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Black Girls Learn Languages

A multi-platform digital community for Black women who love languages.

2/25/2020

She learned a language she LOVED—then learned another language for LOVE.



Meet Antonia, also known as MissRichito on YouTube. I came across her channel in my quest for Spanish resources and knew I just had to learn her story and share it with you guys! 

BGLL: Thank you so much for agreeing to share your story. I’m sure it will inspire others. Tell us about yourself. 

Antonia: My name is Antonia and I’m Jamaican-American, hailing from New Jersey. I have a Bachelor’s in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, a double Master’s in Educational Leadership and Teaching.  I’m a Bilingual Chemistry teacher, teaching Chemistry to students who are new to the United States (have lived here for 3 years or less) and whose native languages are either Spanish or Portuguese. In addition to my native English, I speak Spanish, Portuguese and currently learning German. As a result, I offer tutoring and consulting services in a variety of areas in education. 

I also have a YouTube Channel, and the goal with that is to encourage others to pursue language learning and offer helpful tips to guide them in this journey.

BGLL: What made you want to learn those languages? How did you learn them?

Antonia: Well, with Spanish, I took Spanish classes in middle and high school as many people do but I still could not speak any Spanish upon graduating. In college, I took Spanish courses for 4 semesters (one each semester). I learned how to read and write pretty well but still could not speak much Spanish. Well, after graduating, I found a job and transitioned into the "real-world". It was a tough transition for me and I missed the social aspect of college. I would come home around 4PM after work and sit in my apartment alone so I decided I would make that time useful and finally learn Spanish. I found a Spanish speaking church to attend each week, joined the language exchange sites Lang-8 and Italki, and changed every electronic device I owned into Spanish language. I also deleted my English language music off of all my devices and downloaded Spanish music. I became OBSESSED with Spanish. I spent hours each evening talking with people in Venezuela, Mexico, Spain, Colombia, and Argentina on Skype. I made friends online and at church and my Spanish improved tremendously. A year later, I interviewed for a Bilingual teaching job and got it! That first year with my students, who were new arrivals to the US, helped improve my Spanish as well! I was using it every day and picked up their phrases, expressions, etc. That was 6 years ago. 

After learning Spanish, I decided to try and pick up Portuguese. I used Italki again to meet and speak with Brazilians online. I also completed grammar books independently and listened to lots of Brazilian music. I am still learning Portuguese and my Portuguese speaking students at work teach me more and more each day!

I just so happened to find an Austrian boyfriend whose native language is German. Haha. As a result, I am learning German in order to better communicate with his family/friends and connect with his mother tongue. Being in an international long-distance relationship means lots of traveling abroad. All the time that I've spent in Austria has encouraged me to learn German so that I can operate more independently on visits and connect better with my boyfriend and his friends/family/culture. I have been learning German for just one year. I started with a beginner German course at an adult school in the evenings for 3 months here in New Jersey. I have used Pimselur in the car, podcasts, watched movies in German with English subtitles, and have begun listening to German music. I also spent 4 weeks in Vienna this past summer taking German classes which were completely taught in German. While there, I had the opportunity to use the German I learned in grocery stores and with locals. Currently, I am working through grammar books and practicing with Pimsleur, friends I made in Vienna, and my boyfriend. I also have an Austrian teacher on Italki with whom I practice conversation and speaking. 

BGLL: Which language is your favorite and why?
Antonia: Well, with I really love the sound of Brazilian Portuguese. The beauty of the language and the people makes it my favorite. It's such an enjoyable language to learn and I really love the carefree, friendly, diverse, and warm nature of the people/culture.

BGLL: What tips would you offer to someone looking to learn another language?

Antonia: BE OBSESSED. Interact with the language in some form EVERY SINGLE DAY. Seriously, choose a language that you really like and that belongs to a culture you really admire. Otherwise, you will have little motivation to interact with it every day. Listen to the music—Find music in your target language. Through music you learn pronunciation and the sound of the language. You get an idea of where words begin and end. And it's fun! Find a church or religious community where the target language is spoken - This goes for everyone. Agnostic, Jewish, Atheist, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, etc. The reason I recommend a church is because it is an environment where you can interact with the language in SOOOO many ways. And its FREE PRACTICE! You can speak to the elderly and practice your use of the polite/formal forms. You can speak to children and practice your imperative. You can get a sense of how people greet each other. The first time I attended a Spanish church, I was taken aback by all of the cheek kissing and hugs. I soon learned it was part of the culture. 

