In this episode, host Francine Barchett interviews Mr. Nielson Sophann Hul, a Khmer Lecturer at the University of Washington (at the time of the interview, he was defending his PhD in Linguistics at Cornell University). Mr. Hul's research explores how heritage Khmer speakers in the Northwestern US use implosives, or stop consonants, in their speech. He reveals that fluent Khmer speakers and speakers who have spent less time in the US generally use more implosives than others. Mr. Hul explains the importance of his findings: among immigrant communities, practicing one’s native language strongly connects with their cultural and communal identities. Keeping listeners on their toes, Mr. Hul goes on to share his reflections as a veteran navigating graduate school, a bread baking addict, and a teacher returning to his roots.

Lightning round: 4:40

Research and Lecture Summary: 11:50

Recommendation and advice for researchers: 34:50

Mr.Hul’s Top Recommendations: 

• Still I Strive - Documentary by A. Todd Smith & Adam Pfleghaar

The music on the podcast is from "14 Strings!", a Filipino style Rondalla group established in Cornell University. Check them out here.  Produced by Adam Farihin, Neen Tangcharoenmonkong, and Cecilia Liu.