Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, I’m thrilled to welcome Katrin, the creator behind Slow Swedish, the #1 Swedish language account on Instagram. As the host of the Learn Swedish and Slow Swedish with Katrin podcasts, she bridges the gap between traditional language learning apps and authentic spoken Swedish.

Katrin shares her language journey from growing up in Sweden with a multicultural background to becoming a passionate advocate for the Swedish language. We talk about her experiences learning languages, including her upcoming adventure into Finnish, and the unique challenges she faces as a native speaker teaching Swedish to learners around the world.

In this episode, we discuss:

 🇸🇪 The nuances of Swedish gendered nouns and the complexities of mastering them.

 🇸🇪 The significance of cultural identity and how it can shape one's relationship with language.

 🇸🇪 The role of social media in language learning and how Katrin has been able to master her content for Instagram.

 🇸🇪 The importance of understanding language from a learner's perspective and the joy of teaching.

 🇸🇪 Fun Swedish sayings that give us glimpses into Swedish society and a and tongue twister that really makes us regret not asking sooner about how the alphabet is pronounced!

Big thank you to Katrin for sharing your insights and passion for the Swedish language with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Katrin:

Instagram: @slowswedish_  https://www.instagram.com/slowswedish_/ 

Website: slowswedish.com

Podcasts: Learn Swedish and Slow Swedish with Katrin

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 ongoing 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

#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #LearnSwedish #SlowSwedish #CulturalIdentity

Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues we're having a joyous and heartfelt conversation with Ryan Samn, the writer, creator, and educator behind the Instagram account All Things Cambodian. 

Ryan talks with us about his multicultural background,he reflects on the complexities of language and culture,and we discuss his experiences learning Khmer and the emotional connections that come with it.

 In this episode we discuss:

 🇰🇭 The rich history of the Khmer language and its variations across regions.

 🇰🇭 The significance of family ties and cultural heritage in shaping Cambodian identity.

 🇰🇭 The importance of preserving and sharing Cambodian culture in the diaspora.

 🇰🇭 Ryan's experiences with code-switching and the blending of cultural influences in his life, including his connection to the Tahitian community and diaspora

 🇰🇭 The vibrant community of Cambodian content creators and the need for diverse narratives in storytelling.

Big thank you to Ryan for sharing your insights and passion for Cambodian culture and language with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Ryan:

Instagram: @allthingscambodian

Books: Available on Square and Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C53PZ412?ccs_id=c18ffd56-d717-4697-b4d4-262b58c6f58a

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 ongoing 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

#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #CambodianCulture #KhmerLanguage

Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are so thrilled to welcome Cleyvis Natera, the acclaimed author of "Neruda on the Park"  to talk about Dominican Spanish language and her latest novel "The Grand Paloma Resort" which is out August 12! 

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, Cleyvis shares her journey as a writer and the cultural nuances of both places that inspire her work. 

In this conversation we discuss: 

 🇩🇴 The vibrant expressions of Dominican Spanish and its unique characteristics including its joyous and humorous tones.

 🇩🇴 Some of the themes Cleyvis is approaching and exploring through her characters in the Grand Paloma

 🇩🇴 The interplay of privilege and hardship depicted in Caribbean tourism and how that impacts those of us with Caribbean heritage

 🇩🇴 The impact of tourism on the Dominican Republic, the intricate dynamics of life at a luxury resort, and the stories that often go untold.

 🇩🇴 Writing the Grand Paloma Hotel and what Cleyvis hopes that readers connect with through this story and its characters. 

Huge thank you to our friend Cleyvis for sharing “The Grand Paloma Resort” and your passion for Dominican culture and literature with us.  If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Cleyvis:

Website: cleyvisnatera.com

Instagram: @cleyvisnatera

Buy The Grand Paloma Resort Here: https://bookshop.org/a/104518/9780593873267

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 ongoing 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

#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #DominicanCulture #CleyvisNatera #TheGrandPalomaResort

Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, I’m so excited to welcome Dr. Erin McNulty, a researcher specializing in the sociolinguistics of minoritized languages at the University of Glasgow.  I’m so excited that we’re finally getting a chance to talk about Manx and I hope you are too because this is a very linguistics & language revitalization focused episode. 

Our conversation explores Erin's journey with Manx, from her early experiences learning the language in primary school to her current research on its revitalization. We discuss the unique challenges and triumphs of Manx as it transitions from near extinction to a growing community language. Erin shares insights on the structure of Manx Gaelic, including its verb-initial sentence structure and grammatical gender, as well as the intriguing phenomenon of initial consonant mutation.

In this episode, we discuss:

 🇮🇲 The historical context of Manx Gaelic and its relationship with other Celtic languages.

 🇮🇲 The importance of community involvement in the revitalization efforts of Manx.

 🇮🇲 The role of digital tools and social media in fostering a new generation of Manx speakers.

 🇮🇲 The potential for Manx to serve as a model for other minoritized languages facing similar challenges.