BGLL: How can we stay in touch with you?

Subscribe to my YouTube channel! I hope to update my channel with new videos, sharing more about my own language learning journey so please subscribe and check back soon!

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2/18/2020

Spanish Opened Doors For Her




Meet Alison, a 7th grade Humanities teacher whose love for Spanish not only gave her the confidence to travel, it also allowed her to connect with those who don’t speak English on her travels. Read more about her love for Spanish and tips that can help you on your language learning journey.

BGLL: Thank you so much for agreeing to share your story! Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

Alison: My name is Alison Isaac and I’m a 7th grade Humanities teacher and a writer. Currently, I live in Cali, Colombia but was born in Toronto, Canada to parents who are originally from the Caribbean. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Spanish, a Bachelor of Education in Primary/Junior Education, a Master of Education in Supervision. English is my native language; I speak Spanish fluently and have also studied French and Portuguese (looking to get back into Portuguese).

BGLL: How did you get started on your language learning journey?

Alison: As a Canadian, I started learning French in elementary school. I really liked it at first but found the accent difficult (or maybe I just became more self-conscious as I entered my teen years). While in high school, I had the opportunity to pick up Spanish, which I did. I found it quite easy at first because there were many words similar to either English or French. The way you conjugate verbs in French, as well as the concept of gendered nouns, made me feel like French had given me head start on Spanish. Unfortunately, I got the two languages confused often, and eventually Spanish took over. I’ve flirted with the idea of refreshing my French.

I used to train Capoeira, and the head of the group insisted we learn (Brazilian) Portuguese since the language is an integral part of the practice. I was not a fan at first, but after travelling to Brazil, I learned to appreciate it a bit more. If I ever learn it properly it will be because I really value to ability to communicate with people across borders. I met and hung out with some great people but I also felt I missed out by not speaking Portuguese. My Portuñol (Portuguese and Spanish) could only get me so far. (And actually, doing this interview is making me want to go study it again!). The Portuguese that I know, I learned through various methods including Duolingo and my Capoeira group. I likely find a Portuguese teacher when I try again.


BGLL: Besides being able to teach Capoeira, are there any other opportunities that knowing another language allowed you to take advantage of?

Alison: The most valuable “opportunities” have all been personal. Things like, feeling confident to travel solo because I spoke the language, being able to connect with people because I spoke the language. In fact, about a year ago, I felt like I wasn’t doing enough of the latter so I started a blog where I publish interviews with interesting people I meet on my travels: http://www.theglobalnarrative.com. I’ve been able to interview people (who didn’t speak English) in Spanish for The Global Narrative. I also write, so translating opportunities have come up, too.


BGLL: What are some of the struggles you’ve experienced with languages?

Alison: Speaking has definitely been my greatest struggle (there are some grammar points I STILL don’t get, but the only person who seems to care about those are me). I spent a year in Mexico City and felt like my Spanish hadn’t improved at all. I saw firsthand how a person can create her own bubble even when immersed in another culture. After that, I tried harder to avoid the “expat” bubble. I feel shy about speaking most of the time. But I’ve learned to do it anyway because I know it’ll benefit me. 

BGLL: Which language is your favorite and why?

Alison: Spanish is my fave. I love the way it sounds. Even before I started learning it in school in Canada, it felt like a truly useful, living language. I would hear people speaking it on the street, there were songs I was curious about. So many people in the world speak it.

BGLL: What tips can you offer to those who are trying to learn another language?

Alison: One thing I’d say is speak. The more you speak the quicker you’ll get out all the errors. Also, Listen to it as much as possible, and in its native context as much as possible. Listen even when you feel like it’s going over your head. One day, something will click. Whatever method you choose, make an effort — especially if you want to learn the language well.  Most people will not simply absorb the language, even when immersed.

BGLL: How can we keep up with you on social media?

Alison: You can find me on IG and Twitter under @alisonisaac. Don’t forget to check out my blog, The Global Narrative!

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2/04/2020

She’s An Award-Winning Children’s Book Author & CEO




Meet Andrea, also known as Ms. Impactor, an Adjunct Professor at Harris Stowe State University and an award-winning children’s book author. Read on to find out how Spanish propelled her to success.

