Writing in a New World — Tímea Judit Varga

Writing literature in a foreign language
I’d like to show the process of writing literature in a foreign language, with its linguistic and emotional factors. Why to do it? How to start? How is it different?

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Emotions across Languages — Ekaterina Matveeva

This talk explores how learners and teachers can consciously connect with emotions across languages. We will examine why learners often feel like different people in different languages.
Drawing on emotional psychology and cross-cultural studies, I will show how emotional wheels (such as those of Plutchik or Geneva) are often mistranslated or incomplete across languages, leaving gaps in how learners access and express emotions.
To address this, I will present practical techniques using LAE and theatre methods, including role-play, embodied voice work, and emotional mapping, that help learners:
- Connect with emotional registers of their target language
- Build confidence expressing nuanced emotions in another culture
- Enrich their multilingual personality and communicative flexibility
Participants will leave with concrete ideas for integrating emotional awareness and expression into language learning and teaching, making language a tool for deeper human connection, not just communication.

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Learning Turkish from Russians, Germans, and other "non-native"/L2 speakers (and some Turks :) ) (LIVE) — Timothy E.L. Douglas

(Turkish spoken (with lots of mistakes), with slides in English) Turkish is a fascinating language, which I recently started to learn intensively. I am a firm believer in the value of “NON-NATIVE”/L2 speakers when learning languages. In my opinion, one should not assume that “native”/L1 speakers are inherently better speakers/users/teachers/practice partners for a language (“Nativespeakerism”). Indeed, many people learn English with little or no contact with “native”/L1 speakers, so why do you need them to learn Languages Other Than English (LOTEs)? In my person experience, “non-native”/L2 speakers are a fantastic resource: they are often easier to understand, they are INSPIRING examples for me, and if they teach me, I can “kill two birds with one stone” by “Language Stacking/Laddering” by learning my Target Language while practicing their “native”/L1 language. In this personal talk, I would like to describe my own journey learning Turkish, how Russians, Germans and other “non-native”/L2 speakers have been the backbone of the learning process! Benny Lewis aims to make 200 mistakes a day, I will aim to make 200 mistakes when presenting the talk in TURKISH with English subtitles! I hope that the mistakes do not impede comprehension too much 😉

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Hyperpolyglot Mind: Strategies for Learning and Switching Between Multiple Languages (LIVE) — Jelena Magnin

I would like to do an interactive lecture on what does it really mean to think, learn, and live in six or more languages? As someone who spoke only 1 language for the first 20 years of life and whos work in science and STEM or volunteering is not correlated to languages at all – I would like to share how I manage to learn and maintain all those languages, what technics and apps and also mindset I use. I will talk about practical strategies I’ve developed as a hyperpolyglot to grow language fluency — even across very different language families.

I will touch upon how language learning helped me develop connections, better memory and concentration, (e.g., in diplomacy, science, or writing) and i would like to empower especially young women from less rich countries that they can do it too. Language learning is not only for elites or highly intelligent people – it is for all of us, it is a means to develop, connect and the most important – to have fun while doing it.

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Turkish Series as Tools for Language Learning (LIVE) — Bahri Çağrı Toygar

Turkish series and films have constituted a remarkable increase in attention over the past years by intriguing audiences not only within Türkiye but also around the globe. One of the most prominent aspects of Turkish series is their captivating plot. Shows such as “Muhteşem Yüzyıl” (Magnificent Century) and “Diriliş: Ertuğrul” have attracted international viewers because of their narratives, rich historical scenes, and characters. As viewers immerse themselves in these Turkish produced series, they become exposed to the Turkish language, hearing authentic dialogue and colloquial expressions in context. In this workshop we are going to explore the methods to learn the Turkish language through entertaining immersion in these rich series and films. We are going to endeavor to comprehend how these series acquaint foreigners with daily expressions of commoners in Türkiye and how they are utilized during natural speech. At the end, we will try to use some words and idioms in sentences while also connecting them to their context and gaining interesting facts about them. We will experience the interconnectedness between other languages and Turkish in an attempt to realize the cultural interactions of Turks! Get ready to take a profound look at Turkey and its culture!

