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

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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This episode was originally published as Episode 109. Speaking Armenian on July 25, 2022.

In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we're having a conversation on the diverse world of the Armenian language and culture with our guest, Liana, a writer, journalist, and creator of "Dining in Diaspora." Liana shares her journey from Iran to the United States and her experiences within the Armenian community in Southern California.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇦🇲 Liana's immigration story from Iran to the U.S. and how she navigated the Armenian community in Los Angeles.

🇦🇲 The evolution of the Armenian language within the diaspora, including influences from Persian, English, Arabic, and Russian.

🇦🇲 The differences between Western and Eastern Armenian dialects and efforts to revitalize Western Armenian.

🇦🇲 The unique melodic cadence of the Iranian Armenian dialect and how dialects are recognized by their accents.

🇦🇲 The cultural significance of food in Armenian heritage, including contributions to American cuisine such as Almond Joy and the introduction of yogurt.

🇦🇲 Traditional Armenian dishes and the vibrant debates over whose recipe reigns supreme.

🇦🇲 Armenian idioms and expressions, including the charming saying, "May you grow old on one pillow."

To Connect with Liana:

Website: www.diningindiaspora.com

Instagram: diningindiaspora

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues

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This episode was originally published as Episode 94 on March 28, 2022

This week, we're diving into the fascinating world of Egyptian Arabic and ancient Egyptian cuisine with Dr. Menna El Dorry, an Egyptologist and archaeobotanist. Dr. Menna shares her expertise on the intersection of language, history, and food in Egypt, offering us a unique glimpse into the past and present culinary traditions of this remarkable country.

In this episode, we explore:

🇪🇬 Dr. Menna’s journey with languages, including Egyptian Arabic, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish.

🇪🇬The influence of ancient Egyptian languages on modern Egyptian Arabic, and the grammatical elements that have persisted through time.

🇪🇬 The distinct characteristics of the Cairene dialect and its widespread understanding across the Arabic-speaking world.

🇪🇬 The methods Egyptologists use to uncover ancient cooking techniques and dietary habits, including the analysis of plant and animal remains.

🇪🇬The evolution of Egyptian cuisine, the regional variations in food preferences, and the significance of traditional dishes like sunbread and fava beans.

🇪🇬 The challenges and surprises in replicating ancient recipes and understanding historical food palates.

🇪🇬 The importance of considering the past to appreciate and understand modern Egyptian cuisine.

🇪🇬 The cultural and culinary richness of Egypt, and the must-try experiences for anyone visiting Cairo.

To Connect with Dr. Menna

Instagram: eatlikeanegyptian

Website: www.eatlikeanegyptian.com

Connect with Speaking Tongues:

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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

This episode was originally published as Episode 119 on November 14, 2022.

This episode of Speaking Tongues wades into the fascinating world of the Sardinian language & culture with our guest Dalila. We explore the unique characteristics of Sardinian, its historical influences from Catalan and Spanish, and how it stands apart from Italian. Dalila shares insights into the grammar, highlighting differences between Sardinian spoken in the north and south, and the linguistic variations across Sardinia's micro-regions.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇮🇹 The rich history of Sardinian, tracing its evolution from Latin and its influences from Catalan, Spanish, and Italian.

🇮🇹 The grammatical structure of Sardinian, including the unique use of interrogative sentences and the influence of Proto-Sardinian.

🇮🇹 The vibrant Sardinian literary tradition, featuring works from the 1500s and contemporary poetry, especially highlighting the contributions of female poets.

🇮🇹 The challenges and efforts in preserving the Sardinian language, including teaching it in schools and the debate over which variant should be standardized.

🇮🇹 The coexistence of other minority languages in Sardinia, such as Tabarchino, Sassarese, and Gallurese, and their relationship with Sardinian and Italian.

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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This episode with my guests Kimhia and Indira was originally published as Episode 98 on April 25, 2022.

This episode unfolds the many influences that have shaped Saint Lucian Creole, highlighting its roots in Mandinka and Wolof grammar structures. We explore the cultural significance of Creole Day in Saint Lucia and the use of Madras fabric, while also practicing some phrases in Creole.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇱🇨 The fascinating development of Saint Lucian Creole, including its linguistic ties to French and West African languages.

🇱🇨 The cultural expressions and celebrations in Saint Lucia, such as Creole Day and the island's vibrant music scene.

🇱🇨 The journey of Kimhia and Indira in preserving and teaching Creole through their Two Saints Language Academy, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage.

🇱🇨 The nuances of code-switching in Saint Lucia and the societal perceptions of Creole in different contexts.

🇱🇨 The rich culinary experiences and local traditions that visitors should explore when visiting Saint Lucia.

Kimhia and Indira also share delightful Saint Lucian Creole proverbs and sayings, offering a glimpse into the wisdom and humor embedded in the language.

To Find Twossaints

Website: https://twossaints.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/twossaints/

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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This episode with our guest Grace was originally published on May 2, 2022.

In episode 99, we explored the intricacies of Thai grammar, including its 72-letter alphabet, and practice the tonality of the Thai language. Grace guides us through the use of polite particles and highlights the similarities between Thai and Chinese, particularly the five distinct tones.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇹🇭 The structure of Thai grammar and the tonal nature of the language, with practical examples to differentiate meanings through tones.

🇹🇭 The cultural nuances of Thai dialects and how accents change across different regions in Thailand.

🇹🇭 Essential do's and don'ts for visitors to Thailand, including a humorous take on handling the spiciness of Thai cuisine.

🇹🇭 Grace's experience learning Thai boxing in Brazil and insights into the cultural significance of Muay Thai.

🇹🇭 The joyful nature of Thai people, often referred to as the "land of smiles," and how this reflects in their everyday interactions.

To Find Grace 

Thai with Grace : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtxPNb4l4rf4msU-oD-Abqg

Polyglot Grace : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN8CAEKDnWEamcYMJXpNecg

Speaking Tongues Podcast:

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Buy my book here