It's About Language, with Norah Jones

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.

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 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

vCTYt6SizJjZDVoFTQdn Norah L Jones taps the professional excitement, dedication, and insights of her fellow language education attendees at the SCOLT conference in Norfolk, VA.