 🇮🇲 Unique expressions and sayings in Manx, including the unofficial slogan of the Isle of Man, which embodies the island's laid-back ethos.

Thank you, Erin, for sharing your expertise and passion for the Manx language and culture with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Dr. Erin:

https://www.learnmanx.com/ - perfect place to start a Manx learning journey

https://corpus.gaelg.im/ - the digital text corpus 

https://culturevannin.im/ - where to find out more about Manx language and culture

https://www.biosphere.im/ - the UNESCO biosphere 

https://www.visitisleofman.com/ - how to plan a holiday!

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 ongoing 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

#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #ManxGaelic #CelticLanguages #LanguageRevitalization

Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, I am so very honored to talk with Ra Jikotea Niaku'no, a Taino Boricua artist and educator, about Taino language, culture, and heritage. Ra shares her journey, rooted in the islands of Borikén (which you also may know as Puerto Rico), as she navigates the complexities of identity and language in a post-colonial context.

Throughout our conversation, Ra discusses the multifaceted nature of language in Borikén, where Spanish, Taino, and African influences intertwine. She highlights the importance of preserving Taino language and how it has evolved, including the creation of a comprehensive Taino dictionary and the innovative ways in which new words are formed. We explore how language serves as a bridge to reconnect with ancestral roots and the significance of cultural identity in the modern world.

In this episode, we discuss:

 🌎 The historical context of Taino language and its relevance today.

 🌎 The impact of colonization on language preservation and identity.

 🌎The role of community in reclaiming Taino heritage and promoting language education.

 🌎 Unique Taino expressions and their meanings, including playful wordplay.

 🌈 The evolution of language in contemporary Taino culture, including the introduction of terms for the LGBTQ+ community.

A heartfelt thank you to Ra for sharing your wisdom and passion for Taino culture, language and heritage with us.  If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Ra:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rajikotea/?hl=en

Wuru Taíno Tekiro’uo

https://www.instagram.com/wurutaino/?hl=en

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOpzJeXr4B4

YouTube: 

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

Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/525q7jYl9jqVhcLcl5mlzD?si=tmRXnvO2TJGz4Vywh3rNhg&nd=1&dlsi=96e5f3c3506141ba

Wuru Taíno Institute 

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

For bookings, workshops, presentations, classes, and other inquiries: [email protected]

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 ongoing 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

#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #TainoCulture #Borikén #Puertorico

Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are thrilled to welcome Paul, a Syrian-American author and musician based in Philadelphia. In this episode, we’re talking about his fascinating journey navigating his cultural identity through language, music, and food. Paul shares his experiences growing up in Texas’s linguistic landscape, the challenges of maintaining his Arabic, and the incredible diversity of Syrian culture.

From his childhood memories of summer trips to Syria to the complexities of dialects and the beauty of Arabic, Paul talks with us about his ongoing relationship with his heritage language. We also explore the vibrant culinary scene of Syria, where food serves as a bridge between cultures and generations.

In this episode, we discuss:

 🇸🇾 The impact of growing up in a Syrian-American household and the significance of language in shaping identity.

 🇸🇦🇧🇭 Paul’s experiences living in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and how those shaped his understanding of Arabic dialects.

 🇸🇾A delightful exploration of Syrian cuisine, from shawarma to kibbeh, and the cultural importance of food.

🇸🇾 Insights into the nuances of Arabic language and culture, including common phrases and idioms that reflect Syrian identity.

Big thank you to Paul for sharing your global experiences and your language with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Paul:

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paulnmatthis

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 ongoing 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

#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #SyrianAmerican #ArabicLanguage

Hello Language Lovers!

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are thrilled to welcome back the endlessly talented and effortlessly cool Desta Haile, founder and director of Languages Through Music. With a rich background in music and multicultural experiences, Desta shares how her journey through various languages has shaped her identity and teaching philosophy. This is our second chat with Desta and if you’re curious, scroll all the way back to episode 47 for our first conversation!

Desta's linguistic journey began in Thailand and her global childhood experiences in Barbados, Belgium, Ivory Coast and Brazil led her to learn French and Portuguese, while her passion for music unlocked her confidence in language learning. In this episode, we dive into her love for music and its transformative power in understanding and connecting with different cultures.

In this episode, we discuss:

- 🎤 How music became a powerful tool for Desta in her language learning journey and teaching methods.

- 🌍 The significance of real-life experiences in shaping linguistic identity and cultural understanding.

- 🎶 The evolution of Languages Through Music and its impact on students from diverse backgrounds.

- 📚 Desta's upcoming book projects, including a focus on underrepresented languages and cultural histories.

- 💡 The importance of emotional connections in music and how they enhance the learning experience.

Thank you to Desta for sharing your insights, experiences, and the magic of music with all of us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below!

To Connect with Desta:

Website: https://www.languagesthroughmusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/languagesthroughmusic/#

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6i4Nv5xG75Ty9oEg80J1wT?si=375e5ead78dc4cc9&nd=1&dlsi=a979280672e74fc2 

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 ongoing 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

#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #music #multilingualism

Hello Language Lovers! 

