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

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

Rating
★★★★★
5
from
32 reviews
This podcast has
212 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Elle Charisse
Explicit
No
Date created
2019/08/17
Latest episode
2026/09/30
Average duration
67 min.
Release period
9 days

Description

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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Check latest episodes from Speaking Tongues Podcast: Celebrating Voices, Stories, and Flavors From Around the Globe podcast


Reclaiming Ktunaxa: A Journey Back to Language and Culture
2026/09/30
This episode was originally published on Feb 26, 2024 Hello Language Lovers! Thanks for tuning in to this new episode. This week we’re speaking with Aiyana @ktunaxapride about her language of Ktunaxa. Aiyana Twigg is Indigenous, belonging to two nations in Canada, the Ktunaxa Nation and Blackfoot. She grew up within the Ktunaxa Nation in Tobacco Plains and graduated from University with a passion to revitalize her Indigenous language Ktunaxa.  In this episode we talk about Growing up in the community and her journey to wanting to learn more about the Ktunaxa language The efforts being taken to revitalize Ktunaxa and what those responsibilities are like, including developing dictionaries and apps with audio (yes!!) The wisdom ritual and traditions being passed down and recorded by elders in the community Advice for how we can support indigenous language and community.  And we even get to learn some Ktunaxa words and phrases along the way.  Big thank you to Aiyana for sharing your heritage, your language and your community and all of your hard work you do with the Ktunaxa Nation with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com.   And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!  To Find Aiyana IG @ktunaxapride  First Voices  https://www.firstvoices.com/ 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 on-going 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
Learning Welsh Is One Thing. Living Welsh Is Another.
2026/09/23
This episode was originally published on April 26, 2023 Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. It’s no secret that I’ve been wanting to feature the Welsh language on this show for years, so I’m thrilled to have this conversation with Dafydd, host of the Life to the Full Podcast, about the Welsh language and culture in Wales.  You’ll definitely want to stay tuned throughout as we learn a LOT of Welsh vocab and pronunciation this week. In this episode, Dafydd tells us about growing up speaking Welsh and English and attending school where Welsh was the language of instruction. He breaks down the Welsh language and how to understand and use the grammar and he even lets us know the one linguistic feature of Welsh that he loves. Since Wales is a bilingual country, we learn about where we’ll hear the language spoken and where we’ll see it while out and about. We take a pointed look at Welsh poetry including examples of the Cynghannedd rhyming pattern and Dafydd tells us about Welsh rugby, the longest place name in Europe and life in Cardiff.  Massive thank you to Dafydd for this conversation and talking with us about your language and culture.  If you enjoy episodes of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Speaking Tongues Podcast: 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 on-going 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
Between Tahitian and French: How This Teacher Strives to Keep Her Family’s Language Alive
2026/09/16
This episode was originally published on August 16, 2021 Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. My guest today is Moenau and we’re having a conversation about the Tahitian language and the culture of French Polynesia. I learned a TON in this episode and I hope that you listeners will as well. Moenau talks to us about growing up in French Polynesia speaking French and learning the Tahitian language from her great-grandmother. She tells us not only about the Tahitian language but also about the 5 other languages that are native to French Polynesia. We talk about the differences within the country among these different languages and we learn about the grammatical structure of Tahitian and what makes it stand out among other languages in the South Pacific. We definitely spend some time talking about culture in French Polynesia including a rich and meaningful storytelling tradition and the cultural concept of “mana” that exists in many cultures and countries in the South Pacific  As an extra to this episode, you can find a deleted portion of the conversation by becoming a member on Buy me a Coffee where Moenau and I talk about Tahitian food and culinary traditions. We’re discussing all of it from seafood to desserts to tropical fruits that you probably won't find outside of the region. If you don’t know much about Tahitian food, you will want to hear this - but don’t listen on an empty stomach!  Big thank you to Moenau for this conversation and for sharing your Tahitian language and your culture with us. If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! And, If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now support the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot 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
Can Icelandic Stay Icelandic? Teaching a Language Without Freezing It in Time
