It's About Language, with Norah Jones

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.

Discover how Megan Diercks and Steven Sacco will use storytelling to empower global citizens and enrich language curricula! Tune in to learn about their immersive initiative in Côte d'Ivoire and its broader implications.

At the age of 20, I was like, wow, the models of bilingual education in the US and in Colombia failed me. They’re leaving kids behind. So I have a lot of drive to make that right, by being out there with teachers, surrounded by the people making changes. Gianny Morales The stories we tellContinue reading "S5E3 Gianny Morales: Making a Home in Two Worlds"

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,Continue 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.

We learned a lot after the pandemic: how important it is to be face-to-face and humans need each other. Folks tell me AI is going to replace us. I beg to differ. We as human beings are powerful and can use this intelligence to help us. Noemí Rodríguez I love this conversation with language educationContinue reading "E126 Humans, Language,Technology: a conversation with Noemí Rodríguez"

Proficiency comes down very simply to what someone can do with the language. It’s not what you know about the language, it’s what you can do with the language. As a learner I need to take it within me on a playground, in in the community, doing video games with kids around the world… PaulContinue reading "E125 Taking Proficiency Seriously, with Paul Sandrock"

Language is everywhere. We have to make it right for our own community and make it meaningful for our own community, but always keep that larger picture out there. Opening eyes to the world is the best thing that we can give our students. Brandon Locke Qeyaakaq. “Language Warrior.” The photo shows Brandon, initially unawareContinue reading "E124 Language Warriors – A Conversation with Brandon Locke"

LAMA means “Why?” Clarity on why we are having a conversation to educate and develop leaders allows us to look at language intentionally, to ask questions about meaning, and to explore with our participants, who, in turn, will also be our teachers. Tal Gale Human language gives us the gift of Why. Without language, organismsContinue reading "E123 LAMA Leadership: A Conversation with Tal Gale"

I would say you can do a lot with languages–things you wouldn’t expect–and that is what I have tried to do in my life. It’s not simply reading, writing, speaking and listening. You find a niche that works for you. You find the thing you like, where you think you have a future, and youContinue reading "Episode 122 Your Language Niche: A Conversation with Gregory Nedved"

Language is very important to bring people together. Communication can bring peace. If we can communicate together in a caring and loving way, there will be peace in the world. Lorie Roule’s mother, from an interview We tend to be, as a country, short-sighted about language. A problem goes away and the attention goes away,Continue reading "Episode 121 Lorie Roule: Advocating for Sustainable Language Programs"

We work anywhere where we see issues or anywhere where we think that we can make a connection and work with people who are really capable. They’re extremely inspiring people. It’s the idea of connecting students with artists. Christopher Howell In a world where cultural divisions often seem insurmountable, a remarkable initiative known as theContinue reading "Episode 120 The Pulsera Project : Chris Howell"

If you become multilingual and explore the world and develop interculturality, you aren’t losing your original identity, you’re only making it stronger. Christopher Gwin Language is the pathway not to losing yourself, but to finding yourself and being grateful for your life experiences. Language learning makes you less competitive, because you have seen other practicesContinue reading "Episode 119 Language and Leadership Pathways: Christopher Gwin"

Languages and scripts do not just die out. Invariably, the loss of a language or a script is the result of policy. It's the result of invasion, it's possibly genocide, possibly economic invasion where one culture finds that it cannot survive without taking on the guise of a more powerful culture nearby. Tim Brookes WhileContinue reading "Episode 118 Tim Brookes: Endangered Alphabets Project"

The association that people have had in the past with language education is not what it has evolved to become today. People are highly strategic with the way that they are using language in the classroom. Language is used for an authentic purpose, it’s used for critical thinking skills, it’s used for strategic problem-solving, soContinue reading "Episode 117 The GLOBE Academy: Sandra Daniel"

In Episode 116 It's About Language host Norah Jones does a bit of storytelling of her language and cultural meetings, missteps, mistakes…and reflects on the powerful growth such experiences bring. She invites listeners to reflect on the roles of their own life stories in defining themselves and their impact in challenging times.

