Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we dive into the intricate world of bilingualism and translation with Melanie Marquez Adams and Emily Hunsberger, author and translator respectively of Wonderland, a collection of crónicas, essays, and experimental texts.

Melanie Márquez Adams is an Ecuadorian American writer. She is the author of two collections of short stories and two essay collections as well as the editor of the anthology Del sur al norte: Narrativa y poesía de autores andinos, winner of a 2018 International Latino Book Award. 

Emily Hunsberger is a Philadelphia-based translator working in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. 

In this episode we discuss:

🇪🇨 Melanie's journey from Ecuador to the U.S. and how her bilingual identity and atypical immigration story has shaped her writing and perspective on language.

✍️ The differences in regional Spanish within the U.S. and how they have influenced Melanie's work as a writer.

📖 Emily's experiences as a translator and the importance of cultural knowledge in facilitating effective translations.

📖Their collaborative project, Wonderland, which showcases Melanie's crónicas and Emily’s process of translating them into English.

🌟 The significance of questioning stereotypes and assumptions in writing & translation and how they aim to create empathy and understanding through their work.

Big thank you to Melanie and Emily for sharing their insights and experiences with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts, 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 the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!

Wonderland: https://www.mouthfeelbooks.com/product/wonderland-cr-nicas-of-belonging-in-am-rica/75

To Connect with Melanie Marquez Adams:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Melanie-M%C3%A1rquez-Adams/author/B0763BJ2F8?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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

To Connect with Emily Hunsberger:

Tertulia Spanish https://tertuliaspanish.com/about/

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#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #translation #spanish

Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we’re discussing the linguistic and cultural heritage of Galicia with Dani, a passionate Galician language teacher and content creator. Dani shares his journey of embracing his bilingual identity and the challenges faced while navigating the complexities of Galician and Spanish in a rapidly changing linguistic landscape.

In this episode we discuss:

🌟 Dani's bilingual upbringing in Galicia, where he learned both Galician and Castilian Spanish, and how his early experiences shaped his relationship with these languages.

🌟 The social stigma surrounding the Galician language and the impact of stereotypes on its speakers, particularly among younger generations.

🌟 The unique phonetic features of Galician that set it apart from Spanish, including its distinct sounds and grammatical structures.

 🌟The historical evolution of Galician, from its golden age to its current status in Spain, and the ongoing efforts to revitalize and preserve it.

🌟 Dani's insights on Galician folklore, including fascinating myths and legends, and their connection to the region's cultural identity.

🌟 The role of music and social media in promoting the Galician language and culture, and how the next generation is embracing their linguistic heritage.

A huge thank you to Dani for sharing your story and insights about the Galician language and culture. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts, 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 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 Dani:

Instagram: @galicianwithdani

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#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #galician

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we embark on a fascinating journey through the linguistic and cultural tapestry of Nigeria with Raphael, a multilingual storyteller and podcaster. Raphael shares his unique experiences growing up in Jos, Nigeria, navigating the complexities of language and identity amidst a rich backdrop of diverse cultures.

In this episode we discuss:

🇳🇬 Raphael's first language journey, starting with English and Ijaw, and his experiences learning Yoruba, Hausa, Pidgin English, and a bit of German and French.

🇳🇬 The impact of growing up in a multilingual environment and how different languages shaped his interactions and sense of identity.

🇳🇬 The significance of water in Ijaw culture, including its connection to mythology and the community's historical ties to river life.

🇳🇬 Raphael's reflections on the importance of community gatherings and how they foster a sense of belonging and cultural continuity among the Ijaw diaspora.

🇳🇬 The challenges and beauty of navigating multiple languages and cultures, and how these experiences have enriched his life and storytelling.

🇳🇬AFCON 2025 predictions and who Raphael would like to see bring home the big trophy! 

A huge thank you to Raphael for sharing your story and insights with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers 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 Raphael and White Label American:

https://www.whitelabelamerican.com/

https://www.instagram.com/whitelabelamerican/

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Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues we’re having a conversation about Piemontese & Lombard with Guglielmo, co-founder and president of De Vulgare, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about minoritized languages. With a rich background in special education, history, and archaeology, Guglielmo shares his insights on the linguistic landscape of northern Italy. 

Join us as we discuss:

🇮🇹 Guglielmo’s personal language journey, starting with Italian as his first language and his experiences learning English and Spanish, as well as his challenges as a passive speaker of Piemontese and Lombard.

🇮🇹 The social stigma surrounding minoritized languages in Italy, and the pressures of perfectionism that often inhibit speakers from using their native dialects.

🇮🇹 The geographical and historical distinctions between Piemontese and Lombard, and how these languages have evolved in different regions of Italy.

🇮🇹 The cultural significance of local dialects and how they reflect the history and identity of their speakers, including the rivalries among different dialects within Lombard.

