Women in Language is back! I want to share a few of the exciting things you’ll learn at Women in Language 2019 so picked 8 at random. You ready? Here we go!

Wait…There’s More than One Sign Language?

Destiny Yarbro founded InterSign University to help people from anywhere learn many of the 350+ sign languages that exist around the world.

I’ve learnt more about a couple of interesting sign languages in Nicaragua and Vietnam (that episode is coming soon!) for Language Stories. So with that, I can’t wait to learn even more from Destiny’s talk.

The 2 Keys to Making Language Learning Into a Tool Against Anxiety

Elena Gabrielli, in her own words from her website Hitoritabi, is an introvert, grammar geek and proud Ravenclaw.

If you’ve ever suffered from anxiety yourself, or know a language learner who does, this is going to be a great presentation for you.

Bringing Endangered Languages and Cultures Back to Life

Inky Gibbens founded Tribalingual after witnessing “how numerous organisations document and archive languages, never to be in the public domain. As the child of a culture whose language is facing impending extinction (Buryat), she realised that the only real way to save these languages is by getting more people to speak them.”

Do you find yourself curious to learn more about endangered languages and cultures? 2019 is the International Year of Indigenous Languages. We couldn’t be more excited to have Inky share this talk with us at Women in Language this year.

Identity Crisis: The Ups and Downs of Living, Working and Dating in a Foreign Language

Lindie Botes is a South African designer and language learner who has recently moved to Singapore, which I’m beyond excited about for her! With her recent move, it seems like great timing for this topic.

If you’ve ever lived, worked, or dated in another language (or even dreamt of doing so) then this presentation will be invaluable for you.

Language Travel (Why I Love It) and How to Plan a Trip

Penny Wilson is the lady behind Lingo Mama, who’s all about combining a love for language learning with travel. As well as this solo presentation, you’ll also hear from Penny in one of our two Panel Discussions at Women in Language 2019. Penny will be at the Panel, Balancing Languages, Loved Ones & Little Ones with Seonaid Beckwith, Marianna DuBosq and hosted by Shannon Kennedy.

If you’re spinning your globe right now and eyeing up a trip somewhere exciting for 2019, Penny’s presentation is going to get you packing your bags.

The Fine Art of Language Exchange

Elizabeth Bruckner was a great supporter of Women in Language in 2018 and just started writing for Fluent in 3 Months. We’re super excited to have her speak at the 2019 event!

Language exchange is one of those tricky things to master. I have to say I agree with Elizabeth when she describes it as a ‘fine art’! If you know you need to speak more, Elizabeth’s presentation could be the one to give you the final push you need.

Meaningful Learning and How to Apply It for Learning Languages

Paloma Marín Arraiza is a Spanish native who collaborates with Sprachheld and its Spanish school.

There’s a lot to be said for the benefits of learning something meaningfully. If you’ve ever found yourself in a language rut, Paloma’s presentation will be a good one to help get you out of it. Oh, and you get recordings of all presentations too. Any time you’re stuck in that rut in the future, you’ll be able to check back on Paloma’s talk (or any!) when you need it.

Beyond The Smiley Face: Communicating Affect Online

Dr Monica Riordan is an experimental psychologist currently living in Pennsylvania in the United States. Her current work examines how non-verbal attributes such as bold font, repeating punctuation, and emojis express and intensify affect. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m all about emojis so can’t wait for this presentation!

Ever found yourself scratching your head at that three letter acronym that keeps popping up online? Or wondering how “word” of the year could be awarded to an emoji? You’ll love what Dr Monica Riordan has to say on the subject.

Get your ticket to Women in Language!

These are just a selection of the presentations happening at Women in Language this year. There’s so much more happening – including 2 Panel Discussions and a chance for YOU to present too!

Ready for it? Women in Language is happening live and online over 4 days from Thursday 7th March to Sunday 10th March 2019.

Everyone is welcome (the ‘women’ in Women in Language only refers to the line-up of speakers!) and we’d love to have you join us for the live event. Click below to get your ticket now for Women in Language 2019.

Which presentation are you looking forward to the most? Share in the comments!