Speaking of Language
Education & Explainer
About
Speaking of Language is a podcast recorded at the Language Resource Center at Cornell University. Each week, we explore a topic related to language pedagogy and second language acquisition.
Episodes
- S17E14 - Valerie Fridland - Why We Talk Funny
Sociolinguist Valerie Fridland discusses accents, dialects, and her book "Why We Talk Funny" on the Speaking of Language podcast. The episode features music by Pocket Bandits.
- S17E13 - Serene Wang - Chunking and Real-Time Language Use
Dr. Serene Wang joins the podcast to discuss how
- S17E12 - Lincoln Snyder - Pennsylvania Dutch and Innovation in Language Revitalization
Lincoln Snyder discusses the history of the Pennsylvania Dutch language and ongoing efforts towards its revitalization. Further details are available at https://lincolnsnyder.com/
- S17E11 - Thaiza Barros - Researching Language Acquisition in Young Learners
Thaiza Barros discusses language acquisition and Portuguese, sharing research findings on how young children acquire specific speech sounds. The episode is part of the Speaking of Language podcast.
- S17E10 - LeAnne Spino - Advancing Second Language Proficiency and Intercultural Competence
Dr. LeAnne Spino joins Speaking of Language to explore the differences between language proficiency and intercultural competence. The discussion includes strategies for effectively demonstrating and communicating the value of language prog…
- S17E9 - Megan Yap & Simon Ilincev - Lingofable
Megan Yap and Simon Ilincev, two Cornell students studying linguistics and computer science, introduce us to Lingofable, their new app offering language learning through stories. https://lingofable.com/ team@lingofable.com #超凡入圣 #odskočitsi
- S17E8 - ALANA
Leslie Monter-Casio, Catherine Mao, and Molly Jones, Cornell students from the executive board of ALANA, share the many ways their student organization supports intercultural programming on campus. https://www.instagram.com/alanaintercultu…
- S17E7 - Nandipa Sipengane - Building Community in the Language Classroom
Nandipa Sipengane, isiZulu language instructor from Yale University's Council on African Studies, discusses strategies for pedagogy and community building in less commonly taught languages, both in person and over distance. https://macmill…
- S17E6 - Naomi Larson - Online Collaborations, Virtual Reality, and Connections between Japan and Brazil
Our dear colleague and friend Naomi Larson is in the studio with us today! Naomi is a senior lecturer in Japanese here at Cornell, and we will talk about the many wonderful opportunities she creates for language learners here, and everywhe…
- S17E5 - Rosie Nguyen - Creativity, Commerce, and Culture
In this episode, Rosie Nguyen, accomplished author and PhD student at Cornell, shares the value in her translinguistic experience writing award-winning fiction in Vietnamese as well as researching communication, media, and digital culture…
- S17E4 - Sergiy Sydorenko - Multilingualism and Diplomacy
In this episode, we explore how multilingualism and cultural sensibility shape who we are, how we relate to others, and how we move through our professional lives. #воля
- S17E3 - The 3 Cs of Conversation
Cornell students Colette Bu, Cameron Howland, and Cody Paul share their experiences as language tutors and conversation hour leaders. We will hear all about these important resources and why everyone should join in on the fun, and discuss…
- S17E2 - Jamie Edmonds - Critical Languages Institute
Dr. Jamie Edmonds is the director of the Critical Languages Institute at Arizona State University. He shares his thoughts on the importance and future of language education. https://cli.asu.edu/ Instagram: @criticallanguagesinstitute Faceb…
- S17E1 - Arina Danilina - Language, Culture, Polarization, and Connection
Cornell student Arina Danilina joins us to discuss her academic and linguistic journeys. As a dedicated facilitator of Russian conversation hours and a participant in the College Scholar Program, Arina's research investigates how the archi…
- S16E13 - Dominique Branson - Why Language Matters for Justice