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Learning Ekpeye (LIVE) — Tiffany Hallmark

Eeye uma, ewa-meh dhini Tiffany. In this presentation I will be sharing how I, an American, came into contact with the language of Ekpeye. Continuing into a discussion of how to keep this Nigerian tribal language alive. Ekpeye is one of the indigenous languages of Nigeria. It is spoken by approximately 226,000 people worldwide. The tribe, itself, is located in Rivers State, primarily in and around Ahoada. I have been studying under the tutelage of the Speak Ekpeye Fluently Language Initiative and have found it very helpful in my learning. I have also found more support in some academic papers and a few social media accounts that focus on the language and culture of the Ekpeye tribe. This talk will focus partly on how I have been studying the language. Along with the learning materials that I have created to assist with my goal to become conversationally fluent in Ekpeye. Come along as we uncover one of the most interesting languages that I have ever had the privilege to study and learn.

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Using Digital Tools and AI for Engaging Learners in Productive Cooperation (LIVE) — Alla Lytvynenko

This presentation aims to show how digital tools and AI can be used in the ESL classroom: adopting digital tools to meet learners’ and educators’ needs, the ways interactive virtual boards can be applied to promote 21st century learning skills and AI opportunities in teaching and learning English. Nowadays students have become more technology addicted and less motivated to study. What can teachers do to break this bad habit of students’ addiction? The answer is to use technology and digital devices to learners’ advantage. Teachers should provide students with powerful digital educational activities in order to support their effective learning while using gadgets for valuable communication with peers. We recommend applying interactive virtual boards activities in teaching and learning processes as one of the crucial suggestions. Using interactive virtual boards will definitely motivate and involve students to participate in productive activities. It is an incredibly helpful tool for developing 21st century learning, literacy and life skills of your learners. Interactive virtual boards can be used by teachers of different subjects, at any lesson stages, at home or in the classroom, online or offline, by language learners of different learning styles, abilities, needs and age. Language learners will have the opportunity to do individual tasks or contribute to creating interesting projects in pairs or groups. We will also share ways of using AI for creating different educational materials to help teachers to save their precious time.

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Ryukyuan: The Forgotten Japonic Languages (LIVE) — Ian Aleshkevich-Suslov

People often see Japanese as a language isolate, not a part of any large family like Romance, Germanic, Slavic, or Semitic. And yet, the truth is that Japanese does indeed belong to a family – the Japonic language family. The only other members of this family are the languages of the Ryukyu islands, known as Ryukyuan. To this family belong Okinawan, Kunigami, Amami, Kikai, Okinoerabu, Yoron, Yaeyama, and many others. The reason why these languages are obscure is that the Japanese empire enforced the use of Japanese in all spheres of life, leading to a severe decline in their use in the 19th and 20th centuries. Though the situation has improved since then, the languages are still considered endangered, but revival efforts, especially for Okinawan, are underway.
In this talk you will learn about the diversity, distribution, and history of the Ryukyu languages and the peoples that speak them. We will look at how these languages diverged from Old Japanese and how they simultaneously closely parallel standard Japanese, and subvert many expectations that people have about this language: creative use of Kana, pronoun use, verbal conjugation, what counts as a vowel and much more!

Building and Guiding r/languagelearning: From Small Forum to Global Community (LIVE) — Simon Forbes

Simon, the lead moderator of the r/languagelearning community on Reddit, shares the story of how the subreddit grew from a small forum into a thriving global hub for language learners. He will discuss the challenges and strategies behind moderating such a large community, the goals of the subreddit, and the work that goes into keeping it useful for learners worldwide. Simon will also present the evolution of the subreddit’s language learning guide—how it was designed, who it is aimed at, and how it grew from a simple wiki entry into a full ebook. The talk concludes with a Q&A session.

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Leyendas Urbanas Panamá (LIVE) — Loriene Aguilar

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Language Exchange: Mastering Learning Through Meaningful Interaction. (LIVE) — Patrick Lencastre & Judy Um

In this presentation, we will share the unique experience of our language exchange journey between Korean and Portuguese. Together with my friend Judy Um, we will walk you through the proven methods and practical strategies that helped us progress as learners.

