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

Elle Charisse

Speaking Tongues is a podcast celebrating language, culture, and identity through in-depth conversations with multilingual guests from around the world. From endangered and Indigenous languages to Creoles and diaspora stories, each episode explores how language connects us to memory, history, community, migration, and meaning. Host Elle Charisse talks with artists, educators, and storytellers working to preserve cultural heritage through words, food, music, research, and lived experience.

  1. 13 lug

    188. Speaking Computational Linguistics with Dr. Albert Ventayol

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Albert Ventayol, a computational linguist dedicated to bridging the gap between indigenous and low-resource languages and technology. With a Ph.D. from UC Santa Barbara, Albert is currently on assignment at Meta, where he is working towards achieving omnilinguality in AI-powered automatic speech recognition (ASR) and machine translation (MT). Albert shares his fascinating journey through the world of languages, beginning with his upbringing in a multilingual family where Catalan, Spanish, and English were spoken. His passion for languages led him to explore various linguistic landscapes, including Polish, Russian, Yukaghir languages, and Welsh, and to study the complexities of language identity and power dynamics. In this episode, we discuss: - The significance of computational linguistics in preserving and promoting low-resource languages. - Albert's experiences learning and teaching languages, and how they shaped his understanding of linguistic diversity. - The impact of technology on indigenous languages and the potential for AI to aid in language revitalization efforts. - The challenges of building language technology that serves all languages equitably. - Albert's current work at Meta and the exciting projects aimed at supporting multilingual communities. Big thank you to Albert for sharing his 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 or Spotify. Don’t forget to like and subscribe on YouTube to help other language lovers discover the show! You can also support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon, and check out my food 'zine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Albert: Listen to Lingüistes de Capçalera:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/4YLfgsoZkP8sdFzjPTtKKJ?si=EGFBLPYBTMuKBz1KVG_nAQ&nd=1&dlsi=8e12460414084e78 Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFOPq3j7wGteY-PjcZaMxg 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 Subscribe to my Substack: https://speakingtonguespod.substack.com/ Shop my Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/speakingtonguespod Buy my Food Zine, Taste Buds Vol. 1 here: https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4 language#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #ComputationalLinguistics #AIandLanguage

  2. 6 lug

    187. Speaking Trinidadian Creole & Mandarin Chinese with Janine Lutchman-Nkouetang

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are excited to welcome Janine Lutchman-Nkouetang, a passionate foreign language educator and writer whose work  intersects culture, identity, and heritage. As a co-editor and contributing author of the book series "Unearthing Traditions: Stories of Language and Culture," Janine shares her insights on the importance of storytelling in understanding diverse cultural experiences and the role of language in shaping our identities. Janine opens up about her linguistic journey, revealing her dual first languages of English and Trinidadian Creole English (TEC), and her experiences learning and teaching Mandarin at The University of the West Indies St. Augustine campus. We explore the dynamic language landscape of Trinidad and Tobago, discussing the interchangeability of TEC and English in various social contexts, as well as the historical influences that have shaped the unique Creole spoken in Trinidad. In this episode, we cover: 🇹🇹 The significance of Trinidadian Creole English and its role in everyday communication. 🇹🇹 The impact of colonial history on the development of Creole languages in Trinidad and its uniquely different development in Tobago. 🇹🇹 Janine's unexpected journey into teaching Mandarin and how her experiences resonate with her students. 🇹🇹 The importance of cultural storytelling and its role in preserving heritage through the book series. 🇹🇹 The vibrant celebration of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago and its significance in uniting the community. Big thank you to Janine for sharing her experiences and insights 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 to help other language lovers discover the show! You can also support the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon, and check out my food 'zine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Janine: @janiknots (Instagram & TikTok) / Janine Lutchman-Nkouetang (Facebook & LinkedIn) Connect with Speaking Tongues: Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod Follow on X: @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 Subscribe to my Substack: https://speakingtonguespod.substack.com/ Shop my Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/speakingtonguespod Buy my Food Zine, Taste Buds Vol. 1 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

  3. 29 giu

    186. Speaking Cornish with Elizabeth Ellis

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Ellis, a pioneering figure in the revival of the Cornish language. As the second ever paid officer dedicated to promoting Cornish following its official recognition by the UK government in 2002, Elizabeth has played a crucial role in standardizing the language and fostering its use across various cultural platforms. Now a freelance translator and consultant, she collaborates with musicians, theater companies, and filmmakers to bring Cornish to life in contemporary art. Elizabeth shares her unique journey of learning Cornish, the pride she feels in her heritage, and the vibrant community that surrounds the language. We dive into the features that make Cornish distinct, its rich history, and the fascinating connections between Cornish and other Celtic languages. Through her experiences, Elizabeth highlights the importance of language in identity and the ongoing efforts to revitalize Cornish in everyday life. In this episode, we discuss: - The significance of Elizabeth's role in the Cornish language revival and her experiences as a translator. - The unique features of the Cornish language, including its relationship with other Celtic languages. - Traditional Cornish culture, including folklore, music, and local celebrations. - The challenges and triumphs of using Cornish in modern art and media. - The future of the Cornish language and its place in the community. Big thank you to Elizabeth for sharing her insights and passion for the Cornish 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. Don’t forget to like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can discover the show! You can now support the show on Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon, and 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 Elizabeth: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth.anne.ellis/ Connect with Speaking Tongues: Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod Follow on X: @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 Shop my Bookshop dot org storefront  https://bookshop.org/shop/speakingtonguespod Subscribe to my Substack: https://speakingtonguespod.substack.com/ Buy my Food Zine, Taste Buds Vol. 1 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 #Cornish #LanguageRevival

