Have you ever wondered what happens in the moment right after understanding becomes difficult?In my article From ‘Zoning Out’ to Understanding: Rethinking Communication Across Accents, I explored what occurs when listeners ‘zone out’ while hearing an unfamiliar accent. This moment is often described as a problem of comprehension. But it rarely ends there. When understanding […]
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Language, Shame, Guilt and Anxiety: When Speaking Hurts
When we make a language mistake, we may feel uncomfortable. This discomfort can be productive. It can lead to reflection, correction and even growth. But sometimes what emerges is not discomfort, it is shame. And sometimes it is anxiety or guilt. These experiences are related, but they are not the same. Language Guilt and Language […]
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Communication in Exogamous Families
Every international family is unique. There are many different kinds of international families, when you read about them. Some partners come from the same country or share the same language and citizenship, others are from different countries, ethnicities and speak different languages. In exogamous multilingual families, partners come from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds and experience unique dynamics in communication.
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Understanding the Diversity of International Families
International families come in many forms, each reflecting unique linguistic, cultural, and social dynamics. Understanding these family types is essential to fostering multilingualism and effective intercultural communication. Below, we explore the main kinds of international families with examples and references.
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Raising Internationally Mobile Children
Are you raising internationally mobile children? Are you wondering what effect moving various countries can have on your children? Together with Natasha Winnard, an international youth empowerment consultant, and Lena Lee, author of Girl Uprooted, we delved into the challenges and lasting impacts of frequent relocations on children in an interview on youtube, where we […]
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