Language exchange is more than just practicing vocabulary; it’s about fostering real, meaningful interactions that accelerate learning. We’ll cover the importance of consistency in practice, how to balance speaking and listening, and tips on making the most of your time with a language partner. Judy and I will share specific techniques for overcoming challenges in pronunciation, grammar, and cultural differences that often arise during the process.

You’ll also learn how to structure your language exchange sessions, how to stay motivated throughout the process, and how to integrate language learning into your daily life. We will discuss the importance of patience and setting realistic goals, as well as how to embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.

By the end of this talk, you’ll walk away with actionable tools and insights that will help you build a more effective and enjoyable language exchange routine, whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your skills.

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A Tonal Map of Asia: Building Cross-Language Tools That Can Help Preserve and Teach Endangered and Mainstream Tonal Languages (LIVE) — Stuart Jay Raj

This presentation introduces a system designed to support the preservation and practical teaching of tonal and script-based languages, including many under-documented Tai varieties. Built on over two decades of linguistic training and field experience, Cracking Language Fundamentals (CLF) is a modular, AI-enabled framework that visualises and compares tonal structures across Thai, Lao, Vietnamese, Chinese, and over 300 Tai datasets.

These datasets—many contributed by linguists such as Dr Rikker Dockum and others—are now being used not just to document languages, but to actively reintroduce core tonal logic to native speakers. The tools in the system map tonal contours, classify syllable types, and show how the rules in these languages correspond to shared structures rooted in Sanskrit and Indic systems.

The platform connects Thai’s tone-class logic to 平上去入 in Chinese and Vietnamese, reveals how Hangul’s design stems from Phagspa and Brahmi, and integrates the historical Qieyun phonological system used in Chinese character dictionaries.

CLF is also used to revive lost literacy. The Khom script—once used to write Thai, now mostly seen on temple walls—has become readable again for many native speakers using these tools.

This session will present the structure of the system, the methodology behind its development, and how it enables both preservation and use. It is designed not just for researchers, but for communities reclaiming their own linguistic systems, and for educators looking to make tonal and abugida-based languages teachable again—without dumbing them down or stripping them of their native logic.

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Inward extension of language boundaries – The concept of ‘egensprok’ in ‘L’enfant qui s’était inventé une langue’ (LIVE) — Cyril Ducatez

In his latest book, French writer Cyril Ducatez presents the language he invented for himself at the age of eight as both a game and a solution to the communication problems he faced as a child on the autism spectrum.

This ‘shelter language’ or ‘intimate language’, which the author conceptualises using the word ‘egensprok’ (meaning ‘own language’ in the writer’s language), became over time the only language in which it was really possible for him to say something, without this action betraying the truth of his feelings or emotions.

Over the years, his language has grown with him, to the point where it now constitutes, among other things, a reflection of the writer’s love of languages – in that all those he has learnt have infused it – and the tool that has enabled him to understand them better.

To the writer, this childhood invention is evidence that language fulfills functions that have perhaps not yet been emphasized or that have been emphasized too little. For him, ‘egensproks’ hint at the possibility of extending language boundaries towards the intimate, as they are languages of introspection, invented to serve as the language of a unique body and mind, and functioning in symbiosis with them. In other words: Own languages, tailored to fill the gap between what is felt and what is said.

With this talk, Cyril Ducatez’ aim is to send out a call to other inventors of such languages.

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Using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is not only a way of improving health and wellness, but it a new way of learning new languages. (LIVE) — Jessica Busan Brophy

TCM is gaining popularity worldwide and has been practiced for thousands of years. Key TCM concepts such as yin and yang, 5 elements, etc. also provide insight into Chinese language and culture. Knowing about TCM also opens the door to learning other languages and cultures including Japanese (Kampo), Korean (Hanyak), and more. As TCM becomes increasingly popular around the world, we can build connections with people through medicine. The multilingual exposure makes TCM education a unique and rich linguistic journey, which I would like to share with you all.