🇮🇹 The role of social media in revitalizing interest in minoritized languages, and how younger generations are beginning to embrace their linguistic heritage.

🎉 Guglielmo also shares exciting traditions and festivals that celebrate these languages, highlighting the importance of community and cultural preservation.

A huge thank you to Guglielmo for sharing your passion and knowledge with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers 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 Guglielmo and De Vulgare: 

Instagram: @de_vulgare

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#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #piemontese #lombardo

Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we explore the vibrant linguistic and cultural landscape of Mauritius with multilingual music artist, writer, producer, and podcaster Lazou. Growing up in a melting pot of languages, Lazou shares her unique experiences navigating English, French, and Mauritian Creole.

In this episode we discuss:

🇲🇺 Lazou's multilingual upbringing, balancing English, French, and Mauritian Creole, and the influence of her family's language dynamics.

🇲🇺 The intergenerational transmission of languages in Mauritius, and how cultural identity shapes language use within families.

🇲🇺 The role of Creole as a vibrant and accessible language, and its evolution in the context of modern communication.

🇲🇺 The impact of media on language exposure, and how the shift from French to English is changing the linguistic landscape in Mauritius.

🇲🇺 The culinary connections to her Chinese heritage, and how traditional foods play a crucial role in cultural identity and community bonding.

🎙️ Lazou's podcast, Nuances, where she amplifies Asian voices and explores themes of identity, language, and social justice within the Asian diaspora.

Big thanks to Lazou for sharing your culture, your languages, your love of spicy food 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 Lazou:

Nuances Podcast: https://nuancespod.com/

Connect with Speaking Tongues:

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In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we dive into the world of culinary storytelling and global flavors with Chef Einav Gefen. A seasoned chef and innovator, Einav shares her journey from her roots in Israel to her current role at Restaurant Associates, where she champions quality and sustainability in the culinary arts. 

Join us as we discuss:

🫒Chef Einav's multilingual upbringing, with Hebrew as her first language and her experiences learning English, German, Arabic, and French, and how these languages shaped her culinary journey.

🧅 The intersection of food and culture, and how culinary traditions reflect the history and stories of the communities they originate from.

 🌶️The importance of respect and communication in the diverse kitchen environment, and how language plays a crucial role in fostering teamwork and understanding.

🥚 The evolution of culinary practices and the acceptance of personal interpretations of traditional dishes, highlighting the creativity and adaptability of chefs in the modern culinary landscape.

 🍅Her insights on sustainability in food sourcing and the responsibility chefs have to tell the stories behind the ingredients they use, connecting diners to the origins of their meals.

 🥒The role of women in the culinary industry, the challenges they face, and the importance of mentorship and support for future generations of female chefs.

Big thanks to Chef Einav for sharing her culinary wisdom and experiences with us. Thank you also to Restaurant Associates for facilitating this conversation with Chef Einav.

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!

01:31 Chef Einav's Multilingual Background

03:19 Culinary Journey and Global Experiences

04:17 The Melting Pot of Kitchen Languages

06:33 Exploring Middle Eastern Cuisine

13:00 Passion for Food and Early Influences

19:56 Challenges and Responsibilities of an Executive Chef

25:29 Storytelling Through Food

28:51 Connecting Communities Through Cuisine

32:30 Cultural Reflections Through Food

33:20 Language and Belonging in the Kitchen

36:54 Embracing New Culinary Experiences

41:42 The Role of Women in the Culinary Industry

43:46 Impact of COVID-19 on the Food Industry

51:07 Working with Restaurant Associates

54:03 Favorite Dishes and Spices

Restaurant Associates:

https://www.restaurantassociates.com/

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Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues we’re going back to the roots in The Bahamas with multifaceted Bahamian artist Bodine Victoria. Heralded as one of the most consistent hitmakers in the local music business, Bodine Victoria has turned her gift for communication into a successful multi-faceted business. 

An actress, entertainer, presenter, and entrepreneur with 20-years of broadcast experience, She produces the YouTube series BodinePot and showcases the islands of The Bahamas through the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas show on ZNS' Fabulous Living Bahamian Style, lifestyle television series.  

She performs on the largest national and regional stages having opened for Patrice Roberts, Bunji Garlin, Kymani Marley and many more.  Bodine Victoria's music is steeped in culture with futuristic elements.  A true renaissance woman, Bodine Victoria Johnson is committed to the culture of education, entrepreneurship and entertainment.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇧🇸 Bodine's linguistic journey, starting with Bahamian Creole & English, and her efforts to learn Haitian Creole to connect with the diverse communities in the Bahamas.

🇧🇸 The diversity of languages spoken in the Bahamas, including the presence of Haitian Creole, and the cultural exchanges that occur in everyday life.

🇧🇸 The unique characteristics of Bahamian Creole, how it differs from Standard English and other Caribbean Creoles, and its deep African roots.