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we’re so excited to be talking with Kambai about the Tyap language. Kambai hails from the Middle Belt (central) of Nigeria. He is a minoritized language advocate and speaks the Tyap language. 

Between 2007 and 2020, he developed a writing system called the Akai script for the Nenzit languages. In June 2014, he started the Tyap Language Institute of Nigeria - The TyALIN, to actively promote Tyap language development through social media. Later in the same year, he self-published a few copies of a Tyap-English dictionary. Today, he leads all Tyap-related projects on Wikimedia; he co-founded the Tyap Wikipedia (2022), Tyap Wiktionary (2023), Tyap Wikimedians User Group (2022), and its incorporated Organisation (2023). These initiatives are aimed at making it easier for language learners of all ages to link back to their roots through technology, and support native speakers to boost their self-esteem as a people to protect, develop, and promote their identity.

In this episode we discuss: 

🇳🇬 Kambai's early language experiences and the impact of growing up in a diverse linguistic landscape.

📖 The challenges and triumphs of creating educational resources for the Tyap language, including his work on a dictionary project.

🌍 The significance of cultural identity and the role language plays in community and personal history.

🎓 The process of advocating for Tyap on platforms like Wikipedia, and the importance of representation for lesser-known languages.

🌱 Kambai's vision for the future of Tyap and the need for a printing press to support language development and preservation.

Speaking of printing press, if any of our listeners are able to help Kambai with his vision for establishing a printing press for the Tyap language, please reach out and let us know. 

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

To Connect with Kambai: 

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

Tyap Wikimedians organisation https://kcgwikimedia.org.ng/ 

The Tyap Language Institute of Nigeria : Facebook: web.facebook.com/thetyalin / Instagram: instagram.com/tyap_language_learning 

Tyap language: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyap  

Atyap: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atyap 

Southern Kaduna: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Kaduna 

Tyap Wikipedia: https://kcg.wikipedia.org

Tyap Wiktionary: https://kcg.wiktionary.org

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 ongoing 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

#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #NigerianLanguages #TyapLanguage

Hello Language Lovers! 

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we’re so excited to welcome language enthusiast, teacher, freelancer and card game extraordinaire Tiara to talk about her language journey through Latin, Ancient Greek & Korean. For this conversation, Tiara joined us all the way from Daegu in South Korea. 

Tiara discusses the challenges and joys of learning multiple languages, including the unique experience of studying Latin and its connection to her understanding of Italian and Spanish. She reflects on her time in college, where she navigated the complexities of learning both Latin and Ancient Greek simultaneously, and how this foundation has influenced her approach to other languages.

In this episode, we discuss: 

🇰🇷 Tiara's journey from the U.S. to South Korea and her mission to create a language school that focuses on building confidence and practical language skills.

🎓 The impact of Tiara’s experiences as a language learner on her teaching philosophy, emphasizing empathy and understanding for her students.

🇰🇷 The cultural nuances of living in Korea, including the importance of respect in communication and the delightful surprises of Korean cuisine.

♠️ Tiara's love for games and how she integrates them into language learning, creating a fun and engaging environment for her students.

❤️ The significance of connection through language, culture, and shared experiences, and how Tiara aims to foster this through her work.

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

To Connect with Tiara 

Instagram: 

Speak in Spades

Maeil Hail Korean

Tiki Talka

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 ongoing 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

#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #korean #languagelearning

Hello Language Lovers!

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are SO thrilled to welcome French singer-songwriter Mike Ibrahim, a multifaceted artist whose work intertwines the intimate and the political. With a poetic lens, Mike discusses his upcoming LP, La Ballade de Salvatore Lupo, which explores themes of memory, belonging, and the coexistence of life and death through his unique experiences.

We discuss Mike's linguistic journey, starting with his first language, French, and the Creole of Martinique, which he embraces as a vital part of his identity. He shares how these languages shape his artistic expression and reflect his childhood memories, connecting him to the sounds of his youth.

In this episode we discuss:

🎶 The dynamics of writing songs for others and for himself, and how he navigates the complexities of language and cultural identity in his lyrics.

🇲🇶 The significance of Caribbean literature and its impact on his artistry, highlighting influential authors like Édouard Glissant and Patrick Chamoiseau.

🇫🇷 The profound themes of intimacy, politics, and social commentary that permeate his music, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences.

✨ Mike's latest single “L’Amour Est Une Langue Étrangère”, the interplay between language and space, and how art can emerge from the simplest moments in nature and everyday life.

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

Listen to the new single, L’amour est une langue étrangère. Click the link of one of the streaming platforms below:

Spotify

YouTube Music

Apple Music

Amazon Music

To Connect with Mike

Le Marion Dufresne

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mike_ibrahim/

https://www.instagram.com/lemariondufresne/

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 ongoing 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

#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #music #creole