179. Speaking New Zealand Sign Language & Te Reo Māori

Hello Language Lovers! In this episode of Speaking Tongues, we are joined by Grace Brown, a passionate Maori wahine and 2025 Winston Churchill Fellow, who is dedicated to bridging cultures through innovation and media. Currently situated in Aotearoa, Grace explores how New Zealand Sign Language, emerging technologies, and cultural insights can enhance communication and accessibility in her homeland.Grace takes us on a journey through her experiences with language learning, from her roots in Gisborne to her adventures in Auckland. We discuss her early encounters with Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language, as well as her passion for Spanish. Grace shares the importance of cultural connection and the revitalization of languages, reflecting on her personal and educational experiences.In this episode, we discuss: 🇳🇿 The significance of language in connecting with cultural heritage and identity. 🇳🇿 Grace's experiences with learning Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language, including the challenges and joys of language acquisition. 🇳🇿 The role of emerging technologies in supporting language learning and bridging communication gaps. 🇳🇿 Insights from Grace's Winston Churchill Fellowship and her research on digital media innovation. 🇳🇿 The vibrant cultural celebrations in New Zealand and their impact on language visibility. 🇳🇿 A powerful Māori proverb that emphasizes the importance of people in our lives and communities.A big thank you to Grace for sharing your journey, insights, and passion for language and culture with us. If you enjoyed this episode of Speaking Tongues, please subscribe, rate, and review the Speaking Tongues Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and like and subscribe on YouTube so that other language lovers can find the show! You can now pledge ongoing support for the show on Buy Me a Coffee dot com or on Patreon dot com. And don’t forget to check out my food ‘zine of international language and cuisine, Taste Buds Vol 1., available for purchase now! Links to all platforms are below!To Connect with Grace:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neurogengirl/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracebrownwcf25/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grace.brown.wcf.25 (TikTok)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Grace-Brown-Winston-Churchill-Fellow-25/61572985422050/ Biosite: https://bio.site/Gracebrownwcf25?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnIMRJkmaNwqmmhDpmDGMVLYVR47pIKI3Wana0eyo9fxTs3VB79m5TR9NCWEI_aem_iOWomB9TSgdBdiUL8OuQHw Connect with Speaking Tongues:Follow on IG: @speakingtonguespodFollow on Twitter: @stpodcasthostLike our Facebook Page: @speakingtonguespodSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFOPq3j7wGteY-PjcZaMxgDid you enjoy this episode? Support Speaking Tongues on Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speakingtonguesPledge ongoing monthly support. Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/speakingtonguespodcastBuy my book here: https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/elle-charisse/taste-buds-vol-1/paperback/product-wn2n46.html?page=1&pageSize=4#speakingtonguespodcast #speakingtongues #languagepodcast #MaoriCulture #LanguageRevitalization