2026/09/09
This episode was originally published on June 3, 2024 Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues, the podcast in conversation with multi linguals. Today, we’re talking with Óskar about Icelandic language and culture. Óskar Bragi is the Chief Icelandic Language Coach at Speak Viking. He has been teaching Icelandic for over 10 years. When not teaching, you can find him: Spending time with his daughter, going to the movies (he's a bit of a human IMDB and loves soaking in everything about the art of filmmaking), marveling and exploring the gorgeous and dramatic Icelandic nature. Occasionally he will cool off with an ice plunge (sometimes in the Atlantic Ocean!) but he IS frequently warming up with a great cup of coffee. In this episode we talk about:  The Icelandic language’s relation to Old Norse and connection to Faroese  Some reasons he’s encountered people wanting to learn the language How filler words can help Icelandic learners in conversations The historical push to maintain the integrity of Icelandic Icelandic self care rituals and the traditions of the thermal waters And surprisingly enough, Icelandic hip hop music.  Big thank you to Oskar for sharing your language, culture and your sense of humor with all of us! If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And as you know, I wrote a book! My food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1. is available now for purchase! Check social media for the sneak peek inside of the book and make sure you purchase for yourself and your friends! Links to all platforms are below!  Thank you to Good Good for sponsoring this episode of Speaking Tongues. Born in Iceland, made in the EU, GOOD GOOD offers better for you pantry staples. Naturally derived, non-GMO, low carb, and low calorie, GOOD GOOD jams and spreads are perfect for anyone looking to cut down on sugar without sacrificing taste. Find them on Amazon and in stores across the US, Europe, Canada, and more. Learn more at goodgoodbrand.com. 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 on-going 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
This is How Italian Immigrants Created a New Way of Speaking in America
2026/09/02
This episode was originally published on Dec 6, 2021 Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week’s episode is the last new episode of 2021 and I’m so excited to share this conversation with Luna from Collina Italiana where we talk about the language, history and culture of Italian-Americans.  This conversation is an important one because we’ve had the opportunity to talk about a culture and a language here in the US that is often, at best, misunderstood and at worst, stereotyped. Luna talks to us about the history of Italian immigration to the U.S. and which regions of Italy came to influence the development of Italian spoken here. We talk about how the language is evolving over generations in the U.S. and some common factors between recent immigrant families and those families whose ancestors immigrated generations ago. We talk about harmful stereotypes that have perpetuated about the Italian-American community so stay tuned for that segment And, because we love words around here, Luna talks to us about some words that she’s researched for her series “Cosa Dici” where she finds the origins of some commonly used Italian-American words.  Big thank you to Luna for having this conversation with us and giving us the history lesson we need to understand the Italian-American community better. This episode is just the latest in a handful of episodes where we’ve discussed languages spoken in the U.S so if you’re interested in learning more about indigenous, colonial or immigrant languages spoken here in the U.S. make sure you listen to Episode 70. Speaking Gullah Geechee with Sunn M’Cheaux, Episode 58. Speaking U.S. Spanish with Tertulia Podcast, 55. Speaking Hawaiian with Halau Olelo and Episode  49. Speaking North American French and Spanish with Multilingual Marissa.  If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! And, If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now support the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com.  Speaking Tongues Podcast: 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 on going 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
How One Creator Stays Connected to Lingala and Her Congolese Roots in Paris
2026/08/26
This episode was originally published on Sept 12, 2022 Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals. This week, we’re talking about the Lingala language and Congolese culture with Melissa, the founder and teacher behind Lingala Lessons.  In this episode, Melissa tells us about growing up in Paris speaking both Lingala and French and how this often felt like living in two different countries- France and DRC. She tells us about how her parents made the effort to reinforce Lingala and their Congolese roots at home and how Black American tv shows were impactful in African French communities. We talk about Lingala grammar and learn how the language is used in DRC, Republic of Congo and other Lingala speaking regions. Melissa tells us about Congolese music and why it’s really important to Congolese people and keep listening to find out where we can experience Congolese culture & food in Paris.  Big thank you to Melissa for this conversation and for sharing parts of your languages and culture with us. If you enjoy episodes of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show!  Speaking Tongues Podcast: 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 on going 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
