Multilinguish
Not multilingual, but language curious? Explore how language connects us all — from the producers at the language-learning app Babbel. Listen and subscribe today.
S3 E8 · Tue, April 06, 2021
The Story Of English
Is it possible to tell the whole history of a language in under half an hour? In this episode, we try our best. In the season finale, the whole Multilinguish team gets together to focus on five key moments in English language history, from its start as Proto-Indo-European to its role as a global lingua franca today. We explore how humans changed language, and how language changed us. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-the-story-of-english Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI
S3 E7 · Tue, March 23, 2021
Easiest And Hardest Languages
Which language should you learn? It can be hard to decide between so many incredible options, but we have a few in particular for you to consider. In this episode, our language experts reveal the top 3 easiest and hardest languages (in their humble opinion) for English speakers to learn. We discuss what makes these languages particularly easy or challenging and why they're worth taking the time to learn regardless. Special thanks to Elin Asklöv and Ted Mentele for lending their insight on this episode. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-easiest-hardest-languages Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting https://www.babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI
S3 E6 · Tue, March 09, 2021
The Brothers Grimm: Between The Lines
Most of us are familiar with the folktales of the Brothers Grimm, from Cinderella to Sleeping Beauty to Snow White. But how much do you know about the impressive legacies of the men behind these magic and mysterious stories? In this episode, we dive into the work of Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm — not only as collectors of generations of oral tradition but also as linguists and language scholars whose near-lifelong dedication to the German people and their language contributed to the flourishing of the German national spirit from a linguistic lens. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/ multilinguish-the-brothers-grimm / Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting https://www.babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI.
S3 E5 · Tue, February 23, 2021
Lies Your Language Teacher Told You
Early education is designed to set you up for success, but it also often sets you up for a certain amount of disillusionment as you get older. The language classroom is no exception. In this episode, we talk about what makes language learning so different as an adult when you're free to self-direct your own process. Then, we deliver a rousing exposé on the biggest lies our language teachers personally told us. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/ multilinguish-language-myths / Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI.
S3 E4 · Tue, February 09, 2021
Are We Born With Language?
How do babies learn languages? We don't know for sure. One of the leading theories is Universal Grammar, which is the idea that humans are genetically predisposed to acquire languages, but not all linguists agree on this. In this episode, we talk about this theory, its originator Noam Chomsky and why Universal Grammar has become one of the most divisive topics in linguistics. Special thanks to Jennifer Dorman for her help and insight on this episode. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-universal-grammar Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting https://www.babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI.
S3 E3 · Tue, January 26, 2021
Talking To Animals
If you're like us, you love the idea of being able to communicate with animals. But how realistic is this dream? From prairie dogs to dolphins to Koko the Gorilla, we look at the surprisingly complex language animals use with each other and attempts to teach them human language. Special thanks to Con Slobodchikoff for taking the time to speak with us for this episode. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-animal-language/ Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI.
S3 E2 · Tue, January 12, 2021
Your Brain On Language
What exactly goes on in your head when you're speaking a language? What happens when you learn a new one, or forget your mother tongue as you age in another country? Does reading Braille require different parts of your brain than reading text on a page? Why does the aphasia patient sing? In this episode, we’ll deconstruct the parts of the brain that make language possible by quite literally bringing them to life. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-your-brain-on-language Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting https://www.babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI.
Bonus · Tue, December 29, 2020
Bonus: Words Of The Year 2020
Every year, dictionaries and language organizations around the world choose a word that they think best sums up the previous 12 months. In 2020, there were a few obvious choices. But rather than spending the whole time talking about coronavirus, we go beyond the top words and look at all of the terms and phrases that defined a historic year. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-words-of-the-year-2020 Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting https://www.babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI.
S3 E1 · Tue, December 15, 2020
The World Of, Um, Filler Words
You've probably been told countless times to avoid "like," "um" and "uh" in your speech. But these words may serve more of a linguistic purpose than many of us realize. In this episode, we look at the science behind using these filler words in conversation to find out why they're actually, um, like, normal. And we take a look at how they appear in languages across the world. Special thanks to James Douglas for taking the time to speak with us for this episode. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/ multilinguish-filler-words Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting https://www.babbel.com/coupons/new and using the code MULTI.
Trailer · Tue, November 10, 2020
Season 3: Coming Soon!
Buckle up for season 3 of Multilinguish – coming this winter to a podcast feed near you. This season, Babbel's content team brings you fun facts and fascinating conversations about animal languages, filler words, the Brothers Grimm, how language-learning works in the brain, and much more. Subscribe now! Learn more about Multilinguish here: https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/language-linguistics-podcast-multilinguish
Bonus · Tue, May 19, 2020
BONUS: Elon Musk's Language Prophecy (At Home)
What are the cutest English words? We have some thoughts. Plus, we tell you why Elon Musk's wild predictions about language are probably wrong, and share some of your submissions on how you're using language during quarantine. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI.
