It's About Language, with Norah Jones

Norah Lulich Jones
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Biweekly

Insightful conversations on the nature and impact of language and culture with creative leaders in the fields of education, business, arts, and science. Their stories shed light on how language makes us human - and brings hope.Find your voice. Enter the conversation. Find your superpower.

  1. 11h ago

    S6E10: Language, Identity, and the Power of Reclamation with Jennifer Ptesanwin Weston

    Jennifer (Ptesanwin) Weston, citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and CEO of 7,000 Languages, joins Norah Jones for a powerful conversation about language, identity, and the work of preserving Indigenous cultures for future generations. Jennifer shares the story behind the Lakota name she received from her great-grandmother and reflects on growing up between English-speaking schools and Lakota-speaking family members. Together, Norah and Jennifer explore the lasting impact of boarding schools, the resilience of Indigenous communities, and the global movement to reclaim endangered languages. From Alaska to Cameroon, young language advocates are using technology, storytelling, and cultural knowledge to ensure that their languages continue to thrive. Jennifer also discusses multilingualism, Indigenous writing systems, data sovereignty, and the importance of allowing communities to determine how and where their languages are shared. This episode is a moving reminder that language is far more than communication—it is kinship, ceremony, memory, and a living connection to the land and to one another. Learn more about 7,000 Languages at 7000.org. For additional episodes and resources, visit fluency.consulting. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    S6E10: Language, Identity, and the Power of Reclamation with Jennifer Ptesanwin Weston

  2. Jun 25

    S6E9: Finding Voice, Connection, and Curiosity Through Language with Milton Alan Turner

    Season 6, Episode 9 of It's About Language features veteran educator Milton Alan Turner in a thoughtful conversation about language, identity, belonging, and the transformative power of human connection. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience teaching French, Spanish, and AP African American Studies, Milton shares how language education shaped his understanding of culture, voice, and community. From navigating multiple dialects and identities growing up to studying and traveling throughout Morocco, Thailand, Vietnam, and Côte d’Ivoire, he reflects on how language opens doors to deeper understanding and empathy. Milton and host Norah Jones explore why language teachers are uniquely positioned to teach interpersonal communication, the importance of curiosity over judgment, and how language can either liberate or marginalize. They discuss representation in education, the value of embracing different language varieties, and why helping students develop critical thinking and adaptability may be more important than ever in today's rapidly changing world. This episode is a powerful reminder that language learning is about far more than grammar and vocabulary—it is about understanding people, building relationships, and discovering what connects us across cultures and experiences. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why curiosity is essential for meaningful communication • How language influences identity, belonging, and self-expression • What educators can learn from intercultural experiences abroad • Why representation and multiple language varieties matter in the classroom • How AP African American Studies intersects with world language education • Why education should focus on developing wisdom, not just delivering knowledge Whether you're a language educator, student, advocate, or lifelong learner, this conversation offers valuable insights into the role language plays in shaping how we understand ourselves and others. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    S6E9: Finding Voice, Connection, and Curiosity Through Language with Milton Alan Turner

  3. May 28

    S6E8: The Courage to Be Seen with John Tessitore

    In this deeply reflective conversation, Norah sits down with John Tessitore — writer, editor, poet, podcaster, and advocate for the humanities — to explore the relationship between language, creativity, fear, and identity. What begins as a discussion about writing quickly unfolds into a larger conversation about vulnerability and the courage it takes to let others truly see us. John shares how writing became the way he understands his own thoughts, why words matter in shaping public conversations, and how fear quietly influenced much of his creative life for decades. Together, Norah and John reflect on communication across differences, the role of literature in helping people understand one another, and the ways language can either limit or liberate us. At the center of the episode is a powerful realization: sometimes the very thing we fear exposing is the thing that most deeply connects us to others. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    S6E8: The Courage to Be Seen with John Tessitore

  4. Apr 29

    S6E7: Onward Together: The Energy Behind Language Advocacy & Collaboration with Joy Peyton

    There’s a noticeable shift happening in language education—and this conversation captures it. Right after Language Advocacy Days, Norah sits down with Joy Peyton to talk about what stood out most. Not the challenges, but the energy. The collaboration. The stories of progress that people are actually seeing in their schools and communities. Joy shares what she heard from educators and students, especially the growing role of young people who are stepping into multilingual spaces with confidence and purpose. From community-based language schools to new ideas around teaching and learning, this episode highlights how language is becoming more connected to real life—and more collaborative than ever. If you’ve ever wondered where language education is headed, this is a conversation that gives you a clear sense: it’s moving forward, and it’s not slowing down. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    S6E7: Onward Together: The Energy Behind Language Advocacy & Collaboration with Joy Peyton