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Teaching Between Languages: A Teacher’s Perspective on Taiwan’s Bilingual Policy (LIVE) — Aang Shen

With Taiwan’s national push toward becoming a bilingual (Mandarin-English) society by 2030, educators are at the heart of this major language policy transformation. Drawing from both my 10 years of experience as a language teacher and findings from my master’s dissertation, this talk explores how Taiwanese teachers perceive and respond to the challenges and opportunities of the bilingual policy.

In this 20-minute session, I’ll share insights from a case study involving in-depth interviews with local educators, revealing a range of reactions—from enthusiasm to skepticism—toward the policy’s goals, implementation, and impact on classroom dynamics. I’ll also reflect on my personal journey teaching English in Taiwan, discussing how language policy decisions shape teaching practices, teacher identity, and student learning experiences.

This presentation aims to spark thoughtful discussion among language enthusiasts about the real-world implications of top-down language policies. Whether you’re a language teacher, learner, or advocate, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how ambitious national goals intersect with daily educational realities—and what we can learn from Taiwan’s evolving bilingual story.

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The Over-identification of Yup'ik Speakers and Alaska Native Students for Special Education in the Anchorage School District (LIVE) — Emma Much

The Anchorage School District (ASD) in Alaska, Anchorage, surprisingly holds some of the most diverse schools in the United States. Part of that diversity comes from our Alaska Native students that speak a variety of Alaska Native languages. The most spoken one in the district, and in the entire state, is Yup’ik or Yugtun. It is the 6th most spoken language in the district, however speakers of Yup’ik have about a 30% likelihood of being identified for Special Education, while all other languages within the top 10 have a likelihood range of 14%-18%, with the overall average being 16%. Another Alaska Native language that’s less common (16th place in the district), is Inupiaq, where speakers of this language have a 27% likelihood of being in Special Education. When data is compared to other factors such as socioeconomic status, there seems to be no correlation, at least for our school district. This presentation would be more of a call to action, as the reason this is happening has not yet been investigated yet. I have presented this information to my Speech and Language Pathologist department, as well to our directors of special education within a 20-30 minute presentation and would love to present it to others in Taipei. I am also hoping to investigate this issue as a PhD dissertation topic through the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

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Unlocking Language Learning: How Sensory Memory and Shape Retention (LIVE) — Junbin(Jerome) Kuo

Visual learners benefit from mind maps and imagery, while auditory learners excel through rhythm and sound repetition. Kinesthetic learners remember best when physically engaging with the language (e.g., gestures or movement-based learning), and reading/writing learners absorb information through text and note-taking.

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Swagatham! An Introduction to Malayalam (RECORDED) — Eliza Keyton

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The Many Voices Within: A Study of Language and Identity (RECORDED) — Inese Pintāne

How do people acquire knowledge of several languages? For some, it happens due to life circumstances, while for others it stems from personal interest. Often, it is a mix of both. This presentation will examine the diverse reasons behind language learning, the motivations people have, and the methods they use. It will also explore how much time people dedicate to studying, what qualities they believe are important for success, whether they see themselves as naturally gifted in languages, and how learning new languages affects their identity.
A survey conducted for my Master’s thesis in Modern Linguistics gathered insights from 67 participants through a 40-question questionnaire. The results revealed a wide range of approaches to language learning. Some participants were required to learn new languages for work, family, or relocation, while others pursued languages out of curiosity or passion. Many respondents shared that acquiring new languages had changed how they see themselves and the world around them. Some also felt that certain personal traits or biological predispositions helped them succeed.
Overall, the findings show that language acquisition rarely fits neatly into categories of free choice or necessity. The boundaries between multilingualism and polyglottery are more fluid than often assumed, shaped by individual experiences and circumstances.

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The legacy of colonialism in the Caribbean (RECORDED) — Dr. Aned Y. Muñiz Gracia

The case of Puerto Rico, the world’s oldest colony, and its role in the propagation of Spanglish. A brief historic perspective followed by examples from the 20th and 21st centuries, all the way up to Bad Bunny and current popular culture, and parallels to California, where the indigenous languages were supplanted first by Spanish (in the XVIII century) and then by English (mid XIX century).

