33 episodes

Not multilingual, but language curious? Explore how language connects us all — from the producers at the language-learning app Babbel. Listen and subscribe today.

Multilinguish Babbel USA

    • Education
    • 4.8 • 28 Ratings

Not multilingual, but language curious? Explore how language connects us all — from the producers at the language-learning app Babbel. Listen and subscribe today.

    The Story Of English

    The Story Of English

    Is it possible to tell the whole history of a language in under half an hour? In this episode, we try our best. In the season finale, the whole Multilinguish team gets together to focus on five key moments in English language history, from its start as Proto-Indo-European to its role as a global lingua franca today. We explore how humans changed language, and how language changed us.

    For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-the-story-of-english

    Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI

    • 28 min
    Easiest And Hardest Languages

    Easiest And Hardest Languages

    Which language should you learn? It can be hard to decide between so many incredible options, but we have a few in particular for you to consider. In this episode, our language experts reveal the top 3 easiest and hardest languages (in their humble opinion) for English speakers to learn. We discuss what makes these languages particularly easy or challenging and why they're worth taking the time to learn regardless. 

    Special thanks to Elin Asklöv and Ted Mentele for lending their insight on this episode. 

    For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-easiest-hardest-languages

    Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting https://www.babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI

    • 44 min
    The Brothers Grimm: Between The Lines

    The Brothers Grimm: Between The Lines

    Most of us are familiar with the folktales of the Brothers Grimm, from Cinderella to Sleeping Beauty to Snow White. But how much do you know about the impressive legacies of the men behind these magic and mysterious stories? In this episode, we dive into the work of Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm — not only as collectors of generations of oral tradition but also as linguists and language scholars whose near-lifelong dedication to the German people and their language contributed to the flourishing of the German national spirit from a linguistic lens.

    For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-the-brothers-grimm/

    Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting https://www.babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI.

    • 45 min
    Lies Your Language Teacher Told You

    Lies Your Language Teacher Told You

    Early education is designed to set you up for success, but it also often sets you up for a certain amount of disillusionment as you get older. The language classroom is no exception. In this episode, we talk about what makes language learning so different as an adult when you're free to self-direct your own process. Then, we deliver a rousing exposé on the biggest lies our language teachers personally told us.

    For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-language-myths/

    Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI.

    • 40 min
    Are We Born With Language?

    Are We Born With Language?

    How do babies learn languages? We don't know for sure. One of the leading theories is Universal Grammar, which is the idea that humans are genetically predisposed to acquire languages, but not all linguists agree on this. In this episode, we talk about this theory, its originator Noam Chomsky and why Universal Grammar has become one of the most divisive topics in linguistics. 

    Special thanks to Jennifer Dorman for her help and insight on this episode. 

    For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-universal-grammar

    Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting https://www.babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI.

    • 19 min
    Talking To Animals

    Talking To Animals

    If you're like us, you love the idea of being able to communicate with animals. But how realistic is this dream? From prairie dogs to dolphins to Koko the Gorilla, we look at the surprisingly complex language animals use with each other and attempts to teach them human language.

    Special thanks to Con Slobodchikoff for taking the time to speak with us for this episode.

    For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-animal-language/

    Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI.

    • 41 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
28 Ratings

28 Ratings

Connor22! ,

Great!

It’s great to hear different perspectives on language learning. It’s super difficult learning a language so learning about other peoples challenges helps me understand my own.

richardRico ,

A gem

What a great podcast, with an excellent assortment of topics. But what keeps me coming back is how much fun you all sound like you are having when you are making the podcast. You and West Wing Weekly are my two go-to podcasts each week.

funbobby34 ,

Entertaining but...like

I had to stop counting the “like”s

Top Podcasts In Education

The Mel Robbins Podcast
Mel Robbins
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson
How to Be a Better Human
TED and PRX
Try This
The Washington Post
TED Talks Daily
TED
Do The Work
Do The Work

You Might Also Like