  4. 22 giu

    185. Speaking Sicilian with Nick Panzarella from Cademia Siciliana

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are joined by Nick Panzarella, an Italian American language activist dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Sicilian language. Based in Houston, Texas, Nick serves as the president of the American branch of Cademia Siciliana and is actively raising his son in Sicilian. Together with his wife, he is set to publish a bilingual Sicilian-English children's book with UL Press in 2027. Nick shares his journey of language learning, beginning with his exposure to Sicilian at home and his subsequent quest to reclaim it as a vital part of his heritage. We talk about the nuances of Sicilian culture, the challenges of language stigma in urban settings, and the importance of fostering a bilingual environment for future generations. Nick also discusses the dynamic between Sicilian Americans and their relatives in Sicily, highlighting the complexities of language identity and activism. In this episode, we discuss: The significance of Sicilian language activism and its role in cultural identity.  Nick's personal journey with learning Sicilian and the resources available for language learners. The impact of Sicilian Week and community efforts to promote the language. The challenges and triumphs of raising a bilingual child in a diaspora context. The role of Cademia Siciliana in advocating for formal recognition of Sicilian as a language. Big thank you to Nick for sharing his insights, activism and resources 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 Nick: Sicilian Week: https://www.simanadusicilianu.com/ Cademia Siciliana: https://cademiasiciliana.org/ Manfiestu for the Sicilian Language: https://cademiasiciliana.org/u-manifestu/ The Basque event that inspired Sicilian Week, Euskaradlia: https://euskaraldia.eus/es/ Si Raccunta Podcast with stories in Sicilian  Proposal for a Sicilian writing system European Language Equality Network (ELEN): https://elen.ngo/ ELEN's posts voting to allow Cademia Siciliana to join, and supporting our call to the Sicilian Region to officially recognize the Sicilian language Here and Here The Center for Sicilian Linguistic and Phililogical Studies at the University of Palermo: https://www.csfls.it/ Free bilingual booklet to help students learn to write Sicilian:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nfDRj3Ne-xFswwgxySr8h9i_a3E1qwKTqYtjI5_qY0U/edit?usp=sharing Sicilian with Ilaria: https://sapuriofsicily.com/en/?lang=en DeVulgare: https://www.devulgare.com/en/ Connect with Speaking Tongues: Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod 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 Subscribe to my Substack: https://speakingtonguespod.substack.com/ Shop my bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/speakingtonguespod Buy my Food Zine, Taste Buds Vol. 1 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 #Sicilian #LanguageActivism

  5. 15 giu

    184. Speaking Flemish & French with Dani James

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are speaking with Dani James, a native New Yorker with a rich multilingual background, having grown up in Belgium speaking French, Flemish, and various other languages. Dani is the translator of the award-winning memoir "Return to the Place I Never Left" by Tobias Schiff, a powerful narrative that recounts the experiences of a Holocaust survivor. We discuss Dani's journey of translation, exploring how her diverse linguistic upbringing has shaped her understanding of language and its intricate nuances. We discuss the significance of Dani's translation work, the challenges of conveying emotion and meaning across languages, and the responsibility that comes with translating such a profound story. Dani shares her insights on the creative aspects of translation, the importance of preserving voices from history, and the dynamic interplay between language and identity. In this episode, we cover: 🌍 Dani's multilingual upbringing and its impact on her life and career. 🌍 The journey of translating "Return to the Place I Never Left" and the unique challenges she faced. 🌍 The significance of language in shaping our understanding of experiences and emotions. 🌍 Examples of neighborhood slang from Dani's childhood in Antwerp and its cultural implications. 🌍 The role of translation in preserving Holocaust narratives and the importance of storytelling. A big thank you to Dani for sharing her experiences and insights 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 Dani: Website: danijames.co Instagram: @dani______j  YouTube: @ByDaniJames Book: Return to the Place I Never Left https://bookshop.org/a/104518/9780814351628 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 Subscribe to my Substack: https://speakingtonguespod.substack.com/ Buy my Food Zine, Taste Buds Vol. 1 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 #HolocaustLiterature

