Have you ever felt the weight of language expectations? Here’s how it shaped my journey: Tag someone who’s navigating identity through language! Growing up, I was often caught between two worlds. In a predominantly white high school, my voice felt out of place. At home, I was too ‘white’ for my peers. It took time, but I learned that blending these experiences made my perspective unique. Language is powerful. It can connect, liberate, or even isolate. I realized that our differences in language and culture are not limitations but strengths. In my teaching, I emphasize the beauty of every dialect and the importance of understanding various backgrounds. It’s crucial to recognize and respect each other's voices and stories. Let’s celebrate our human diversity! 🌍 Full insights in the link in bio.

Writer, poet, editor, and language advocate John Tessitore joins Norah for a thoughtful conversation about language, vulnerability, creativity, and the courage it takes to stop hiding who we are. Together they explore writing as a way of thinking, the importance of understanding each other across differences, and the freedom that comes from finally allowing yourself to be seen.

There’s a noticeable shift happening in language education—and it starts with where people are choosing to focus their attention. Instead of centering on challenges, Joy Peyton reflects on the energy she experienced at Language Advocacy Days, where educators, students, and advocates came together to share what’s working. From stories of collaboration across schools to the growing presence of multilingual young people, this conversation highlights a movement that is gaining momentum. Language learning is no longer confined to classrooms—it’s alive in communities, shaped by real experiences, and strengthened through connection. As Joy puts it, the future depends on recognizing every contributor as an equal partner and moving forward together.

A new episode of It’s About Language is now available.Listen to the conversation, then explore the stories, quotes, and resources that follow. In This Episode What starts as a conversation about being snowed in quickly unfolds into a journey through Charlie’s early career decisions, including a pivotal leap into teaching abroad and the unexpected pathContinueContinue reading "S6E5: It’s Not Just What You Say: The Hidden Power of Language and Communication with Charlie Hanchett"

Discover the cultural richness of the Mangyan people and the poetic beauty of Ambahan, an ancient tradition of sung poetry that shapes identity and community. This episode features voices from the Mangyan Heritage Center sharing stories of preservation, passion, and belonging.

It's not about learning vocabulary, learning how to say something in another language. Deep down, we're talking about making us better, smarter, more compassionate, more open minded, more empathetic people who care about self and also one another. That's my goal and my passion. Dr. Shuhan Wang In another place in our conversation, she says,ContinueContinue reading "S5E2 Shuhan Wang: A New Framework for Language Education"

Season 5 kicks off with Norah Lulich Jones hosting Victor Santos, author of What Makes Us Human. Explore how Santos uses riddle in both words and images to engage and delight children (and adults) with the power of human language.

"It's a long journey. It's a long trip. And it's getting there and getting back. ...We bought something because the new context called for it. And that's okay. You need to be adaptable, you need to be flexible. That was a super easy decision to make, because we knew what our plan was. So whenContinueContinue reading "Episode 111 Language and the Art of Motorcycles: Michelle Olah"

This episode brings Norah & Jessica Haxhi (New Haven, CT) together to discuss how language is more than words. It's a tool that can be used to leap over barriers: AI, COVID separation, environmental & social and other pressing contemporary needs.

Episode 100 | Brenda Buckley: Why Teach Like a Rebel This week, Brenda Buckley teaches why we should teach like a rebel! Brenda is an ASL instructor and sign language expert who reveals the role of body movement, eye contact, growth mindset, and humor in language learning and personal confidence.