We don’t want DLI programs to just simply exist. We want them to thrive, and, as I found in my research, a leader’s choices, their decisions, and their practices can really elevate everyone’s practice and build a community of respect and understanding and support for this program. We want Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs toContinue reading "Episode 115 Joy and Opportunity for All: Nancy Hong"

Wordplay is an opportunity for fun and engagement, an opening to appreciate some important things about language. As we all well know, spoken language is not only a way of conveying information, but also a way of connecting with others and expressing ourselves. And one of the ways that spoken language can be more creativeContinue reading "Episode 114 Word Play and Pun’d-It, with Josh Daly"

Bring a language forward. We want that language to be something that we recognize. Human language is uniquely suited to creating possibilities. Those possibilities create opportunties for individuals to discover their deepest identities, to express their most important thoughts, to make their most important connections with other people, and to find their place and purposeContinue reading "Episode 113 Always Say Yes to a Language: Michele Aoki & Veronica Trapani"

“We learn about fundamentals. Then as we recognize that society changes, we start questioning as we face new challenges. We need to start having other conversations.” Ponder for a moment the word “craft.” A world of mass-manufactured goods, one-use items, disposables, low-low-low prices, divided attention, and Instagram glamour… Where does craft fit in? The wordContinue reading "Episode 112 Honing Our Craft: Florencia Henshaw & Kim Potowski"

“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 whenContinue reading "Episode 111 Language and the Art of Motorcycles: Michelle Olah"

“We are a family, not biological family, but a family united by language.” Do we need data to love our family? We can read much research about how a family unit – no matter how it may be constituted – is of critical importance to human well-being. But if we do not experience it, itContinue reading "Episode 110 United by Language Family : Terri Marlow"

“Complexity makes life more interesting. Stories need to evoke these complexities, to generate questions. We need questions more than answers.” What journey are YOU on? What questions are you creating, the language of which can create more openings to understanding, connections, and possibilities than “answers” ever can? What talent in yourself are you cultivating? HowContinue reading "Episode 109 Bringing Perspectives Together : Enrique Moras"

What's your spark? How do you speak about your identity, your purpose, your gifts? Use your language to breathe life into your unique ember, and join with others to light a fire to warm the world. Humanity and hope: it's about language.

It's About Language | Episode 107 | For You and With You: Megan Dierks Norah Jones speaks with Megan Diercks of the AATF about the power of language to transform lives young and old, and to develop confidence, leadership, and connections in our work and world. We are stronger when we are working together. The AATF networks with other organizations to strengthen the visibility of French in the world, bringing people together to reinforce the importance of French and the importance of learning and using French in our lives and in the world.

Join us for Episode 106 of Its About Language, where Thomas Sauer of PEARLL shares insights with host Norah Jones on the importance of self-reflection for personal growth and enhanced well-being. Sauer's work at the National Foreign Language Center focuses on reflection in professional development, but his conversation with Jones demonstrates how to apply this practice in the lives of all human beings, adults and children alike. More insights on the topics of professional growth, Teacher Effectiveness for Language Learning (TELL), Thomas Sauer's work, and using Norah Jones's work with natural language behaviors to support reflection and growth can all be found at Jones's website, www.fluency.consulting .

Join us on a transformative journey of language connection and empowerment, regardless of your role or work in life. This episode serves as an inspiring call to make meaningful connections and discover opportunities for positive impact. By seeking and sharing stories like these, you build a ladder to lift you out of despair, illuminating your path to your unique role to play in the world.

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 103 is an energetic and insightful conversation with Lori LeVar Pierce. A Wider Vision of the World. Take a moment - take the time - to sit with your own life experiences and to "watch your language go by." Our language and our experiences - our culture, both small and large - are what make us uniquely human.

Language is humanity's survival tool. It fosters deep connections between people. Let's look at our institutions, families, and communities and ask ourselves: "How can we ensure that everyone understands languages, how to listen, and how to speak, so that they can express their deepest humanity and connect with others?" Language saves lives. Let's work together to create a better future for all.

“Language is a key just in coaching people on their interpersonal relationship. So when it comes to workers compensation, especially, you might think that the cost of a medical claim related to a workplace injury would correlate highest with the severity of the injury. The reality is the industries recognize that the highest corollary toContinue reading "Episode 101 – The Costs of Ignoring Language and Culture: Bennett Whitehouse (Risk Analyst)"

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.

Episode 99 | Its About Language | Language Inspirations - Presenters on Presenting I'm excited to share with you Episode 99! Language learning happens in the home, community, school and workplace. Language teachers are parents, siblings, friends, community members, colleagues, strangers, and media of all types. Language connects us to each other and the world around us. In this episode, I attended SCOLT (Southern Conference on Language Teaching) and NECTFL (Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). Excited presenters share with me how they help build the language bridges that connect us all.

Episode 98 : The Power of Intercultural Understanding: Scott Womack In this episode, Scott Womack shares his insights on the role of language, culture and intercultural competence in our lives. Dr. Scott Womack's research into these topics makes him an expert on their importance to our emotional wellbeing and global understanding.

