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. 15/09/2025

    177. Speaking Igbo With Tochi Precious of Igbo Wikimedians User Group

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we have the pleasure of speaking with Tochi Precious, a dedicated program manager and language advocate with a wealth of experience in the Wikimedia movement. She is the co-founder of the Igbo Wikimedians User Group and currently serves as a Wikimedian in Residence at Wikitongues, where she works at the intersection of open knowledge, indigenous languages, and community empowerment. Her work amplifies under-represented voices and supports grassroots language preservation through inclusive, community-led approaches. Tochi shares her journey with language learning, including her first language, Igbo, and her experiences with English, German, and her current endeavor of learning Finnish. We explore the fascinating aspects of Igbo grammar, tonality, and the significance of cultural greetings, alongside the vibrant dialectal diversity within the Igbo-speaking community. In this episode, we discuss:  🇳🇬 The tonal nature of Igbo and how pitch affects meaning in the language.  🇳🇬 The importance of community and respect in Igbo culture, including traditional greetings and practices.  🇳🇬 The challenges of language endangerment and the efforts being made to preserve and promote Igbo.  🇳🇬 The unique experiences of encountering different Igbo dialects and their implications for communication.  🇳🇬 The role of proverbs and traditional knowledge in Igbo culture, including their relevance to sustainability.  🇳🇬 Delicious Igbo cuisine, including the cultural significance of yam and related festivals. A heartfelt thank you to Tochi for sharing her insights and passion for the Igbo language and culture with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Tochi: Instagram: @adaugo_tochi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tochiprecious/ Wikitongues: https://www.wikitongues.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 #IgboCulture #LanguagePreservation

    1h 8m

  2. 08/09/2025

    176. Speaking Ukrainian with Katerina Manoff, founder of ENGin

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are excited to welcome Katerina Manoff, founder and CEO of ENGin, a global nonprofit dedicated to connecting Ukrainian English learners with volunteers for meaningful conversation and cultural exchange. Katerina shares her inspiring journey from her early life in Kyiv, where she grew up speaking both Russian and Ukrainian, to her current role helping over 50,000 Ukrainians engage in language learning. We dive deep into Katerina's experiences navigating her dual linguistic heritage and the complexities of identity, especially in light of the ongoing invasion in Ukraine. She reflects on her father's commitment to preserving Ukrainian culture and language, and how that has shaped her own understanding of what it means to be Ukrainian today. In this episode, we discuss:  🇺🇦 The significance of language in shaping identity and cultural heritage.  🇺🇦 Katerina's reflections on the impact of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution and the subsequent war on her perception of language and belonging.  🇺🇦 The mission of ENGin and how it empowers Ukrainians to learn English while fostering cultural exchange.  🇺🇦 The challenges and joys of raising multilingual children in a diaspora community.  🇺🇦 Katerina's favorite Ukrainian dishes and the cultural significance of food in her life. A huge thank you to Katerina for sharing your story, your work and your languages 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 Katerina: Website: https://www.enginprogram.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 #UkrainianCulture #EnginProgram

    1h 1min

  3. 25/08/2025

    175. Speaking Swedish with Katrin of Slow Swedish

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, I’m thrilled to welcome Katrin, the creator behind Slow Swedish, the #1 Swedish language account on Instagram. As the host of the Learn Swedish and Slow Swedish with Katrin podcasts, she bridges the gap between traditional language learning apps and authentic spoken Swedish. Katrin shares her language journey from growing up in Sweden with a multicultural background to becoming a passionate advocate for the Swedish language. We talk about her experiences learning languages, including her upcoming adventure into Finnish, and the unique challenges she faces as a native speaker teaching Swedish to learners around the world. In this episode, we discuss:  🇸🇪 The nuances of Swedish gendered nouns and the complexities of mastering them.  🇸🇪 The significance of cultural identity and how it can shape one's relationship with language.  🇸🇪 The role of social media in language learning and how Katrin has been able to master her content for Instagram.  🇸🇪 The importance of understanding language from a learner's perspective and the joy of teaching.  🇸🇪 Fun Swedish sayings that give us glimpses into Swedish society and a and tongue twister that really makes us regret not asking sooner about how the alphabet is pronounced! Big thank you to Katrin for sharing your insights and passion for the Swedish language with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Katrin: Instagram: @slowswedish_  https://www.instagram.com/slowswedish_/  Website: slowswedish.com Podcasts: Learn Swedish and Slow Swedish with Katrin Connect with Speaking Tongues: Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFOPq3j7wGteY-PjcZaMxg Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues Pledge ongoing monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast Buy my book here: https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4 #speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #LearnSwedish #SlowSwedish #CulturalIdentity