Dr. Dominique Branson, a past Soros Justice Fellow with the Open Society Foundations, and a Cornell alum, joins us to discuss linguistic justice and what it means for racial disparities in the US legal system. https://dominiquebranson.com/…
- Thanksgiving 2025 Mini-Episode
Our annual expression of gratitude from the Language Resource Center family. Featuring: Ashley Griffith (LRC Engagement & Outreach Coordinator) Ahmed Shamim (LRC Academic Programs Coordinator) Ruby Shaw (LRC student intern) Jack Brown (gue…
- S16E12 - Dan Kaufman - Current Challenges in Urban Language Revitalization
Dr. Daniel Kaufman returns to Speaking of Language to discuss language revitalization, language ideology, the deceptiveness of AI, and more. Watch Dan's talk at the LRC: https://youtu.be/ew2VfzbRtz4 https://www.elalliance.org/ https://lang…
- S16E11 - Jadon Geathers - ChitterChatter
We chat with Cornell PhD student Jadon Geathers about the development of his AI speaking partner platform for language learners, ChitterChatter. #仁 https://jadongeathers.github.io/ The Future of Learning Lab: https://learning.cis.cornell.e…
- S16E10 - Polly Lauer - Indigenous Language on the Air
Dr. Polly Lauer, a Klarman Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Romance Studies here at Cornell, shares how radio and other mass media have contributed to the revitalization of Indigenous language and community in Guatemala. polly.laue…
- S16E9 - Daisy Rockwell - Adventures in Translationland
We are joined by the versatile and accomplished Daisy Rockwell, a Vermont-based painter and award-winning translator of Hindi and Urdu literature. In 2022, she was awarded the Booker Prize for Translation, and she recently gave a talk as p…
- S16E8 - Mijeong Mimi Kim - Implementing Undergraduate TAs in the Language Curriculum
Dr. Mijeong Mimi Kim follows up on her recent talk at Cornell, sharing the benefits of integrating undergraduate teaching assistants into the language curriculum. mmkim@wustl.edu Watch Mimi's talk at Cornell: https://youtu.be/fE9df4GciCU #…
- S16E7 - Himari Mizusawa & Saho Yamamoto - Kansai University Exchange
Cornell's Japanese language program has a partnership with Kansai University. We meet two of their students, and discuss the importance of international experiences and exchange. #practicemakesperfect #千里の道も一歩から
- S16E6 - Seema Golestaneh & Alia Amer - SWANA and Women of MENA
The Southwest Asia and North Africa Program (SWANA) is Cornell’s new hub for research, learning, and engagement with the cultures and people of the vast geographical region stretching from Morocco in the west to Iran in the east. Women of…
- S16E5 - Fernando Rubio - The Rise of OER in Language Teaching and Learning
Fernando Rubio, director of the Yale Center for Language Study, talks all about Open Educational Resources for language teaching and learning. Dr. Rubio’s talk at Cornell: https://youtu.be/U6Imb0FxB0o?si=IFtIxMxaBZUzvveP #txirimiri #calabo…
- S16E4 - Jack Brown - Critical Language Scholarship
Jack Brown, PhD student in Cornell's Department of Romance Studies, is the Alumni Ambassador for the Critical Language Scholarship Program. Jack discusses the CLS and reasserts the importance of language study in creating a safer, more con…
- S16E3 - Ellen Jovin & Brandt Johnson - Rebel with a Clause
Grammar guru Ellen Jovin and filmmaker Brandt Johnson join us to discuss Rebel with a Clause , a new film following a traveling grammar advice stand across all 50 US states. https://www.rebelwithaclause.com/ Tickets to screenings: https://…
- S16E2 - Hannah Scott Deuchar - Translational Justice
Sam speaks with Hannah Scott Deuchar, a scholar of modern Middle Eastern literature, media, and translation; critical and legal theory; and histories of culture and technology in the Global South. This past spring semester, she gave a talk…
- S16E1 - Jaida Anekwe - Fashion and Diaspora
Jaida Anekwe, President Emeritus of Cornell’s Pan-African Students Association, discusses the organization and their much-celebrated annual fashion show, AFRIK. Cornell Chronicle article on AFRIK: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2025/03/f…
- Season 16 Teaser
We're back with our Sweet Sixteen season! Join Sam, Angelika, and another dozen-odd guests to talk about the impact of language and culture, from fashion to food, translation to grammar.
