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What does it mean to truly learn a language? For Hélène de Fays and Pello Huesa, coauthors of Gente, Lengua Y Cultura and educators at UNC Chapel Hill, it's never just about memorizing vocabulary or conjugating verbs. Language learning is about engaging with the enormous linguistic, cultural, and political diversity within Spanish-speaking communities—and understanding that language itself is identity, history, and collective effort.
In this conversation, Pello and Hélène share how they curated a textbook that centers the direct voices of Spanish speakers themselves through articles, letters, videos, songs, and recipes. They discuss the challenges of representing such vast cultural complexity, from Bad Bunny's Caribbean music to ancient Aztec influences on modern tacos. They push back against result-oriented learning that reduces language to grades, arguing instead for patience, persistence, and the deeply human work of communication.
Whether you teach world languages or simply want to understand how culture shapes learning, this episode offers a refreshing perspective: language isn't something you master—it's something you live.
Learn more about their publication at https://grl.pub/GenteLenguaCultura
Can I Get a Retake? welcomes a variety of perspectives. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Great River Learning.