  5. Apr 16

    S6E6: Power of Young Voices | Students at Language Advocacy Days

    What happens when you give students the space to just… speak? At Language Advocacy Days 2026 in Washington, DC, a group of students from across the country did exactly that. No script. No formal panel. Just a circle, a microphone, and a willingness to share what language means in their lives. What came out of it is this episode. You’ll hear from students at every stage—some brand new to advocacy, others returning with experience—but all of them speaking honestly about why language matters. Not in theory, but in real life. In friendships. In identity. In the opportunities they’ve had—and the ones they want others to have too. There’s something different about hearing it directly from them. It’s not polished, and it’s not supposed to be. It’s real. And it’s a reminder that advocacy doesn’t start when you feel “ready”… it starts when you decide your voice is worth using. If you’ve ever wondered whether young people really understand the impact of language education—this will answer that. And maybe it’ll leave you thinking about who around you still needs the chance to be heard. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

  6. Mar 25

    S6E5: It’s Not Just What You Say: The Hidden Power of Language and Communication with Charlie Hanchett

    What starts as a simple story about being snowed in turns into something much bigger, as Charlie walks through the early decisions that shaped his career. He shares how he ended up teaching abroad, and how a series of unexpected turns eventually led him to Puerto Rico. Along the way, he talks about what really drives language learning—especially for adults—and why real-life need often matters more than anything you’ll find in a classroom. As the conversation continues, those experiences start to connect to a bigger idea. Charlie reflects on how language shapes the way we listen, respond, and show up for others. Whether he’s talking about raising his daughters or leading a team, the focus isn’t on getting every word right—it’s about tone, awareness, and intention. By the end, the conversation opens up into a broader look at leadership, growth, and the role communication plays in every part of our lives. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    S6E5: It’s Not Just What You Say: The Hidden Power of Language and Communication with Charlie Hanchett

  7. Mar 4

    S6E4: From Library French Lessons to Global Impact with Maureen Manning.

    Dr. Maureen Manning joins Norah Jones for a wide-ranging conversation about language as a life-shaping force—and why the stories we tell about language learning matter as much as the learning itself. From Maureen’s earliest memory of being pulled out of school at age eight for French lessons at the public library, to her work today helping global education organizations communicate with clarity and impact, this episode explores the ripple effect of one advocate, one opportunity, and one well-told story. You’ll Hear About Maureen shares the origin story behind her lifelong relationship with language—starting with the moment her mother advocated for her to leave school once a week so she could attend an adult French class at the local library. Together, Norah and Maureen unpack what a single “yes” from an educator can unlock over a lifetime, and how personalized learning begins with honoring a student’s genuine curiosity. The conversation moves from early language learning (cassette tapes included) to Maureen’s continued language practice in Swedish—through community, conversation, and a weekly fika club. Maureen reflects on how confidence grows when we release perfection, invite correction, and create low-pressure spaces to use language as connection rather than performance. As a strategist and storyteller, Maureen then pulls back the curtain on what it means to help organizations tell their stories well—especially by centering student voices, not just institutional messaging. She offers a powerful example of crisis communication and reflection during a study abroad experience, underscoring the role of language in processing complex moments and supporting learners long after a program ends. Finally, Maureen shares what she’s most excited about next: a forthcoming edited book on work-integrated learning and global experiential education—and why cross-sector collaboration may be one of the most important strategies for protecting and strengthe Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

    S6E4: From Library French Lessons to Global Impact with Maureen Manning.

  8. Feb 12

    S6E3: Learning Language at the Speed of Being Human with James Mattiace.

    In This Episode In this episode of It’s About Language, Norah Jones interviews James Mattiace. He is an educator, assessment reformer, and lifelong language learner. They discuss what languages reveal, not just about communication. They also explore how people think, learn, and relate to one another. James draws on lived experience across eight countries. He reflects on language as a human system. It is nonlinear and deeply tied to identity. It is also shaped by power, culture, and motivation. The conversation shifts easily between topics. It moves from Costa Rica to Nahuatl and from refugee education to assessment reform. It always returns to one central idea. Language learning works best when it is rooted in meaning, dignity, and curiosity. You’ll Hear About James shares what it’s like to build a life across cultures and languages. He begins with his experience living in Costa Rica. He discusses what the country’s cooperative founding narrative reveals about cultural values today. He traces his personal language journey. He explores what sparked it and what stalled it. He examines how motivation, belonging, and human connection determine whether a language takes root or is quietly resisted. Contact Norah : fluencyconsulting@gmail.com Website: https://fluency.consulting Your journey to discover the richness of language starts here. Join us on the website and embark on a learning adventure like never before! Social Media Platforms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FluencyConsultingLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluency_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorahLulicJones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluency-norah-jones

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Insightful conversations on the nature and impact of language and culture with creative leaders in the fields of education, business, arts, and science. Their stories shed light on how language makes us human - and brings hope.Find your voice. Enter the conversation. Find your superpower.

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