It's About Language, with Norah Jones

Norah Lulich Jones

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. 1D AGO

    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

    1h 1m

  2. JAN 28

    S6E2: Language as a Bridge: Lessons from Senegal with Katy Wheelock

    Norah Jones talks with Katy Wheelock, a French educator with 30+ years of classroom experience and the founder of Vive l’Experience, about why language learning is ultimately about connection, not perfection—and how centering Francophone Africa (especially Senegal) transforms teachers, students, and communities. Katy shares her personal path to Senegal, what teacher immersion experiences unlock, and why being seen—down to pronouncing someone’s name correctly—can change everything. You’ll Hear About Why Katy felt drawn to French-speaking Africa and how she ended up studying in DakarHow Senegal became a lifelong part of her teaching and professional missionWhat transforms teachers most when they experience Senegal through immersionPractical ways teachers bring Senegal into lessons (food, clothing, drinks, hospitality, cultural norms)Why Francophone Africa matters for the future of French worldwideHow immersion experiences restore teachers who feel isolated or burned outHow Katy approaches colonial history with care, humility, and Senegalese expertiseThe “power of names” story (Diallo/Jalo) and what it means to be truly seenWhat Senegalese communities gain from these exchangesKaty’s take on AI: impressive language tools, but human connection still matters mostContact 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

    50 min

  3. JAN 15

    S6E1: The Voice of French-Speaking Africa

    What happens when a team of passionate French educators travels to Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to create authentic, lived-experience-based resources for teachers across the U.S.? In this episode, Norah Jones speaks with Steve Sacco, Megan Diercks, Jessica Ayer, and Jeff Loughary about their month-long Fulbright-Hays project and the powerful impact it’s having on curriculum, culture, and connection. Together, they explore: Why Francophone Africa must be part of French language educationHow to move beyond “celebratory multiculturalism” to truthful, anti-oppressive curriculumReal stories from Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) —cacao plantations, marketplace conversations, and moments of cultural connectionThe classroom resources being developed (coming soon, free through AATF)How travel, language, and vulnerability shape us as educators and global citizensYou’ll hear how Jessica’s visit to a cacao plantation transformed her teaching, how Jeff’s unexpected conversations challenged stereotypes, how Steve facilitated constant pivots on the ground, and how Megan is guiding AATF’s commitment to centering La Francophonie in meaningful, accurate ways. ✨ This is an episode for teachers, curriculum developers, language advocates, and anyone who believes in the power of authentic cultural learning. About the Guests Steve Sacco – Professor emeritus of French & Italian (San Diego State University), consultant, and co-leader of the Côte d’Ivoire project. Megan Diercks – Executive Director, American Association of Teachers of French (AATF). Jessica Ayer – French teacher, doctoral student in curriculum & instruction, focused on the cacao industry and post-colonial realities. Jeff Loughary – French professor, teacher educator, and PhD candidate focusing on linguistic human rights and language variation. Key Themes Centering Francophone (the French-speaking world) Africa in French teachingAuthenticity in curriculum developmentStorytelling as a bridge between culturesThe power of language vulnerability (like using Bambara in the market!)How travel transforms educatorsThe relationship between colonial history and modern cultural identityEnjoying the Conversation? ✨ Follow It’s About Language on your favorite podcast app ✨ Share this episode with a colleague or friend ✨ Explore more at ItsAboutLanguage.com 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

    37 min

  4. 05/29/2025

    S5E11: I Just Want to be Heard- A Conversation with Sharon Deering Williford

    How language, identity, and patience shape our healing and humanity. In this deeply personal episode, Sharon Williford returns to the podcast nearly five years after her first appearance. Then, she was freshly navigating life after a massive stroke that left her with severe aphasia—a loss of language that profoundly impacted how she communicated and how others saw her. Now, years later, Sharon shares her ongoing journey: the challenges of expressing herself, the patience required to rebuild identity through language, and the surprising strength found in simply being 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

    46 min

  5. 05/09/2025

    S5E10 Language is About People - A Conversation with Paul Frank

    “People don’t want to abandon who they are in order to have a better future. Language gives them options—and dignity—to be both rooted and reaching.” – Paul Frank In this powerful episode, Norah Jones is joined by Paul Frank, Associate Director for Language Solutions at SIL International. With more than four decades of experience in the field, Paul shares his journey from rural Mexico to the mountains of Colombia to international leadership roles supporting minority language communities. His message is rooted in lived experience: language is not just about communication—it’s about connection, identity, and opportunity. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Paul’s early experiences in Tzeltal-speaking communities shaped his careerInsights from his linguistic and community development work in ColombiaThe founding of SIL LEAD and the global impact of the Bloom book creation softwareWhy multilingualism is the global norm—and why honoring it matters in education and policyWhat it means to support language choice, not language lossPaul has worked in over a dozen countries, trained educators and linguists around the world, and helped launch a platform—Bloom—that now supports book creation in nearly 1,000 languages. 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

    40 min

  6. 04/10/2025

    S5E9: The Soul of the Mangyan Ambahan

    In this moving and powerful episode of It’s About Language, host Norah Jones welcomes a panel of cultural advocates and storytellers to explore the poetic traditions and philosophy of the Mangyan people of Mindoro, Philippines. From personal stories to academic insights, guests Chiara Cox, Lolita Delgado Fansler, Resti Pitgogo, Zosing Evangelista, and Emily Catapang open the door to a living tradition of Ambahan—an ancient, rhythmic poetry written in the Hanunuo Mangyan script. This script, still used today, dates back before the 10th century and has withstood centuries of colonization and cultural pressure. What emerges is not just language but a deeply human worldview of connection, respect, and soul. Episode Highlights The poetic and philosophical depth of Ambahan as sung poetryChiara Cox’s rediscovery of her roots and cultural missionLolita’s journey from volunteer to lifelong cultural championResti’s decades-long study of Ambahan and its symbolic wisdomZosing’s life as a Mangyan and how Ambahan shaped his legal philosophyEmily’s enduring work in preserving the Mangyan script and traditionsContact 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

    38 min

  7. 03/20/2025

    S5E8: Casa Areyto Taino Language & Culture Live

    In this episode, we welcome Priscilla Colón, a writer, artist, and educator with over 20 years of experience in language programs. She has trained and empowered diverse learners, from government personnel to public school students, shaping the way Indigenous languages are taught and preserved. Casa Areyto: A Mission to Reclaim the Taíno Identity Priscilla’s work is deeply rooted in her own search for Indigenous heritage. She founded Casa Areyto with a mission to ensure that every Taíno descendant knows who they are and where they come from. This episode dives into Indigenous language revitalization, cultural identity, and the role of education in preserving history. Don’t miss this powerful conversation with Priscilla Colón. 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

    49 min

  8. 02/27/2025

    S5E7: Playful, Unexpected – Planet Word Museum with Anne Friedman

    In this episode of It’s About Language, I sit down with Ann to hear how her love of language led her from working in Beirut and Jerusalem as a translator, to teaching young students, and finally, to founding a first-of-its-kind museum dedicated to words and literacy. We talk about the power of language to build communities, the importance of keeping literacy alive, and how Planet Word’s voice-activated exhibits and participatory experiences bring words to life. 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

    46 min
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3 Ratings

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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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