BGLL: Thank you so much for agreeing to share your story! Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?

Andrea: My name is Andrea Scott, also known as Ms. Impactor, and I’m from St. Louis Missouri. I have a Master's in Education and am currently pursuing a Doctorate's degree in Leadership and Education. By day, I am an Adjunct Professor at Harris Stowe State University. By night, I am the CEO of Smile Big, Dream Bigger LLC, a tutoring service I’ve created, where I teach individuals the Spanish language in a fun and interactive way. When I am not teaching, I visit different places around the world as an award-winning bilingual children's book author to promote all three of my books: Smile Big, Dream Bigger, The Bigger the Fro, the More I Know, and No Limit to Greatness.

BGLL: Wow, those are some amazing accomplishments! Tell us more about your language journey. How did you get started with Spanish? Do you speak any other languages?

Andrea: English is my native language and I speak Spanish fluently. I am also currently learning Arabic. I work with people from different places in the world and it’s important that I’m able to communicate with them. The people I work with inspired me to learn more languages. I was nervous about learning other languages because I was too worried about not pronouncing terms correctly. My constant reminder to get trying was what helped me to get over the fear. 

BGLL: Which language do you like best?

Andrea: Spanish is my favorite because I feel like it is part of me. I learned the language very quickly, and now I am able to share my knowledge with others.

BGLL: What tips would you offer to someone looking to learn another language?

Andrea: First, immerse yourself in the language (start doing everything in that language-talking to people who only speak the language you are learning. Second, read books in your target language (books you’ve already read in your native tongue). Lastly, travel.

BGLL: How can we keep up with you on social media?

Andrea: You can find me on Instagram @smilebig_dreambigger and on Facebook on Smile Big, Dream Bigger.


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2/01/2020

She Was The First Afro-Latina PhD Graduate From Her Program



Meet Dr. Aisha Cort, multilingual Spanish lecturer at Howard University and entrepreneur who is fluent in four languages. Being multilingual has allowed her to connect with people in over 20 countries and expand her customer base. Learn more about her notable accomplishments including her features in Oprahmag.com and thegrio.com.

BGLL: Thank you so much for sharing your story and being an inspiration to so many. Tell us about who you are and what you do.

Dr. Cort: My name is Dr. Aisha Z. Cort. I currently live in Washington, D.C., but I was born and raised in Boston, MA. I am first generation Cuban and Guyanese. I have a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University, a Master’s and PhD from Emory University and am currently a Lecturer of Spanish at Howard University. I am also an entrepreneur, running a site called Hey Dr. Cort! (www.heydrcort.com). At www.heydrcort.com, users will find strategies, tips, and best practices for Spanish language learners of all levels as well as my VIVA LA LENGUA™ programs. In my VIVA LA LENGUA™ programs, I work with small groups to take them from stagnant classroom Spanish to conversationally fluent in 4 weeks. I also offer 9 different courses including courses that blend the 4-week course with cultural immersion in Spanish speaking countries such as Cuba, Mexico, Spain, and Colombia.  


BGLL: In addition to Spanish, what other languages do you speak? How did you learn them?

Dr. Cort: I currently speak Spanish, English, French and Portuguese. I am working on Dutch and Italian. I'm naturally curious and I also love to figure out how people tick. Language is one of the best ways to do that as the words, phrasing, and expressions that many use reveal so much. I also like to talk to people and travel. Spanish is my first language and the language that I luckily get to use daily in my profession. French, I learned at home and with private lessons as a child. I don't get to use it as much, but have been able to pull it out during travel and also randomly at conferences. Outside of the languages that I picked up at home and school (Spanish, English, French), I learned Portuguese because I was planning a short trip to Brazil, but when I applied for the standard 90-day visa, they gave me a 5 year one! What better reason to actually learn? I started out going through an old textbook and writing down key phrases I would need, then I started listening to shows dubbed in Portuguese and making Portuguese language playlists and recording myself speaking. Then I started visiting Portuguese businesses and shops and making small talk while I was there and also being nosy and listening for phrases that I understood. Then I went to Brazil and put myself to the test.

I'm working on Dutch and Italian because I've really enjoyed my recent travels to The Netherlands and Italy. I understand Italian very well when it is spoken to me but I would like to be able to respond fully in Italian. I’m using the same process I used for Brazil to learn Dutch and Italian. 

