Language Therapy with Dr. K

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | The Toll of the Pandemic on Armenian Mother Guilt

April 1, 2022  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:58:45

What is Armenian mother guilt in the diaspora? How can a pandemic impact language dynamics in the home? Why is it that our professional expertise, competence, and training often disappear when it comes to things Armenian, our families, and our own children? Join Dr. K and Dr. Lori Mesrobian, USC professor of Spanish, as they discuss the extra complications of transmitting Armenian during the pandemic, the intense grief, disappointment, and shame associated with fears of loss, and the need for local and global language resources.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | From Bazar to Belote: Language as Means to Play

December 14, 2022  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:54:41

Are you up for a game of Belote? How did a French trick-taking card game gain such ubiquitous popularity both in Armenia and the diaspora? What is the special Armenian twist (hint: the bazar element) with its own language dynamics and social hierarchy? Though full of French, Turkish, and Russian words, why is it perceived as such an Armenian domain by players? Join Dr. K with research assistant and USC student Sarkis Tricha as they explore the roots and origins of Belote, the various game-specific terms used by speakers of Eastern and Western Armenian, the social dynamics and implications of the game, and the importance of using language as a means to play!

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | Armenian(s) in Russia: A Case of Linguistic Plastic Surgery

November 7, 2022  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  01:06:30

How do immigrants navigate integrating into host societies while still maintaining an orientation toward the homeland? What is the role of language in that process? What if they live in a society with a colonial/imperial legacy? Dr. K is joined by UCLA PhD candidate Anatolii Tokmantcev as they discuss the formation of Armenian communities in Russia, how Armenians are conceptualized in the Russian imagination, the factors that contribute to the quick loss of the Armenian language, and so much more. Join them for a fascinating discussion on the salience of language in particular sociolinguistic contexts.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | Failures of Language & Curious Hybrids

June 22, 2022  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:57:32

How do colonial and diasporic histories impact language dynamics? How do these forces manifest themselves in the case of curious hybrids or third-culture kids, the characterization author Nadia Owusu uses to encapsulate her Ghanian and Armenian-American heritage, through the lens of a child growing up in various international communities? Join Dr. K and Nadia Owusu as they discuss Aftershocks, Owusu’s powerful memoir, and use it as a springboard for topics such as colonialism, inherited languages, code-switching, accents, ownership, writing, and performing belonging.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | ¡Ask a Mexican! 

June 2, 2022  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:59:40

What happens when an alternative weekly in Orange County starts a column called ¡Ask a Mexican!, in which journalist Gustavo Arellano responds to reader questions about Mexican-American stereotypes in a satirical, wonderfully witty and informative manner? And he uses Spanish and Spanglish in almost every response? And it becomes so successful that it turns into a book? Join Dr. K and trailblazing LA Times columnist and author Gustavo Arellano as they use his work to talk about journalistic tropes and conventions, immigrant stereotypes and experiences, and of course, issues of language.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | Systems of Language 

January 5, 2022  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:50:22

How can the cultural influences and language dynamics of an immigrant household make its way to heavy metal and some of the most transformational music of its time? Going from an Armenian private school to sold out arenas around the world, Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down talks to Dr. K about how growing up speaking both standards of Armenian sparked a mindset of adaptability and perseverance throughout his life and career.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | Language(s) in Therapy 

November 17, 2021  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:45:58

How can a psychologist use language as a tool for healing, and as a method of traveling to times and locations often buried and distant in the past? If both therapist and patient are bilingual, how are language dynamics negotiated and experienced during therapy? In this episode, Dr. K sits down with clinical psychologist Mariam Vanounts to discuss the role of language(s) and non-verbal communication in various forms of therapy.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | CHEERIOS

October 4, 2021  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:26:38

While Cheerios are commonly known as a popular breakfast food, the term has taken on a life of its own in the Armenian American context, referring to a specific way a person speaks or behaves. In this episode, Dr. K talks to a number of young Armenian Americans and immigrants from Armenia to uncover this phenomenon and determine who exactly is a Cheerios and how that label is used.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | The Language of Priesthood in the Armenian Apostolic Church

August 13, 2021  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:44:32

What does it take to become a priest in the Armenian Apostolic Church and what role does language play in the process? In this episode, Dr. K is joined by the Parish Priest of St. John Armenian Apostolic Church, Father Mesrop Ash, to explore the different roles within the Armenian Church and understand the various procedures and processes behind ordination.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | Sounds of Multilingualism: The Case of Western Armenian

July 29, 2021  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:29:36

What kind of influence can a dominant language have on a minority language? In this episode, Dr. K sits with linguist Dr. Niamh Kelly from the American University of Beirut to discuss why knowledge of one language, such as Arabic or English, can influence the sound system of Western Armenian. They also deconstruct different language myths regarding phonetics, accents, and “perfect” speech.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | Vernaculars of Armenian Dance 

June 10, 2021  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:47:15

Whether dancing at Armenian celebrations or watching Armenian dance companies perform on stage, it’s evident that the practice of Armenian dance is rich and diverse. In this episode, Dr. K sits with PhD student and dance practitioner Natalie Kamajian to define different types of Armenian dance and discuss what the discourse behind them says about how Armenian identity is performed.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | Western Armenian in Armenia

April 2, 2021  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:48:12

If the official language of the Republic of Armenia is Armenian, but the commonly spoken standard is Eastern Armenian, where does that leave Western Armenian speakers? In this episode, Dr. K is joined by Vahakn Keshishian, co-founder of Aghvor Paner, a Western Armenian language website, to discuss the changing perceptions of Western Armenian and how promoting the use of the language is a fruitful way to build communities.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | Calligraphy and Art in Time of Crisis

February 5, 2021  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:33:25

In this episode, Dr. K sits with renowned Armenian calligrapher Ruben Malayan, three weeks into the 2020 Artsakh War, to discuss the breadth and impact of his work, as it relates to Armenian culture and society. They also unpack the crucial role of arts and humanities in moments of rupture.

