Advertise on podcast: It's About Language, with Norah Jones

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 : [email protected] 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

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 : [email protected] 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

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 : [email protected] 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

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 : [email protected] 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

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 : [email protected] 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

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 : [email protected] 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

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 : [email protected] 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

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 : [email protected] 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

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 : [email protected] 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

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 : [email protected] 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

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 : [email protected] 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

“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 : [email protected] 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

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 : [email protected] 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

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 : [email protected] 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

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 : [email protected] 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