Its About Language | Episode 97 | Children Celebrate Their Heritage What an exciting episode! We continue celebrating Mother Language Day, hearing from young children, young adults, and adults on the importance of celebrating heritage, sounds, music, dance, food, and stories. These are pivotal times for the world and celebrating traditions together - this is how language is the pathway to bringing peace to the spirit of individuals.

Its About Language | Episode 96 | From the Kids of Mother Language Day 2023 Episode 96 is all about International Heritage Language Association in Edmonton Alberta celebrating Mother Language Day. I was so excited to see the many heritage schools come together and had the opportunity to interview quite a few. In this episode you will hear from three young adults / kids as they reflect on the hope they are bringing to the world. Enjoy the podcast!

Its About Language | Episode 95 | Celebrating our Languages with Antonella Cortese & IHLA This week's guest is Antonella Cortese, "mother” of the IHLA Mother Language Day Festival in Edmonton, Canada. Hear how this annual festival provides an opportunity for youth to learn about world-wide heritage languages and share their own, through dance, music, and poetry — and go to my website for her mom's traditional Italian pastry recipe!

This week, Steven Sacco is interviewing Norah. Norah shares where her passion for language began and how it shaped her world, and from that foundation how she took it a step farther to help change the lives of others. The Elements of Our Language are truly the stepping stones in new pathways leading to so many opportunities in our lives.

How does language open hearts, minds, opportunities, and hope for all? I speak with Meredith White, an Instructional Technology Coach and Spanish Teacher in Gwinnett County Public Schools, Georgia this week. She's here to talk about the power of language in the lives of those who teach it and of those who learn it. She provides insights into how we can use language to focus on what brings joy and sustainability in our busy lives, allowing balance as well as effectiveness in all we do. It's About Language | Episode 93 | Connecting with Meredith White

Episode 92: Inviting You to Reflect with Parthena Draggett, AATSP President. Our lively conversation touches on the diversity within the classroom and outside in the world, and how language studies connect learners to themselves and cultures around the world. Parthena emphasizes the importance of being open to the process of learning and the dynamics of language. Such truths invite language learners of all ages to be bold, be vulnerable, and to consider themselves speakers of a language from the beginning. It's a powerful, positive concept for an interconnected world.

Episode 91 | Hear the voices of young adult language students from Northside ISD in San Antonio on language as a powerful tool in their lives. They share about identity, connections, opportunities, personal heritage, and many more gifts that learning new languages have for them, and all of us.

Episode 90 | Connecting with William Lee, ACTFL Teacher of the Year 2023. William Lee Latin teacher at Clark High School (San Antonio) talks with Norah about providing opportunities and exuding passion for World Language education. "I want people to realize that we are part of the whole and we're all in it together. "

Episode 89 | Reflection Series | Guest Celia Zamora, ACTFL Join Norah L Jones and Celia Zamora on the future of language education and ACTFL. In this episode of It's About Language, Norah and Celia talk about initiatives designed to include everyone in the learning and use of languages to participate fully in the global community.

Episode 88 Inviting you to Reflect with Amanda Seewald, JNCL Executive Director. Amanda provides insight into voices coming together to make a difference. "Language is human, we are human, and it is essential in order for us to do work, live, and do anything with other humans."

Episode 87 Inviting you to Reflect with Edgar Serrano, NNELL President-Elect. Edgar shares pathways for young children to learn new languages, and opportunities and resources for those who teach them. Reflect on how he and we ensure joyful learning experiences, equitable access, and hope through a multilingual identity.

Episode 86 Inviting You to Reflect With Leslie Baldwin, NADSFL Supervisor of the Year 2023. In this episode, we reflect on our gift of language and its impact on our identity, our community, and our destiny. Join me - Listen and Download to share with your friends and colleagues

In this episode of Its About Language Norah speaks with World Language Educators at FLAVA, who share the importance and impact of language on their own lives and the lives of the young people they teach.

Norah L Jones taps the professional excitement, dedication, and insights of her fellow language education attendees at the SCOLT conference in Norfolk, VA.

Norah Jones of Fluency Consulting reflects on how language and language studies can help both understand and prevent violence through fear and hate.

Norah L Jones taps the professional excitement, dedication, and insights of her fellow language education attendees at the SCOLT conference in Norfolk, VA..

Norah Jones of Fluency Consulting and the actors of 246 The Main reflect on their workshop on language, accent, and characters' identities.