Modern and Classical Languages and Literature, California State University Northridge

English and Modern Languages Department, Los Angeles Southwest College

Global Languages and Society, Los Angeles Mission College

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Linguistic Sensitivity: How Language Shapes Our Emotional and Social Responses (RECORDED) — Rahma Alattar

The presentation will explore the concept of linguistic sensitivity, the unique emotional and cognitive connection we develop with the languages we speak, especially our mother tongue. It discusses how individuals experience a heightened awareness, intimacy, or sharpness when interacting in their native language, which influences not only their thought patterns anLinguistic Sensitivity: How Language Shapes Our Emotional and Social Responses
d behaviors but even the tone and rhythm of their speech.
The presentation will begin by examining the scientific and psychological underpinnings of this topic, how our emotional and cultural bond with a language is formed, often subconsciously. It will also explore the social and interpersonal situations where this sensitivity plays out without our awareness.
A key focus will be on language as a social and cultural agent, not merely a tool for communication, but a deeply embedded part of our emotional processing and psychological responses. For instance, some people who struggle to say “I’m sorry” in their native language may find it easier to apologize in a second language, such as using “Sorry” in French or any other common language. Similarly, people may react strongly to insults or emotionally charged words in their native tongue, yet feel far less affected, sometimes not even 40% as much, when hearing the same words in another language, even one they speak fluently.

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From Afrobeats to Coupé-Décalé: Language Hybridity in West African Music Cultures (RECORDED) — Bisola Ajibade

Across the African continent, there are hybrid languages such as Pidgin English (Nigeria, Ghana), Krio (Sierra Leone), Camfranglais (Cameroon), Iscamtho (South Africa), Sheng (Kenya), and Moroccan Darija (Morocco). These languages are widely spoken in urban areas, and are used in both informal communication, especially among the youth, and in digital spaces. Born out of code-mixing and code-switching, the languages combine elements from English and/or French with indigenous African languages.

Language hybridity also appears in popular music. African music genres like Afrobeats, Coupé-Décalé, and Amapiano are widely recognized for their sound and style. These genres are not only popular across the continent but also have global audiences through platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and other streaming services.This talk highlights the linguistic dimensions of the song lyrics, often overlooked beneath rhythm and beats. While these languages are themselves products of mixing, artists continue to code-switch within and around them in their songs.

This presentation focuses on two songs, one from Nigeria and one from Côte d’Ivoire, to show how musical artists use language creatively. Through these examples, I explore how language expresses identity, connects with diverse audiences, and reflects the multilingual realities of West African societies. The goal is to show how music functions as a space where linguistic hybridity is visible, intentional, and valued.

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Cucapá: when a language fades with the river (RECORDED) — María Aurora Gutiérrez

The Cucapá language, or Kuapá, is a critically endangered member of the Yuman branch of the Cochimí-Yuman family. It is spoken by an Indigenous group traditionally inhabiting the delta of the Colorado River in northwestern Mexico. Today, fewer than 150 speakers remain, mostly elders in the communities of El Mayor Cucapá (Baja California) and Pozas de Arvizu (Sonora). Without active intergenerational transmission, Cucapá faces near extinction.
This presentation offers a glimpse into the current state of the language and its speakers, combining linguistic facts and lessons with cultural and environmental context. I will explore how the disappearance of the Colorado River’s natural flow—once central to Cucapá life—has not only disrupted traditional ways of living but also weakened the language itself. The decline of key vocabulary tied to fishing, ritual, and seasonal rhythms mirrors the broader threats to Indigenous lifeways under colonial and ecological pressures. Through this case study, I aim to highlight the interconnectedness of language, land, and identity.