🇧🇸 The influence of Bahamian Creole in music and how artists like Bodine use it to convey cultural stories and messages through their art.

🇧🇸 The culinary delights of Bahamian cuisine, including Bodine's YouTube series "Bodine Pot," where she shares and preserves traditional recipes with a modern, healthier twist.

🇧🇸 The cultural significance of Junkanoo, a vibrant Bahamian festival, and its role in expressing community identity and heritage.

Big thank you to Bodine Victoria for sharing your work, your inspirations 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 Bodine Victoria:

www.bodinevictoria.com

Timestamps:

01:18 Bodine's Language Journey

04:37 Cultural Significance of Bahamian Creole

10:44 Bahamian Dialects and Regional Variations

30:48 Empowering Students with Bahamian Creole

36:29 Bodine's Musical Journey

39:22 Early Career and First Achievements

40:23 Gospel Music Journey

41:01 Transition to Reggae

41:29 Major Hits and Music Videos

44:39 Cultural Impact and Community Work

47:24 Cooking and Bahamian Recipes

48:51 Bodine Pot and Cooking Philosophy

53:21 Food as a Cultural Connection

01:00:09 Favorite Bahamian Dishes

01:03:39 The Coconut Goddess and Versatility

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This episode was originally published as Episode 39 on January 11, 2021.

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we're having a conversation about Martiniquais Creole and French with our guest Mickael, founder of French Class NYC. Mickael shares his insights on the Creole spoken in Martinique and the French spoken in France, discussing the cultural and linguistic nuances that define these languages.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇲🇶 Mickael's bilingual upbringing, with Creole as his mother tongue and French as the official language, and how this shaped his cultural identity.

🇲🇶 The perception versus reality of people of color in France, highlighting the diversity and expression of Black voices in French culture.

🇲🇶 The representation of French Caribbean culture in Paris and the similarities and differences between French Creole and French in the diaspora.

🇲🇶 Mickael's advice for learning authentic French and exploring regions in France beyond Paris.

🇲🇶 The challenges of maintaining a cultural identity within the context of a dominant French culture that often overlooks the contributions of its minority communities.

🇲🇶 The intimate and personal nature of Creole as a language, often used within families and close-knit communities.

Mickael also shares his journey in founding French Class NYC, his experiences teaching French in New York, and how he incorporates diverse voices and literature into his curriculum. He offers a glimpse into the vibrant cultural exchanges happening in his classes and the importance of informal French in connecting with native speakers.

To Connect with Mickael:

Website: frenchclassnyc.com

Instagram: @frenchclassnyc

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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This episode was originally published as Episode 97 on April 18, 2022.

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we have a conversation about Singlish, a unique linguistic blend that reflects the multicultural essence of Singapore. Our guest, Marcus, provides fascinating insights into the nuances of Singlish and its interplay with the diverse languages of Singapore.

In this episode, we explore:

🇸🇬 The linguistic landscape of Singapore, where English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil coexist, shaping the distinct identity of Singlish.

🇸🇬 The evolution of Singlish, from its origins to its role in everyday communication, and the impact of the "Speak Good English Movement" on its perception.

🇸🇬 The fascinating concept of code-switching in Singapore, where individuals seamlessly navigate between multiple languages in social and professional contexts.

🇸🇬 The rich cultural expressions embedded in Singlish, including common phrases, greetings, and the use of discourse particles like "lah," "loh," and "meh."

🇸🇬 The unique cadence and tonality of Singlish, influenced by the diverse linguistic heritage of Singapore.

🇸🇬 The significance of abbreviations in Singaporean vernacular, reflecting the efficiency and adaptability of the language.

Marcus also shares delightful Singlish phrases and idioms, offering a glimpse into the humor and creativity that define this beloved linguistic variety.

To Connect with Marcus:

Instagram: GoodSinglish

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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This episode was originally published as Episode 116 on October 24, 2022

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we journey into the world of Finnish language and culture with Saga from FinnishLearning on Instagram. Join us as we explore the intricacies of Finnish grammar, the unique agglutinative nature of the language, and the cultural significance of the sauna tradition in Finland.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇫🇮 The meaning and usage of the word "Suomi" in Finnish, and the differences between written and spoken Finnish.

🇫🇮 The similarities and differences between Finnish and other languages like Estonian and Hungarian, and the influence of regional dialects across Finland.

🇫🇮 The traditions of Christmas and Midsummer in Finland, including the magical midsummer spells and the importance of nature in Finnish culture.

🇫🇮 The communal and relaxing tradition of the Finnish sauna, and how it is an integral part of Finnish life.

🇫🇮 Saga shares insights into the Finnish language learning journey and the vibrant cultural experiences that await in Helsinki.

To Connect with Saga:

Instagram: finnishlearning

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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