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/multilinguis...
Apr 06, 2021•29 min•Season 3Ep. 8
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 e...
Mar 23, 2021•45 min•Season 3Ep. 7
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 th...
Mar 09, 2021•45 min•Season 3Ep. 6
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.c...
Feb 23, 2021•40 min•Season 3Ep. 5
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...
Feb 09, 2021•20 min•Season 3Ep. 4
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-languag...
Jan 26, 2021•42 min•Season 3Ep. 3
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: babbe...
Jan 12, 2021•37 min•Season 3Ep. 2
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-mo...
Dec 29, 2020•33 min
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 discuss...
Dec 15, 2020•38 min•Season 3Ep. 1
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...
Nov 10, 2020•1 min
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.
May 19, 2020•20 min
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.
May 05, 2020•18 min
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.
Apr 21, 2020•25 min
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, ...
Feb 25, 2020•52 min•Season 2Ep. 10
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-fo...
Feb 11, 2020•51 min•Season 2Ep. 9
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-h...
Jan 28, 2020•43 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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 S...
Jan 14, 2020•49 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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/...
Dec 31, 2019•44 min
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 ...
Dec 17, 2019•44 min•Season 2Ep. 6
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-poly...
Dec 03, 2019•46 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 vis...
Nov 19, 2019•46 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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/multilinguis...
Nov 05, 2019•44 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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 thi...
Oct 22, 2019•43 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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/m...
Oct 08, 2019•40 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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
Sep 11, 2019•3 min
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...
Jul 25, 2019•21 min
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-livi...
Jun 27, 2019•22 min
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 ...
Apr 09, 2019•56 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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 etymolo...
Apr 02, 2019•46 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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...
Mar 26, 2019•42 min•Season 1Ep. 3