What Happens When a Generation Learns Basque? Dr. Eukene Franco Landa on Language Revival
2026/08/19
This episode was originally published on March 11, 2024 Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues, the podcast in conversation with multi linguals. This week, we’re talking with Dr. Eukene Franco Landa about her language of Basque. Eukene is a Ph.D. in Linguistic Studies at the University of Miami. She is an advocate of minority languages and cultures. Her work focuses on the language variation in young Basque speakers and ethnolinguistic identities and attitudes towards Basque, both in the Basque Country and the Basque diaspora of Idaho. In this episode we discuss: The perceptions of Basque being a “difficult” language and why that’s not true Efforts that have been made over decades to ensure that children are learning the language Trauma that exists within minoritized languages The standard variety of Basque and the local languages spoken in Pais Vasco  Conducting research among the Basque community in Idaho Big eskerrik asko to Eukene for sharing your language, your research and culture with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. 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 on-going 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
Between Iran and America: Yara Elmjouie on Language, Identity and Reconnecting to Persian
2026/08/12
This episode was originally published on May 22, 2023 Hello Language Lovers! Thank you for joining me for this episode of Speaking Tongues- the podcast in conversation with multilinguals.This week’s episode we are talking with Yara Elmjouie who is a James Beard award winning, and Emmy winning journalist for AJ Plus about his language of Persian.  I’ve been a fan of Yara’s work for a long time and I’m thrilled to have had a chance to talk with him about Persian language and Iranian and Iranian-American culture and heritage. In this episode, we talk about some of his favorite things about Persian language, including direct object identifiers and its similarity to other languages he’s familiar with. We talk about growing up between the US and Iran, navigating the cultural differences between the two places. Yara talks to us about exploring rural parts of Iran with his dad and encountering first hand how language varies around the country. He also tells us about his path to becoming a journalist and being intentional about reconnecting to his Persian heritage.  Big thank you to Yara for this conversation and for sharing your language, culture and your work with all of us. If you enjoy this episode of Speaking Tongues, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers like ourselves can find the show! If you’ve been a long time listener of the show or a recent listener, you can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. Speaking Tongues Podcast: 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 on-going 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
188. Speaking Computational Linguistics with Dr. Albert Ventayol
2026/07/13
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
187. Speaking Trinidadian Creole & Mandarin Chinese with Janine Lutchman-Nkouetang
2026/07/06
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
186. Speaking Cornish with Elizabeth Ellis
2026/06/29
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
185. Speaking Sicilian with Nick Panzarella from Cademia Siciliana
2026/06/22
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
184. Speaking Flemish & French with Dani James
2026/06/15
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
183. Speaking Guaraní & Paraguayan Spanish with Iliana Franco Alvarenga
2026/06/08
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
182. Speaking Multilingualism In Global Tourism with Ambra Attus of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence
2026/06/01
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

Podcast reviews

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


5 out of 5
32 reviews
★★★★★
Iya Funlayo 2025/03/25
Great show!
As a lover of languages, I absolutely I love this show! From the languages to the food segments, I always learn and enjoy.
★★★★★
yariarenas 2024/02/29
Storytelling through languages and cultures
Elle has a gift for giving us a personalized taste of each language (and culture) she features. It's like she opens up a whole new world with every ep...
★★★★★
Ughnicknames111 2024/01/12
Fun!
A fun, casual, welcoming way to learn about different cultures and languages
★★★★★
juveny 2020/12/09
Wowwww this is amazing
English is my second lenguaje but it feels good to be able to comunícate with others even with accent ... so so proud of your podcast chica linda ... ...
★★★★★
jfahey717 2020/12/06
Speaking Papamiento
Great show. I loved it. I learned a lot. I did not know about Papamiento before. Host asks really good questions.
★★★★★
Kellio16 2020/06/19
Connecting through language
This is an amazing podcast that delves into language and culture. I love learning new idioms and expressions. Elle Charisse brings together such fasci...
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