Chosen Tongue

There is always a moment, writing in a second language, that we think we’re not ready, that we’re not ‘good enough’, as @heidimarjamaki.bsky.social explains in this last episode of Season 4. In the end, we realise there is no such thing as ‘good enough.’Language is always evolving, and so are we.

We live in a world where language shapes our sense of identity and belonging. The words we speak, the ways we bend and play with them are meant to define us. But must we belong somewhere? I explored these questions and more in this week’s episode with the wonderful Vesna Main.

Many many congratulations to the phenomenal Yael van der Wouden for winning the Women’s Prize! Listen to her episode from season 3: open.spotify.com/episode/4Njk...

Balsam Karam joins us at WCLF on 14 July along with her translator Saskia Vogel. Their visit is part of the Stories From Sweden programme, supported by Swedish Arts Council & Swedish Embassy, UK @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social
🎟️ www.westcorkmusic.ie/events/2025/...
📻 open.spotify.com/episode/4MBh...

Growing up in a country doesn’t always mean you feel like you belong, but being able to play in its language can make it easier. Hear the brilliant Balsam Karam reflect on this and more in our new episode, out today.

How do languages and identities coexist? What happens when a writer invites all onto the page? Thea Lenarduzzi, brilliant author of Dandelions, reflects on memory, language, and the unexpected themes each one draws out. Don’t miss it.

Episode 3 is out today! Don’t miss the brilliant Ani Gjika and her story of writing and living across oceans and languages!
You can listen on all major podcasting platforms.

New episode out today! Tune in as the brilliant @julie_irigaray unpacks a topic we rarely address — the hidden challenges of receiving feedback in workshops, especially for translingual writers who may deeply question themselves when writing in their chosen Tongue…

Chosen Tongue is back today with Season 4! Don’t miss poet and artist Elizabeth Torres:

The Safekeep just so incredible. Need to absorb and reflect so will be listening to this @chosentongue.bsky.social author interview
open.spotify.com/episode/4Njk...

Languages are life stories and that’s why we carry them in our soul, no matter which one we eventually choose to write. In this *Bonus Episode* Sulaiman Addonia tells about his life, his writing and the brilliant festival he’s hosting this weekend in Brussels⬇️⬇️⬇️

The 10 best graphic novels of 2024 These beautifully designed and illustrated books take readers into forgotten insurrections, the dreamy depths of childhood, a lost Sunday and more.

Wowowow!!! Just found out the @washingtonpost.com listed my book FRENCH GIRL @fieldmousepress.bsky.social as one of The 10 best graphic novels of 2024!!! www.washingtonpost.com/books/2024/1...

Fantastic news! Many congratulations Jesse!

Thank you for listening!

That’s so kind to say! I’m so glad it resonated, I started it so that people like us could connect 😃

Season 3 has just ended (although there’s a bonus episode you will like a lot next week:) and I’m planning Season 4. Please reach out if you are a translingual author who thinks about languages and identity a lot or if you know one I should talk to.