We’re all multilingual
Mission
We Linguistically is a virtual community where language explorers, learners, and entrepreneurs connect, share stories and embrace their language journeys to normalize multilingualism.
Las Jefas
Johanna Barrantes is a Peruvian-American, social entrepreneur, project manager and educator. She moved to the states when she was 11 years old and since, like many other first generation immigrants, has been grappling with what it means to take up space as a hyphenated American. She also speaks some French and would like to add ASL and Quechua in the near future.
Stephanie Ayala is an early childhood bilingual educator, children’s book enthusiast and is proudly DACAmented. Stephanie immigrated to the US when she was 5 years old and has called Chicago her home ever since. Her community is so much more than her place of residence, it has shaped her vision for the future and continues to demonstrate its need to be safeguarded. Stephanie would like to learn Korean and Nahuatl some day.
Stephanie and Johanna joined forces because they want to see more nuanced conversations about multilingualism. Because our current education system has robbed us of our identity by taking our home language and prioritizing English – using language as a tool for erasure. We can’t have conversations about language education as a 21st century skill and ignore that we already have rich, multilingual communities that remain invisible. Communities that work hard to keep traditions alive and pass them down. We can celebrate multilingualism and multiculturalism by both sharing truth courageously and embracing our linguistic journey. Join us!
Why?
BIPOC voices are missing from the multilingual conversation. This has led to conversations around language or language acquisition to feel very transactional and centered around capitalistic values and white supremacy. We need new and safe spaces to explore no longer being fluent in our mother tongue, rescuing/reclaiming indigenous languages, and celebrating our mixed levels of fluency outside of linguistic oppression.
Our Vision
A community where all identities and languages are valued. Where we explore intersections of culture and language and where we find resources to stay immersed in language diversity.
Ways you can support this movement and this blog:
Follow us on social media and join the conversation.
We want to hear from you!
Sign up for our newsletter!
Receive these wonderful stories directly in your inbox along with upcoming events, podcasts, new music, and artists celebrating their multiculturalism and multilingualism!
Sponsor a blog!
Language entrepreneurs! This is for you!
If these stories resonate with you and our values align, let’s partner! Your support helps us continue this work and allows us to compensate our contributing authors.