- S15E14 - Sara Lee - Neurodivergent Language Learners: Needs, Opportunities, and Teaching Strategies
Sara Lee closes out our season discussing strategies for supporting neurodiverse language learners and how these design principles create better learning outcomes for the entire classroom. Watch Sara's workshop: https://youtu.be/hhB0Bg_3-b…
- S15E13 - Katie Fiorella - Cornell Migrations Program
Dr. Katie Fiorella is the director of the Cornell Migrations Program. We discuss the policies and outcomes related to the movement of living things across borders, and learn about how this initiative has developed since we first discussed…
- S15E12 - Andrew Campana & Ashley Griffith - Poetry at the Edge of Media
We celebrate the LRC's annual Sweet Poetry event with two returning guests: poet and Japanese literature and media scholar Andrew Campana, and the LRC's Engagement and Outreach Coordinator, Ashley Griffith. https://lrc.cornell.edu/sweet-po…
- S15E11 - Monti Wilkins - Cornell Language House
We will learn all about Cornell's Language House and how it benefits campus life from residence hall director Monti Wilkins. https://cornell.campusgroups.com/tonimorrison/home/ https://scl.cornell.edu/residential-life/housing/campus-housin…
- S15E10 - Daniel Kaufman - Language Documentation and Revitalization
Dr. Daniel Kaufman is the co-founder and co-director of the Endangered Language Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to documenting Indigenous, minority, and endangered languages, supporting linguistic diversity in New York City and beyond. We…
- S15E9 - Olga Verlato - Language and Power in the Middle East and Beyond
We speak with Olga Verlato, a Klarman Fellow in Near Eastern Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences here at Cornell. She talks about the role played by language in history, politics, and education in modern Egypt and the surrounding r…
- S15E8 - Gláucia Silva - Linguistic Perception and Production in Heritage Language
Gláucia Silva follows up on her recent talk, “Linguistic Perception and Production in Heritage Language.” Instagram: @glauciaumd #peteca
- S15E7 - Blaine & Von Ray - The Fastest Way to Fluency
Blaine and Von Ray discuss TPRS, “Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling,” and the results they’ve had via this method. https://www.tprsbooks.com/ #esobvio #cariño
- S15E6 - Adriana Lima - Latino Living Center
Adriana Lima is the residence hall director at Cornell's Latino Living Center, a residential program house on campus. She shares the history and current events of the LLC, and discusses its benefits to campus life. https://cornell.campusgr…
- S15E5 - Kris Aric Knisely - Gender-Just Language Education
Kris Knisely is Associate Professor of French and Intercultural Competence at the University of Arizona. He follows up on his recent talk as part of our monthly LRC Speaker Series, Doing It (Gender) Justice: Reimagining Language Education…
- S15E4 - Sarah Fiorello - Cornell Botanic Gardens
Sarah Fiorello, Interpretation Coordinator for the Cornell Botanic Gardens, shares the linguistic and cultural importance of flowers and plants. https://cornellbotanicgardens.org/ #joiedevivre Read a transcription of this episode: https://…
- S15E3 - Loïs Talagrand - Tips and Tricks for More Efficient Language Learning
Loïs Talagrand is a software developer, language learner, and avid YouTuber who explores best ways for learning languages on his channel. He recounts his journey from an English student with poor conversation skills to an accomplished poly…
- S15E2 - Language Expansion Program and Translator Interpreter Program
We are joined by student leaders from Cornell’s Language Expansion Program and Translator Interpreter Program, both of which are now officially part of the Language Resource Center. Drew Soshensky (co-president, LEP), Matthew Norman-Ariztí…
- S15E1 - Kate Sonka - Teach Access
We kick off season 15 with Kate Sonka, Executive Director of Teach Access, a non-profit working to bridge the accessibility skills gap between education and industry. https://teachaccess.org/ #albóndigas
- S14E13 - Şebnem Özkan - Cornell Global Hubs
We catch up with Şebnem Özkan to learn what's new in Cornell's collaborative, interdisciplinary initiative with partners around the world, Global Hubs. #barış global.cornell.edu/hubs globalhubs@cornell.edu Read a transcription of this epis…
- Thanksgiving 2024 Mini-Episode
Sam talks gratitude with LRC team members Ashley Griffith and Ahmed Shamim. We'll be back next week with our final episode of the season!
- S14E12 - Tom Garza - Gen Z Learner Identities and Differentiated Language Instruction
Tom Garza joins us to expand on his recent talk about optimizing teaching for Gen Z learners and differentiated language instruction. We will extend our conversations about the current generation of students and what we as educators can do…
- S14E11 - Matt Brooks-Green - Language Learning for Mortals
YouTuber Matt Brooks-Green joins us to talk about his channel “Language Learning for Mortals.” He’ll share his perspective on picking up new languages outside of the classroom. https://www.youtube.com/@matt_brooks-green #tiquismiquis #desh…
- S14E10 - World Languages Day
We reflect on another successful World Languages Day at Cornell with our Engagement and Outreach Coordinator Ashley Griffith and student volunteer, keynote speaker, and Language Expansion Program co-president Daria Badger. #eichhörnchen #ź…
- S14E9 - Ilka Kostka - Generative AI in Language Teacher Education
Dr. Ilka Kostka follows up on her talk about the opportunities and challenges of Generative AI in the language classroom. Watch Ilka’s talk at the LRC: https://youtu.be/HzST20cCmE8?si=Vidd6azr2NgEPpLF Ilka’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.…
- S14E8 - Kasia Bartoszynska - Translation, Antiracism, and Estranging the Novel
Dr. Kasia Bartoszynska is an Associate Professor at Ithaca College in Literatures in English and in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She is a reader, writer, educator, translator, and lover of good food, and we discuss translation,…