry and calligraphy 🇮🇳 How Kannada changes between north and south regions of  Karnataka  🇮🇳 Ancient poetry you can still hear sung on the streets  Big thank you to Joshua for sharing your culture, your love of language and your incredible stories with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!  To Find Joshua  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuaaravind/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshuabalata Website: joshuabalata.com 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