logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2024
17m 47s

El nacimiento de una lengua

SMALL TOWN SPANISH TEACHER
About this episode

Sign Language is a beautiful form of communication. For many years, the Deaf community was denied education, in large part because of Aristotle. Thankfully, many people recognized the ability of deaf people to communicate using signs. Sign Language became documented and standardized. However, due to dictatorship and revolution, in 1980s Nicaragua, sign language didn’t really exist. So, a group of deaf students created their own language from nothing.


This story is told in the third person and the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “lengua de señas/lenguaje de signos” (sign language), “sordo” (deaf), “alfabetización” (literacy), and “labios” (lips).

No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2024/02/27/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-nacimiento-de-una-lengua/ 

Support the show

Up next
Jul 3
Told Faster: Los tres cerditos
The story of the three little pigs, or los tres cerditos, is one of the first many kids learn. This story of hard work, personal responsibility, and delayed gratification never goes out of style. This story is told mostly in the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story inclu ... Show More
10 m
Jun 23
Eloy el alux
In my recent trip to Mexico I learned about the aluxes, small elves that, according to Mayan folklore, protect the nature of the Yucatán Peninsula. Today’s story is about one of the aluxes and the mischief that they stir up when their environment is disturbed without their permis ... Show More
20m 31s
Jun 4
Told Faster: La Llorona
Scary stories exist in every language, in every country. In the Spanish speaking world, none is more well known or widespread than the story of the weeping woman, La Llorona. La Llorona haunts rivers and lakes as she searches for her drowned children. If she can’t find them, she ... Show More
9m 57s
Recommended Episodes
May 6
934. Sign Language is Fascinating 👋 with Siobhan Dodd
Have you ever wondered about sign language, how it works and if it is similar to other languages like English? In this conversation I speak to Siobhan Dodd who is a sign language interpreter between English and BSL (British Sign Language). Siobhan is an enthusiastic and entertain ... Show More
1h 24m
Oct 2024
What is sign singing?
Deafness is known for being an invisible disability, which can lead to exclusion and loneliness. According to a Human Rights Watch article from 2019, 70 million deaf people across the world use sign language to communicate. Well sign singers take that one step further, by adaptin ... Show More
3m 35s
Mar 2021
Helen Keller
Ellie (age 5) tells her sister Sophie (age 7) the inspirational story of Helen Keller who overcame deafness and blindness.----more---- Helen Keller is born 150 years ago to a family in Alabama. At 18 months she was struck down by an illness and left deaf and blind. Unfortunately, ... Show More
9m 26s
Sep 2024
Signed Language Communication Disorders Resource
This week’s assignment is to read and apply Signed Language Communication Disorders to your work! This resource, created by Shelby Hill, M.S., CCC-SLP, QOM is an excellent explanation of how aphasia can impact signed languages (like ASL). You’ll get answers to fascinating questio ... Show More
16m 37s
Jul 2024
Disability Pride: Stories in honor of Disability Pride Month
In honor of Disability Pride Month, this week’s episode examines personal triumphs and societal challenges of being a person with disabilities in STEM. Part 1: As a deaf person, Alma Schrage doesn’t see a place for herself in the traditional academic world of science. Part 2: Aft ... Show More
31m 15s
Feb 2024
3.10 Effective Vocabulary Strategies in Literacy Intervention
Imagine being a learner who is new to English. Someone says to you, "Can you lend me a hand?” Imagine what that learner is processing. First, it’s a question. Second, think about the word lend. Do I know what that means? Third, lend a hand. Does that mean they literally want one ... Show More
1h 2m
Aug 2024
Language, Power, and Identity: Exploring Raciolinguistics with Angel
🚀 Episode Summary:In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Speak English Confidently, Grace welcomes Angel, a passionate educator and advocate, to dive deep into raciolinguistics and linguicism — the intersection of language, race, and power.Angel explains what linguist ... Show More
48m 1s
Jun 2024
Language Learning for Life: Tips, Expressions, and Multilingual Motivation with Angel from French Fluency
🚀 Episode Summary:Welcome back to Speak English Confidently! In today’s episode, Grace is joined by Angel, a French coach and passionate polyglot behind French Fluency. Together, they dive into the world of language learning — from personal stories and mindset shifts to tried-an ... Show More
31m 38s
May 2022
PODGAP (51) | 2 Minute Vocabulary (Beg.): Animal Sounds
In this 2-minute Podgap, you will learn some animal sounds in Persian. Knowing animal sounds in Persian might seem unimportant, but these sounds are a part of the culture. When you're first learning Persian, it helps to understand some of the subtle nuances of the language. The o ... Show More
2m 18s
Oct 2024
How I became a polyglot
In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, Benny revisits the story of how he became a polyglot. He shares his early struggles with maintaining multiple languages, especially during his time learning Spanish, Italian, and French. Benny explains how his breakthrou ... Show More
12m 14s