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Domhain Eile: Another World - My experience seeing the world through the Irish language. (RECORDED) — Briana Ní Loingsigh

If you visit Ireland, you will see that many street signs and place names exist bilingually. From the moment I saw that second language, I needed to know more. I knew what it meant in a sense, it was always paired alongside English. But I longed to understand both languages. Even though I didn’t know much about the language, it felt like knowing it would unlock a whole different world. I was born and raised in America with Irish heritage. I always felt a connection to Ireland, but I never knew how to articulate in words what that connection was. When I began learning the Irish language, I realized why. The words I was looking for didn’t exist in English. Not only did I now have a way to express what I had always felt, but I found my initial instincts were right. Speaking Irish did unlock a whole new world, a whole new Ireland, that I never could have experienced otherwise. People often question ‘the point’ of using the language when everyone who speaks it is fluent in English as well. I want to share the world that I discovered through the language and show the lessons that world has taught me. The title Domhain Eile comes from a term in Irish mythology that there is our world, and then there is an domahin eile – the other world. A place of mysticism and magic. The world I found through the Irish language has felt nothing short of magical.

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Languages in Life (RECORDED) — Serira Hasani

I am fascinated by a wide range of intriguing language-related topics that go beyond traditional discussions. For example, I want to explore the relationship between language learning and cognitive functions like memory and brain trauma recovery. I am curious about why certain languages resonate more deeply with people emotionally and culturally, and how the brain decides to forget a language, a process often called language attrition. Another area of interest is the neurological comparison of different languages and how they affect our brain differently. I also want to examine how learning new languages impacts mental health conditions such as stress, depression, and trauma. Additionally, I am interested in the competitive nature of languages in multilingual settings—how languages interact and influence one another within communities. These topics not only broaden our understanding of language as a cognitive and social phenomenon but also shed light on the intimate connection between language, identity, and mental wellbeing. By discussing these less commonly addressed areas, I hope to contribute fresh perspectives that inspire curiosity and deeper appreciation for the complexity of human language.

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The Power of Bianhua: A Comparative Exploration of Transformation in Ancient Sino-Japanese Narratives (LIVE) — Joshua Ansley (Jojo) Garcia

Delving into the multifaceted concept of bianhua (變化), meaning “transformation” or “metamorphosis,” across ancient Chinese and Japanese mythologies. The linguistic evolution of this term, from its neutral Chinese origins (bian for gradual change, hua for sudden change) to its Japanese adaptations (henka and henge with positive connotations), highlights a fascinating cultural divergence in how transformation is perceived and categorized.

The exploration reveals how bianhua is intrinsically linked to the “Dao” (道) in China and “kami” (神) in Japan, manifesting as either meritorious or demonic cultivation. Figures like Nu-wa and Inari Okami embody beneficial transformations aligned with universal principles, while characters like the Monkey King and Kiyohime showcase the perils of misguided cultivation or unchecked emotion. The paper further connects bianhua to complex philosophical frameworks such as Yin and Yang, Wuxing, and Wu wei, illustrating how these concepts explain not only individual transformations but also socio-political shifts. This cultural analysis demonstrates how the nuances of “transformation” reflect deeply embedded religious, philosophical, and societal values in East Asian narratives.

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Язык вне политики: почему русский по-прежнему важен (LIVE) — Patrick Lencastre

Во времена войны и разделения русский язык стал политически окрашенным — его всё чаще игнорируют, боятся, отвергают. Но можем ли мы, как полиглоты и любители языков, позволить языку исчезнуть из культурного пространства из-за действий политического режима? В этом выступлении я делюсь своим опытом: я говорю и по-украински, и по-русски, публично поддерживал украинскую культуру — и при этом продолжаю защищать красоту и ценность русского языка.

Русский — это не голос власти. Это голос Толстого, Цветаевой, духовного поиска, философской глубины и миллионов людей, мечтающих о мире. Я убеждён: язык не может быть ответственен за политику. И когда мы молчим на языке — мы теряем возможность понимания и диалога.

Я покажу, что говорить по-русски сегодня — это может быть форма сопротивления: не против Украины, а против ненависти, упрощения и культурного стирания. Мы можем сохранить душу языка, не теряя моральных ориентиров.

Моя лекция — не о том, на чьей мы стороне. Она о том, как защитить мост, который строит язык между людьми, когда всё вокруг стремится этот мост разрушить.

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