    1h 4m

  4. 18/08/2025

    174. Speaking Khmer with Ryan Samn of All Things Cambodian🇰🇭

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues we're having a joyous and heartfelt conversation with Ryan Samn, the writer, creator, and educator behind the Instagram account All Things Cambodian.  Ryan talks with us about his multicultural background,he reflects on the complexities of language and culture,and we discuss his experiences learning Khmer and the emotional connections that come with it.  In this episode we discuss:  🇰🇭 The rich history of the Khmer language and its variations across regions.  🇰🇭 The significance of family ties and cultural heritage in shaping Cambodian identity.  🇰🇭 The importance of preserving and sharing Cambodian culture in the diaspora.  🇰🇭 Ryan's experiences with code-switching and the blending of cultural influences in his life, including his connection to the Tahitian community and diaspora  🇰🇭 The vibrant community of Cambodian content creators and the need for diverse narratives in storytelling. Big thank you to Ryan for sharing your insights and passion for Cambodian culture and language with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Ryan: Instagram: @allthingscambodian Books: Available on Square and Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C53PZ412?ccs_id=c18ffd56-d717-4697-b4d4-262b58c6f58a Connect with Speaking Tongues: Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFOPq3j7wGteY-PjcZaMxg Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues Pledge ongoing monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast Buy my book here: https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4 #speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #CambodianCulture #KhmerLanguage

    1h 17m

  5. 11/08/2025

    173. Speaking Dominican Spanish & "The Grand Paloma Resort" with author Cleyvis Natera

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are so thrilled to welcome Cleyvis Natera, the acclaimed author of "Neruda on the Park"  to talk about Dominican Spanish language and her latest novel "The Grand Paloma Resort" which is out August 12!  Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, Cleyvis shares her journey as a writer and the cultural nuances of both places that inspire her work.  In this conversation we discuss:   🇩🇴 The vibrant expressions of Dominican Spanish and its unique characteristics including its joyous and humorous tones.  🇩🇴 Some of the themes Cleyvis is approaching and exploring through her characters in the Grand Paloma  🇩🇴 The interplay of privilege and hardship depicted in Caribbean tourism and how that impacts those of us with Caribbean heritage  🇩🇴 The impact of tourism on the Dominican Republic, the intricate dynamics of life at a luxury resort, and the stories that often go untold.  🇩🇴 Writing the Grand Paloma Hotel and what Cleyvis hopes that readers connect with through this story and its characters.  Huge thank you to our friend Cleyvis for sharing “The Grand Paloma Resort” and your passion for Dominican culture and literature with us.  If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Cleyvis: Website: cleyvisnatera.com Instagram: @cleyvisnatera Buy The Grand Paloma Resort Here: https://bookshop.org/a/104518/9780593873267 Connect with Speaking Tongues: Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFOPq3j7wGteY-PjcZaMxg Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues Pledge ongoing monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast Buy my book here: https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4 #speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #DominicanCulture #CleyvisNatera #TheGrandPalomaResort