Bonus · Tue, May 05, 2020
BONUS: Foreign-Language TV Recs & More (At Home)
Which foreign-language shows should you stream? We've got some recommendations, plus the surprising reason we call those big, growling animals "bears," and other fun language trivia. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI.
Bonus · Tue, April 21, 2020
BONUS: Language Trivia (At Home)
What were Ben Franklin's least favorite letters in the alphabet? Can HBO's 'My Brilliant Friend' help you learn Italian? We discuss these questions and more language trivia and tips. We're stuck at home and you probably are too, so let's learn something new. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI.
S2 E10 · Tue, February 25, 2020
Code-Switching Decoded
Switching between languages is a natural part of being bilingual — but why? How does the bilingual brain work, is it difficult to keep your languages separated, and what does code-switching say about us as language learners and social beings? We answer these questions together with experts from Babbel's team of linguists and a bilingual panel. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-code-switching-decoded Special thanks to Jennifer Dorman, Michela Mosca and Todd Ehresmann.
S2 E9 · Tue, February 11, 2020
Language Anxiety
77% of language learners find speaking (and listening) to be the most challenging part of learning a language. We talk about the anxiety that comes with having conversations in a foreign language and offer some tips, tricks and strategies for not giving up when the going gets tough. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-foreign-language-anxiety Special thanks to Áine Gallagher for her contributions to this episode.
S2 E8 · Tue, January 28, 2020
Language Ch-Ch-Changes
Throughout our lives, people try to affect the way we talk, whether it be elementary school teachers or inclusive-language activists. We look at how people have tried to change language historically, and what the impacts of so-called "verbal hygiene" are on our everyday lives. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-verbal-hygiene
S2 E7 · Tue, January 14, 2020
Into The Conlang Universe
From Dothraki in 'Game Of Thrones' to Esperanto, we explore the universe of constructed languages, or conlangs. Whether they're crafted for pop culture and entertainment, or designed as a tool for global unity, why would someone want to make up a language in the first place? Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-conlangs Special thanks to Ben Wood, Thomas Alexander of the Esperanto Variety Show, and David J. Peterson for their contributions to this episode.
Bonus · Tue, December 31, 2019
BONUS: Words Of The Year 2019
Choosing a single word to represent an entire year seems like an impossible task, but that hasn't stopped many people from trying. We discuss some of 2019's words of the year, both in English and in other languages, and look for themes that emerged when organizations reflected on the year that was. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-words-of-the-year-2019
S2 E6 · Tue, December 17, 2019
Language Is For The Young
What's the deal with the way Gen Z is talking? And why have young people been "ruining" (a.k.a. creating) language since the dawn of time? We brought in an intergenerational panel to talk growing up, learning slang, and speaking the code of our peers. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-language-is-for-the-young Special thanks to Yulia Laricheva for taking the time to talk to us.
S2 E5 · Tue, December 03, 2019
The Secrets Of The Polyglots
Are polyglots born or made? Believe it or not, these elusive creatures are just like us. We ask two polyglots — one who speaks 5 languages and another who speaks 21 — how and why they learned multiple languages, and what obstacles they had to overcome along the way. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-secrets-of-the-polyglots/ Special thanks to Bruno Beidacki and Steve Kaufmann. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCez-2shYlHQY3LfILBuDYqQ
S2 E4 · Tue, November 19, 2019
How To Be Funny In Another Language (Ft. Eddie Izzard)
Is comedy the same everywhere? If you've ever tried to tell a joke in another language and had it fall flat, you may say "no." We talk about how comedy in translation is complex, and we have multilingual comedian Eddie Izzard explain how and why she's learned to perform standup comedy in multiple languages. Note: Since this episode aired, Izzard has started using “she”/“her” pronouns. Because of this, the pronouns used in the episode are outdated. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-how-to-be-funny/ Special thanks to Eddie Izzard for taking the time to talk to us.
S2 E3 · Tue, November 05, 2019
Can ASMR, Hypnosis Or Crystals Help You Learn?
ASMR, hypnosis, healing crystals, learning in your sleep. Can any of these "alternative" language-learning methods actually work? Or are you wasting your time and money? We bust some myths about these unconventional techniques and discuss how they could potentially supplement your studies. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/magazine/multilinguish-asmr-hypnosis-crystals Special thanks to Elise ASMR and Dr. Steve G. Jones. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCV973VxXQjLXmDo2Ufqzw/featured
S2 E2 · Tue, October 22, 2019
Dead And Endangered Languages
One language dies approximately every 14 days, and we're on track for half of the world's languages to go extinct by the end of this century. We spoke with the director and co-founder of Wikitongues about why we should be hopeful about language revitalization anyway. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. Special thanks to Daniel Bögre Udell for taking the time to talk to us for this episode. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/magazine/multilinguish-dead-and-endangered-languages/
S2 E1 · Tue, October 08, 2019
Are Europeans Really Better At Languages?
