Speaking Tongues Podcast: Celebrating Voices, Stories, and Flavors From Around the Globe

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

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/

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 #translation #spanish

Y1Kd5WP49ArVbGvPNdjr

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

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 #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/

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! 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

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

#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:

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

#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast.