Linguist and professor, Anna Babel, answers questions about bilingualism and the number of languages one can learn. Kids from around the world share their experiences speaking multiple languages and the cultural connections they feel. The podcast also discusses the importance of languages as reflections of identities and the challenges of humor and authenticity in non-native languages.
Speaking multiple languages allows for a deeper understanding of different cultures and more opportunities for communication.
Language skills develop gradually over time, and learning multiple languages can help in understanding and appreciating different cultures.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Being Bilingual
In this podcast episode, kids from around the world share their experiences of speaking multiple languages. They discuss the advantages of being bilingual, such as connecting with their cultural roots, understanding different cultures, and having more opportunities for communication. The episode highlights how speaking multiple languages can be fun and allows for secret languages, while also emphasizing the importance of being respectful and inclusive when communicating with people who speak different languages.
Exploring Language Learning
Anna Bebel, a linguistics professor, explains the different steps of language learning and the various ways people can become bilingual or multilingual. She reassures listeners that there is no exact point at which one becomes fluent in a language, but rather language skills develop gradually over time. Anna also discusses the benefits of learning multiple languages, including the ability to understand and appreciate different cultures.
The Power of Language
Kids share their excitement about speaking multiple languages and the joy they find in being able to communicate with a wider range of people. They mention how speaking different languages allows them to talk to family members, friends, and even tourists from different countries. The episode emphasizes that language serves as a powerful tool for connection and understanding among diverse communities.
Challenges and Motivation in Language Learning
The podcast addresses the challenges that come with learning new languages, such as making mistakes and struggling to express oneself fully. However, it encourages listeners to persevere, reminding them that every mistake is an opportunity to grow and improve. The episode also explores why children tend to learn languages more easily than adults and the importance of creating a supportive and encouraging environment for language learning.
Almost half the people in the world speak at least two languages. And, it turns out, that includes a lot of But Why listeners! In this episode we talk about what it’s like to speak multiple languages and kids from around the world share phrases in many different languages so we can all learn something new! Plus, linguist and professor Anna Babel answers questions we’ve gotten about languages, including: What does it mean to be bilingual? Why do some people speak two or three languages? How many languages can someone learn?