Why does it seem like Europeans are better at learning languages than Americans and Brits? The team talks to language experts about how geography, education and motivation drive this divide, and what we can do to close the gap. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. Special thanks to Markus Witte, Caroline Paboeuf, Jenny Dorman and Sophie Harwood. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/magazine/multilinguish-european-american-language-learning/
Trailer · Wed, September 11, 2019
Season 2 Trailer
Coming this fall, get ready for Season 2 of Multilinguish! The Babbel content team explores language in everyday life, including: learning with ASMR, hypnosis and crystals, why languages die, how to be funny in other languages, and much more. Don’t miss out, subscribe now! Clips courtesy of: Elise ASMR Ben DuMonde
Bonus · Thu, July 25, 2019
BONUS: Is A Hot Dog A Sandwich?
It’s the question that sparked a million memes. We explain why it matters, and how these “memes of ambiguity” give us insight into language and the human psyche. Season 2 is coming this fall! Be sure to subscribe wherever you get podcasts. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/multilinguish-hot-dog-sandwich
Bonus · Thu, June 27, 2019
BONUS: American Expats in Berlin
Have you ever thought about leaving the U.S. to live in another country? Here are the stories of three people who did just that. Season 2 is coming this fall! Be sure to subscribe wherever you get podcasts. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. Special thanks to Claire Larkin, John Quintana, Ted Mentele and Tom Crewther. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/magazine/multilinguish-living-abroad
S1 E5 · Tue, April 09, 2019
The Sexiest Accents
What are the sexiest European accents, according to Americans? And the sexiest American accents, according to Europeans? In this episode, we’re joined by a panel of Americans and a panel of Europeans to discuss these crucial questions. And we discover that how we feel about an accent often has more to do with us than with the accent itself. Enjoy Season 1 of Multilinguish? Take our listener feedback survey: https://forms.gle/2GranGuWRMHJkV6Z8 . We’ll be back soon with bonus episodes and updates about Season 2, so stay tuned. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. Special thanks to actress Amy Walker for providing many of the accent audio clips: http://amywalkeronline.com/ For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/magazine/multilinguish-sexiest-accents/
S1 E4 · Tue, April 02, 2019
Unsolved Language Mysteries
Producers David Doochin, Steph Koyfman, Thomas Moore Devlin and Dylan Lyons explore unexplained language puzzles that have stood the test of time, including the Rongorongo language, the language of the Zuni people, and the enigmatic Voynich Manuscript. In the immortal words of Robert Stack: “Join us. Perhaps *you* may be able to help solve a mystery.” Later on, in What We Learned This Week, the whole team gathers to talk about cryptologic linguists, the etymology of New Orleans food, the etymology of turkey and Danish consonants. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/magazine/unsolved-language-mysteries
S1 E3 · Tue, March 26, 2019
The Best Travel Advice You’ve Never Heard
Travel is one of the biggest motivators for Americans to learn a foreign language. But what if the words you need to express yourself don’t actually exist? Producer Steph Koyfman shares what she learned from speaking with solo female travel advocates, LGBTQ* identifying travel bloggers as well as Babbel’s own team of linguists. Later on, the entire team joins for a roundtable of our own solo travel anecdotes and advice. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. Special thanks to Amanda Kendle, Francesca Murray and Bani Amor for sharing their advice with us. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/magazine/best-travel-advice
S1 E2 · Tue, March 19, 2019
Sapir-What?!
In the same ways language connects us, it can just as easily divide us. Producers Thomas Moore Devlin and David Doochin debate the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which is the idea that different languages create different worldviews. This episode also features insight from academic and linguist John McWhorter, who wrote the book “The Language Hoax”. Later on, the entire team joins for a round of What We Learned This Week to talk about origins of color words, how languages and history are intertwined in South Africa and the pseudoscience of using crystals for language learning. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. Special thanks to John McWhorter for taking the time to speak with us. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/magazine/sapir-what
S1 E1 · Tue, March 12, 2019
Sexist Robots
We teach robots everything they know — including our own human idiosyncrasies when it comes to language. Computational linguist Kate McCurdy joins producers Thomas Moore Devlin and Dylan Lyons to explain the consequences our own language can have on artificial intelligence. Later on, the entire team joins for a round of What We Learned This Week, featuring Chinese typewriters, the world’s oldest language, Marie Kondo, and more. We, for our part, welcome our new robot overlords. Get 50% off a 3-month Babbel subscription by visiting babbel.com/podcast and using the code MULTI. Special thanks to Kate McCurdy for taking the time to speak with us. For more info about what we discussed in this episode, visit Babbel Magazine: babbel.com/en/magazine/sexist-robots/
Trailer · Fri, February 01, 2019
Get Multilinguish
Join the editorial team at Babbel as we nerd out about all the fascinating, fun and sometimes weird ways language connects us all. Together, our team has almost 50 years of language education, and we're finally ready to put it to use. Coming March 2019. Stay in touch by following @BabbelUSA on social media, and get to know us better by reading Babbel Magazine: https://www.babbel.com/en-US/magazine/
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