In this episode, Christine chats with sociolinguist Valentyna Filimonova about the intricate links between language, culture and society. Listen in as they deep dive into topics from linguistic shifts and variations to forensic linguistics and its surprising realities. Learn how language reflects social changes and globalisation's influence across cultures and generations. Gain insights into bilingual education challenges and the biases perpetuated by "native speaker" ideals. This episode is a rich dialogue full of food for thought from two passionate communicators. CHRISTINE & VALENTYNA DISCUSS The complexity and realities of forensic linguistics.The emotional connection and identity tied to our mother tongue that influences learning and communication.The purpose of sociolinguistics studies.Why native speaker biases still dominate teaching approaches.How businesses can help transform language mindsets.Why Valentyna advocates for more humility and continuous self-questioning of the information we consume.BEST MOMENTS "Some people would sometimes need psychological attention or some way to deal with that violence that they read about." "If people don't identify with that language, you know, there's no connection then they're probably more likely to let it go and drop out." "I have had to deal with a lot of English teachers, for example, that teach English, be it in here in Mexico or in other places. And even they still believe that they're not good enough at teaching English if they're not native speakers." "It becomes a little more difficult, I think, for cultures to really stop, pause and evaluate." "Going back to developing this humility on the personal level, I think is going to do all of us a lot, a lot of good." ABOUT THE GUEST Valentyna is an international sociolinguist and content developer. With a dual PhD from Indiana University, USA, she specializes in Hispanic sociolinguistics and its applications. Valentyna has taught, presented, and published on social-science academic and pedagogical research. Some practical applications of her research include forensic linguistic consulting, language teaching, serving vulnerable populations, and communication effectiveness improvements. Over the last two years, she has expanded her work and research into the tech industry as a content developer, supporting Windows Servicing and Delivery Communications at Microsoft as a supplier. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentyna-filimonova/. Academia: https://indiana.academia.edu/ValentynaFilimonova. Read Valentyna’s Windows IT Pro Blog: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/bg-p/Windows-ITPro-blog Learning Module: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/m365-advance-organization-security-posture/. ABOUT THE HOST Christine is from Ireland and now lives in Málaga, Spain. She coaches and trains IT professionals on English pronunciation, accent inclusion, international culture and the neuroscience of confident communication. Her mission is to make public speaking, English pronunciation and brain-based intercultural communication training accessible to disadvantaged communities, so everyone has an opportunity to learn. Outside work, she hikes, cooks, sings and is currently writing her first book – Healing on The Camino, a story of her journey across Northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. Support her work here: www.connectedcommunication.club You’ll get access to a library of personal and professional development resources on “The Science of Speaking.” Get in touch: [email protected]: www.instagram.com/connected_communication  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.