    1h 14m

  6. 04/08/2025

    172. Speaking Manx Gaelic with Dr. Erin McNulty

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, I’m so excited to welcome Dr. Erin McNulty, a researcher specializing in the sociolinguistics of minoritized languages at the University of Glasgow.  I’m so excited that we’re finally getting a chance to talk about Manx and I hope you are too because this is a very linguistics & language revitalization focused episode.  Our conversation explores Erin's journey with Manx, from her early experiences learning the language in primary school to her current research on its revitalization. We discuss the unique challenges and triumphs of Manx as it transitions from near extinction to a growing community language. Erin shares insights on the structure of Manx Gaelic, including its verb-initial sentence structure and grammatical gender, as well as the intriguing phenomenon of initial consonant mutation. In this episode, we discuss:  🇮🇲 The historical context of Manx Gaelic and its relationship with other Celtic languages.  🇮🇲 The importance of community involvement in the revitalization efforts of Manx.  🇮🇲 The role of digital tools and social media in fostering a new generation of Manx speakers.  🇮🇲 The potential for Manx to serve as a model for other minoritized languages facing similar challenges.  🇮🇲 Unique expressions and sayings in Manx, including the unofficial slogan of the Isle of Man, which embodies the island's laid-back ethos. Thank you, Erin, for sharing your expertise and passion for the Manx language and culture with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Dr. Erin: https://www.learnmanx.com/ - perfect place to start a Manx learning journey https://corpus.gaelg.im/ - the digital text corpus  https://culturevannin.im/ - where to find out more about Manx language and culture https://www.biosphere.im/ - the UNESCO biosphere  https://www.visitisleofman.com/ - how to plan a holiday! Connect with Speaking Tongues: Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespod Follow on Twitter: @stpodcasthost Like our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespod Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFOPq3j7wGteY-PjcZaMxg Did you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtongues Pledge ongoing monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast Buy my book here: https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4 #speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #ManxGaelic #CelticLanguages #LanguageRevitalization

    1h 11m

  7. 28/07/2025

    171. Speaking Taino with Ra Jikotea Niaku'no of Wuru Taino Tekiro’uo

    Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, I am so very honored to talk with Ra Jikotea Niaku'no, a Taino Boricua artist and educator, about Taino language, culture, and heritage. Ra shares her journey, rooted in the islands of Borikén (which you also may know as Puerto Rico), as she navigates the complexities of identity and language in a post-colonial context. Throughout our conversation, Ra discusses the multifaceted nature of language in Borikén, where Spanish, Taino, and African influences intertwine. She highlights the importance of preserving Taino language and how it has evolved, including the creation of a comprehensive Taino dictionary and the innovative ways in which new words are formed. We explore how language serves as a bridge to reconnect with ancestral roots and the significance of cultural identity in the modern world. In this episode, we discuss:  🌎 The historical context of Taino language and its relevance today.  🌎 The impact of colonization on language preservation and identity.  🌎The role of community in reclaiming Taino heritage and promoting language education.  🌎 Unique Taino expressions and their meanings, including playful wordplay.  🌈 The evolution of language in contemporary Taino culture, including the introduction of terms for the LGBTQ+ community. A heartfelt thank you to Ra for sharing your wisdom and passion for Taino culture, language and heritage with us.  If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below! To Connect with Ra: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rajikotea/?hl=en Wuru Taíno Tekiro’uo https://www.instagram.com/wurutaino/?hl=en Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOpzJeXr4B4 YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@WuruTainoTekirouo Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/525q7jYl9jqVhcLcl5mlzD?si=tmRXnvO2TJGz4Vywh3rNhg&nd=1&dlsi=96e5f3c3506141ba Wuru Taíno Institute  https://www.raruizleon.com/wuru-taino For bookings, workshops, presentations, classes, and other inquiries: wurutaino@gmail.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 ongoing monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcast Buy my book here: https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4 #speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #TainoCulture #Borikén #Puertorico

    1h 7m

  8. 21/07/2025

    170. Speaking Syrian Arabic with Paul Nabil Matthis

    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

    59 min
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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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