In this episode of the Languages Through Music podcast, I get to speak with Orlynda Vales, a special care counselor, linguist, and artist, who shares her rich language journey from Haitian Kréyol to Japanese. Orlynda and I met at the Polyglot Gathering in Prague last year.

Orlinda discusses the importance of language in healthcare, and how she balances her passions for art and languages.

#Languages #Linguistics #Mental #Health #Counseling #Art #Polyglot #Japanese #Spanish #WinterChallenge #Personal #Growth

I really enjoyed interviewing Yara (Yamkela), a wonderful isiXhosa teacher I met via iTalki, who made the amazing isiXhosa through Music resource for LTM.

In this chat, we learn more of her own musical journey and influences. Yara shares her earliest music memories, the significance of overtone singing in isiXhosa culture.

We discuss the language education system in South Africa, Yara's path to becoming a teacher, and her love for horticulture.

The conversation also touches on future language learning goals and the therapeutic aspects of music and language.

Enkosi, Yamkela!

https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/7821163

LTM Masterclass: www.languagesthroughmusic.com/

save 25% on sign up with code LTMPOD

www.languagesthroughmusic.com/learn-a-language

#music #language #learning #overtone #singing #SouthAfrica #teaching #horticulture #cultural #education, #traditional #isixhosa

After twenty years in international education, it's not every day that a school impresses you SO MUCH! 🤩🤩🤩

LTM made a visit in December 2024 and the inspiration is still bubbling. Thanks so much for hosting us, Bamboo School. Bamboo School is the future of education, for real! 🌱🎋🍄

https://www.mechaipattana.ac.th/

www.languagesthroughmusic.com

I finally got to meet Hermon Mehari, live and in person!

I was very geeked- I love his music and had even written him into one of my short stories with Afritondo where the main character was also a trumpetist :D

Later we found out we had our lovely Turkish teacher, Dilara, in common. The multi-award winning Eritrean jazz trumpetist happened to be in Bangkok at the same time as me, so this episode was recorded at Public House podcast studio, soi 31.

Hermon Mehari received his BM in Jazz Performance from the University of Missouri - Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance in 2010. In addition to performing, he dedicates himself to being a serious educator, runs a weekly musical radio program called "The Session" on the NPR-affiliate station KCUR 89.3, is an artistic director of the Collectif MiRR, and has participated in arts-related clinics and panels around the world. 

Listen in to discover Hermon's take on music, languages, self-study, travel, and much more.

"The Yoruba language must not die."

In this episode of the Languages Through Music podcast, Desta welcomes Professor Ajibade and his daughter Bisola to discuss the significance of the Yoruba language and culture.

They explore the personal and cultural influences that shaped their love for Yoruba, the challenges faced in preserving the language, and the growing interest in Yoruba studies both in Nigeria and the diaspora.

The conversation also touches on the impact of Afrobeat music on language learning, favorite Yoruba artists, and the wisdom found in Yoruba proverbs.

#Yoruba #language #culture #Afrobeat #education, #diaspora #literature #identity #languagepreservation, #YorubaMusic #proverbs

Ra Jikotea Niaku'no Ruiz León is a Taíno-Borikua artist and educator from Boriken (also known by the colonial name: Puerto Rico). Ra is the founder and director of Wuru Taíno Tekiro'uo, a grassroots initiative focused on promoting and celebrating Taíno language and culture through workshops, presentations, classes, and community gatherings. She is an enrolled tribal member of Higuayagua Taíno of the Caribbean and a member of the Hiwatahia-Taíno language team.
Ra Jikotea Niaku'no Ruiz LeónWuru Taíno Tekiro'uo Founder & Director, Taíno-Borikua artist & educator"Celebrating Taíno language and culture"

https://www.raruizleon.com/
https://www.raruizleon.com/wuru-taino

In this episode I get to interview my wonderful Thai teacher, Kru Pimmi. We talk about knowing your calling from a young age, and Kru Pimmi shares her journey of teaching English and Thai. We talk about London and and how it is buzzing with music and things to do, learn, try. We talk about Kru Pimmi's experience learning Spanish and her desire to learn Japanese and Arabic. We end on a philosophical note, and discover a prominent figure in Thai history and language study. Use the code 'KRU' (teacher in Thai for 10% off the LTM Masterclass: www.languagesthroughmusic.com/learn-a-language

Ekaete Alfred, Director of the Pan-African Academy, discusses the importance of teaching African history and languages. She founded Pan-African Academy in 2021 to ensure that children understand their history, where they come from, and their power. Ekaete shares her experience of teaching history in schools, and she also talks about the lesser-known Nigerian language, Annang, and the challenges of finding resources to teach it. Ekaete discusses her future plans for Pan-African Academy, including working with schools, producing more courses, and creating content about different parts of Africa.

JP Bimeni, a musician from Burundi, shares his earliest music memory and how his love for dancing led him to music. He discusses the importance of writing and performing in his native language, Kirundi, and the impact it has had on his connection to his culture. JP shares his love for Greek and Tanzanian music, as well as his fascination with Lingala.

Check out JP's music here, and if you are in the LTM Masterclass, his selections for Kirundi through Music! Murakoze.

#JPBimeni #musician #Burundi #Kirundi #language #learning music #culture #Greekmusic #Tanzanian music #Lingala

Check out Maëlan's music here!

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0n566rPD7blGzgvxaynNwL?si=owosHbjNQySfFHh74X7wAg

The multicultural London-based brother takes us on a journey from BXL to Dakar and back again through his bluesy, soulful sounds.

Join the LTM Masterclass!

www.languagesthroughmusic.com/learn-a-language