  6. 8 giu

    183. Speaking Guaraní & Paraguayan Spanish with Iliana Franco Alvarenga

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are talking with Iliana Franco Alvarenga, a passionate Guaraní translator and linguistic activist. Iliana shares her journey of growing up in Paraguay, embracing her heritage language Guaraní, and the complexities of translating it in a world often dominated by hegemonic languages. We’re exploring the linguistic features of Guaraní, its agglutinative nature and the unique ways it expresses meaning through verb forms, suffixes, and cultural nuances. Iliana explains how translation serves as a powerful tool for advocacy, making Guaraní audible and visible in spaces like schools, courts, and literature, thus asserting the rights of its speakers to understand and be addressed in their own language. In this episode, we discuss: 🇵🇾The significance of Guaraní as an official language in Paraguay and its role in daily life. 🇵🇾The innovative ways Guaraní structures meaning, including directionality and evidence in verb forms. 🇵🇾The challenges and responsibilities of translating indigenous languages and the importance of cultural permission. 🇵🇾The impact of translating children's literature in Guaraní on community identity and pride. 🇵🇾The dynamic interplay between Guaraní and Spanish in Paraguayan society, known as Jopará. A big thank you to Iliana for sharing your 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 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 Iliana: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iliana-franco-alvarenga/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambue.translations/ 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 Food Zine, Taste Bude Vol. 1 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 #Guaraní #IndigenousLanguages

  7. 1 giu

    182. Speaking Multilingualism In Global Tourism with Ambra Attus of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence

    Hello Language Lovers!  In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are speaking about the power of multilingualism in the global tourism industry with Ambra Attus, a seasoned tourism professional with over 25 years of experience. Originally from Italy and now based in the Dominican Republic, Ambra is a passionate advocate for sustainable tourism practices that foster positive change for both travelers and local communities. She shares her journey through the tourism industry, highlighting the multilingual nature of her work and how language is an integral part of connecting with culture and with her teams around the world. . Ambra opens up about her multilingual background, discussing how her travels have shaped her understanding of communication and cultural nuances. She reflects on her early experiences in Egypt, where she navigated the complexities of gender and cultural differences, and how these experiences have influenced her approach to fostering relationships within the tourism sector. In this episode, we discuss: 🛳️ The importance of language and communication in creating meaningful travel experiences. 🛳️ The role of cultural awareness in the cruise tourism industry and how it impacts service delivery. 🛳️Ambra's work with the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence and the significance of training in different languages. 🛳️ Emerging trends in cruise tourism and the importance of sustainable practices within the industry. 🛳️Personal anecdotes about navigating cultural differences and the power of gestures in communication. 🛳️ Words of wisdom from Ambra about stepping out of comfort zones and embracing cultural diversity. Big thank you to Ambra for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Thank you to Natalia from Marketplace Excellence for facilitating this conversation.  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 Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence: Website: CruiseExcellence.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aquila-center-for-cruise-excellence/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aquilatours/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnq1QlfuePBaLCkY9M5_1-Q Connect with Speaking Tongues: Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod Subscribe on YouTube: YouTube Channel Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy Me a Coffee: Buy Me a Coffee Pledge ongoing monthly support. Join my Patreon: Patreon Buy my book here: Taste Buds Vol 1. #speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #SustainableTourism #CruiseIndustry

  8. 18 mag

    181. Speaking Yiddish with Mikhl Yashinsky

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are thrilled to welcome Mikhl Yashinsky, a Yiddish playwright, performer, translator, and teacher currently based in New York City. Born in Detroit, Mikhl's connection to the Yiddish language runs deep, rooted in the heritage passed down from his grandparents. Mikhl shares his experiences as a Yiddishist and how this shaped his passion for the language and its artistic expression. We explore the nuances of Yiddish, its historical significance, and its evolution over time, particularly in the context of the modern world. Mikhll sheds light on his work in Yiddish theater, including his involvement in the acclaimed Yiddish production of Fiddler on the Roof, and the unique challenges and joys of performing in a language that many consider a relic of the past. In this episode, we discuss: The impact of growing up with Yiddish-speaking grandparents and how it influenced Mikhl's identity. The importance of language activism in preserving Yiddish as a living language. The cultural significance of Yiddish theater in New York City and its role in the Jewish experience.   Insights into Mikhl’s recent translations, including the "Adventures of Max Spitzkopf: The Yiddish Sherlock Holmes." and "The Mother of Yiddish Theatre: Memoirs of Ester-Rokhl Kaminska" The modern adaptations of Yiddish stories and the potential for new Yiddish works in contemporary media. Words you hear every day in English that you never knew came from Yiddish! A big thank you to Mikhl for sharing your insights, stories, and passion for Yiddish language and arts. 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 Mikhl: Website: yashinsky.com Instagram: @mikhldarling Connect with Speaking Tongues: Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod Subscribe on YouTube: YouTube Channel Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy Me a Coffee: Buy Me a Coffee Pledge ongoing monthly support. Join my Patreon: Patreon Buy my book here: Taste Buds Vol 1. #speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #YiddishTheater #YiddishCulture

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Speaking Tongues is a podcast celebrating language, culture, and identity through in-depth conversations with multilingual guests from around the world. From endangered and Indigenous languages to Creoles and diaspora stories, each episode explores how language connects us to memory, history, community, migration, and meaning. Host Elle Charisse talks with artists, educators, and storytellers working to preserve cultural heritage through words, food, music, research, and lived experience.

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