In This Episode At the 2026 Language Advocacy Days in Washington, DC, something powerful happened—without planning, without a script, and without hesitation. A group of students from across the country gathered in a circle and began to speak. One by one, they shared their experiences, their frustrations, their hopes, and their belief in the powerContinueContinue reading “S6E6: Power of Young Voices | Students at Language Advocacy Days”
Tag Archives: Francophone
S6E5: It’s Not Just What You Say: The Hidden Power of Language and Communication with Charlie Hanchett
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”
S6E4: From Library French Lessons to Global Impact with Maureen Manning.
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 Dr. Maureen Manning joins Norah Jones for a wide-ranging conversation about language as a life-shaping force—and why the stories we tell about language learning matter as much as the learningContinueContinue reading “S6E4: From Library French Lessons to Global Impact with Maureen Manning.”
S6E3: Learning Language at the Speed of Being Human with James Mattiace.
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 https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2100414.rss In this episode of It’s About Language, Norah Jones interviews James Mattiace. He is an educator, assessment reformer, and lifelong language learner. They discuss what languages reveal, not justContinueContinue reading “S6E3: Learning Language at the Speed of Being Human with James Mattiace.”
S6E2_Language as a Bridge: Lessons from Senegal with Katy Wheelock
Hit play to listen, then explore the stories, quotes, and resources below. In This Episode Norah Jones talks with Katy Wheelock, a French educator with 30+ years of classroom experience and the founder of Vive l’Experience, about why language learning is ultimately about connection, not perfection—and how centering Francophone Africa (especially Senegal) transforms teachers, students,ContinueContinue reading “S6E2_Language as a Bridge: Lessons from Senegal with Katy Wheelock”
S6E1: The Voice of French-Speaking Africa
Four French educators and AATF leaders join Norah to share how a Fulbright-Hays trip to Côte d’Ivoire is reshaping French teaching in the U.S.—from decolonizing curriculum and centering Francophone Africa to bringing home real stories, resources, and relationships that change how students see the world.
Introducing Agnès Ndiaye Tounkara (Episode 69 & 61)
Learn more about Agnès Tounkara, guest panelist on It’s About Language with Norah Jones Episode 61, focused on the opportunities available to those who speak heritage languages.