BGLL: What are some opportunities that you were able to take advantage of because of your languages?

Dr. Cort: Language has provided me with access and comfort to interact with many different worlds that being monolingual may not have afforded me. For example, being able to express myself in 4 different languages allows me to interact with 4x as many people as I normally would and also provides access to different experiences. There are over 20 Spanish-speaking countries that I’ve traveled to and never think twice about visiting because language isn't a barrier. Add in French and Portuguese speaking countries and that number jumps to over 40. I’ve even lived in 3 different Spanish-speaking countries.

In the academic world, I was the first Afro-Latino PhD graduate from my graduate program. I've been teaching for over 10 years.  My research focuses on Afro-Latino and Latino film, literature, and cultural production, with a specialization in Afro-Cuban cultural production. I am the guest editor of the Fall 2020 edition of Black Camera’s Close-Up Contemporary Cuban Cinema special issue and author of the forthcoming book, Representing Race in Revolutionary Cuba: Afrocubanía, negrometraje, and cultural production 1961-1996 (SUNY Press). 

I've also been featured in Oprahmag.com (talking about my experiences growing up as an Afro-Latina in the US).

Additionally, in terms of jobs and entrepreneur collaboration, not having the barrier of language opens a ton of doors and also puts people at ease being able to converse with them in their native tongue as opposed to using a lingua franca that they may not be comfortable in. You avoid things getting lost in translation.

BGLL: Have you ever felt to intimidated to speak with natives? How did you overcome that?

Dr. Cort: I've never felt shy, but I definitely have moments where I overthink and can momentarily freeze up looking for the perfect word or phrase. I just pause and remember that no one speaks any language perfectly, and most people appreciate the fact that you are trying to speak their language well. With that in mind, it’s easy to get out of your own way and take correction that people will offer and move forward. Also, I've found that many will offer you more authentic alternatives to standard phrases. 

BGLL: What would you say is something you struggled with in language learning?

Dr. Cort: Oddly enough, learning to read and write in Spanish. I was my biggest block because I already spoke Spanish and thought I knew it all and didn't need to learn the actual structure... on top of that, I was a strong-willed teenager. 

I had to get serious with myself and make a choice. I started going to teachers for extra help, reading newspapers and magazines out loud with my mother correcting me, writing my journal entries in Spanish, and copying song lyrics in Spanish. I was 13 when I started. By the time I finished HS I had earned a 5/5 on the AP Spanish Language exam and had really developed an appreciation for all the different aspects of Spanish- the language, literature, and different cultural products. I loved it so much that I switched my major in the middle of my junior year at Yale from Biology/Pre-med to Spanish! 

BGLL: Which language is your favorite?

Dr. Cort: I am loving the challenge of learning Dutch, because I don't have many people to practice with in the States, but it is forcing me to get really creative about finding ways to keep the language in front of me. It’s frustrating, but also satisfying at the same time. I've considered dropping it for German more than once, LOL. 


BGLL: What are some things that you think could help those learning languages?

Dr. Cort: Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Remember that no one speaks any language perfectly. Find passive ways to keep the language in your ear when you don't have large blocks of time to study. As a bonus, try your best to keep your thoughts in the language that you are operating in

BGLL: How can we keep up with you on social?

Dr. Cort: Check out my website: www.heydrcort.com. I’m also on Instagram @heydrcort and @zakiyac. On Facebook Hey Dr. Cort! and Aisha Cort. On Twitter @HeyDrCort and @AishaCort.

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Welcome to Black Girls Learn Languages, the FIRST multi-platform digital community for Black women who are passionate about languages.

On this site, you'll find resources to help you with different languages as well as interviews featuring successful black multilinginguals complete with their tips to keep you encouraged, inspired and motivated on your language learning journey!

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Hi, I'm Language Bae! I'm a Foreign Language Enthusiast and an aspiring Polyglot.

I created this digital community to be THE online resource for black women in the language community who are either language learners, language enthusiasts or linguistas--women who have mastered language. My goal is to inspire and encourage black women in the language community by celebrating images of us as multilinguals and allowing us to connect with each other.

I aim to provide guidance and support with helpful tips, resources and content to those pursuing multilingualism. Language learning is a journey not a destination. Let's make this journey together.

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