For more on Malayan’s work, visit armeniancalligraphy.com and 15levels.com.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | Comedy in a Time of War 

December 18, 2020  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:35:36

Vulgar vocabulary and cursing in a time of war? Hand-in-hand with an increased interest in learning and teaching Armenian? In this episode, Dr. K is joined by comedian Mary Basmadjian as they discuss her ability to break all kinds of gender and cultural norms, while simultaneously teaching the Armenian language through comedic skits such as “Vartoush Vocabulary.”

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | A Day in the Life of an Interpreter

November 13, 2020  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:42:09

In this episode of Language Therapy, Dr. K is joined by Khachatur Adumyan, one of Armenia’s most sought-after interpreters, who has interpreted for every Armenian prime minister since independence. They talk about the linguistic, cognitive, and ethical demands of the job, the nuances of interpreting from and into Armenian, and the day-to-day realities of an interpreter, all in the context of the Artsakh war and the pandemic.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | Karabakh: What’s in a name?

October 2, 2020  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:41:38

Karabakh or Artsakh? Where do all the different names for this region come from? In this episode of Language Therapy, Dr. K talks to historian George Bournoutian, an expert on the history of Armenia and the Caucasus, to discuss the historical, political, and linguistic legacies of this region’s various place names.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K | 1.5 Generation: All Kinds of Guilt 

September 11, 2020  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:47:31

Who is a 1.5 generation immigrant? What is the connection between generation and language? What are the challenges of transmitting Armenian as a 1.5 generation parent? And what’s with all the guilt and shame? Dr. K is joined by attorney and co-founder of ToTalk Armenian, Armine Bazikyan, as they discuss Armine’s family’s struggles with language transmission and ToTalk as a possible solution.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K: Robin the Robot

August 21, 2020  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:46:30

What is the connection between artificial intelligence, psychology, and language? Who/what is the world’s first emotionally intelligent hospital robot and what’s the connection to Armenia? Dr. K talks to Karen Khachikyan, CEO and co-founder of Expper Technologies, the company behind Robin the Robot, as they discuss Robin’s emotional and linguistic capacities in helping children overcome their stress, isolation, and anxiety in a hospital setting. Dr. Shant Shekherdimian and Dr. Mineh Badmagharian also join the conversation.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K: Speak English. You’re confusing the child!

August 7, 2020  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:49:47

What kinds of language policies do multilingual families enact when the language or languages in the home are not the same as the dominant language outside the home? What if each parent speaks a different language? What types of reactions and attitudes do families have to deal with when they set specific family strategies for language transmission? Dr. K is joined by Los Angeles Times journalist, Esmeralda Bermudez, in a deep conversation about language, identity, immigration, heritage, and the parenting choices she and her Armenian husband make in their multilingual family.

Read Bermudez’s piece on raising a multilingual daughter here: https://lat.ms/31lXw4M.

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K: François Grosjean on Myths and Realities of Bilingualism Part 2 

July 24, 2020  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:36:04

Dr. K is joined by world-renowned psycholinguist and international authority on bilingualism, François Grosjean, as they debunk some of the most prevalent myths about bilingualism. How can we nurture a happy bilingualism? What are the best family strategies and educational models? What are the advantages and disadvantages of bilingualism? Dr. Grosjean is the author of Bilingual: Life and Reality (Harvard University Press, 2010), among other books, and the very popular Psychology Today blog, “Life as a Bilingual.”

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K: François Grosjean on Myths and Realities of Bilingualism Part 1 

July 10, 2020  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:47:02

Who is considered a bilingual? What does the day to day reality look like for those who lead their lives in two or more languages? And why are there still so many persistent myths about bilingualism and bilinguals? Dr. K is joined by world-renowned psycholinguist and international authority on bilingualism, François Grosjean, as they demystify bilingualism. He is the author of Bilingual: Life and Reality (Harvard University Press, 2010), among other books, and the very popular Psychology Today blog, “Life as a Bilingual.”

Language Therapy with Dr. K
Language Therapy with Dr. K: Justice in Translation

June 26, 2020  |  USC Institute of Armenian Studies  |  00:41:39

Introducing Language Therapy with Dr. K, a new podcast about language in the Armenian context. Discover the quirky nuances, fun, and frustrations of language, as Dr. Shushan Karapetian delves into topics and questions you didn’t even know you were curious about.

In this inaugural episode, Dr. K is joined by Gegham Mughnetsyan, as they discuss his recent Armenian translation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail (https://bit.ly/3eAOPsO). How do we talk about racial justice in Armenian?