Shifting Identities in Sanaz Toossi’s “English”

In this episode, we explore the profound themes of identity, language, and belonging through the lens of Sanaz Toossi’s play English. Set in a 2008 TOEFL prep class in Iran, the play examines the emotional and cultural struggles of learning a new language while navigating the pressures of conformity and self-expression.

We discuss how the characters’ journeys reflect real-world challenges faced by language learners, from embracing new opportunities to grappling with the fear of losing their cultural identity. Additionally, we highlight how AI tools like MySpeakingScore are revolutionizing language learning, offering personalized support that empowers learners to thrive without sacrificing their individuality.

Join us as we uncover the powerful intersection of language, culture, and technology, and imagine a future where communication bridges the gaps between us.

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Transcript

All right, get ready because today we're going deep into the world of language learning. Ooh, interesting. Identity and cultural shifts.

(0:32 - 0:41)
All through looking at a play. It's kind of like getting a sneak peek into another culture and also seeing how language can actually shape who we are. It really does.

(0:42 - 0:53)
Yeah, it's pretty wild. And our guide for this deep dive is a New Yorker article about a play called English, written by Sanaz Tusi. Got it.

(0:53 - 1:01)
And it's set in a TOEFL class in Iran back in 2008. Wow, a TOEFL class. Talk about a pressure cooker, right? Yeah.

(1:01 - 1:15)
And that setting is really interesting because the TOEFL exam is a high-stakes thing for a lot of people around the world. It's often like the key to unlocking opportunities for education and work in English-speaking countries.

(1:15 - 1:22)
It's like the golden ticket. But getting a high score is incredibly challenging. Especially when you don't have good preparation resources.

(1:22 - 1:39)
And the play really captures this struggle so well. It uses language itself as a dramatic device.
Interesting, how so?
So when the characters are speaking Farsi amongst themselves, we actually hear them speaking fluent English.

(1:40 - 1:54)
But the moment they switch over to English, their speech becomes halting and accented.
Oh, that's fascinating.
And it's such a powerful way to show that feeling of being locked out of fluency that the article talks about.

(1:54 - 2:05)
It's like they're navigating these two different worlds and two different versions of themselves. And the play doesn't shy away from the emotional weight of that experience.
No, it doesn't.

(2:05 - 2:16)
And the article even compares learning a language as an adult to a brain turning from plastic to glass.
Ouch.
Right? Yeah, that really struck me too, that analogy.

(2:16 - 2:45)
It makes you wonder, right? Is there like a point where our brains become less adaptable to new languages? Does that plasticity ever like fully disappear?
I know, it makes you appreciate how easy it is for kids to learn a language.
But I'm hoping that it's not a lost cause for us adults.
Well, the good news is it might take more effort, but our brains don't just shut off language learning after a certain age.

(2:46 - 2:47)
Phew. Okay. That's a relief.

(2:48 - 2:57)
Yeah. So maybe it's more about finding the right strategies and tools to tap into that potential, even if it's like—
Buried a bit deeper.
Buried a little deeper.

(2:57 - 2:58)
Yeah. Yeah. Okay.

(2:58 - 3:08)
And this is where understanding the nuances of something like the TOEFL speaking section becomes really important. It's not just about grammar and vocabulary.
No.

(3:09 - 3:18)
It's about being able to express yourself clearly and fluently, even under pressure.
Totally. And that's something that the characters in this play are dealing with constantly.

(3:19 - 3:29)
They're trying to kind of mold their thoughts and their feelings into this new language. But it often feels really awkward and forced.
Oh, for sure.

(3:29 - 3:35)
There's this one line that I thought was so funny.
Oh, tell me.
It's like, "It is red, my favorite color."

(3:35 - 3:38)
Oh my God. It's so funny. I love it.

(3:38 - 3:47)
But it also shows the effort and vulnerability that goes into trying to learn another language.
Totally. Especially when you're going for fluency on a test like the TOEFL.

(3:47 - 3:50)
Absolutely. And think about that pressure.
Oh, yeah.

(3:50 - 4:00)
When the stakes are so high for a lot of these students, their TOEFL score determines their entire future. It's a lot.
It's a lot riding on it.

(4:00 - 4:13)
So one character that I was really interested in was Marjan, the teacher. And she's Iranian, but she spent years in England. And she even went by Mary while she was there.

(4:14 - 4:29)
That little detail just screamed symbolism to me. It really embodies that idea of language as a pathway to a new identity. She was immersed in English culture to the point of like changing her name.

(4:29 - 4:36)
But now being back in Iran, there's this sense of...
Displacement.
Displacement. Like being caught between two worlds.

(4:37 - 4:55)
Exactly. Like she's trying to reconcile these different parts of herself—the Mary who thrived in England and the Marjan who's now back in Iran, navigating this complex relationship with her native language and culture. And that feeling of being caught between worlds is something that I think a lot of language learners feel.

(4:55 - 5:10)
Totally. Especially those who are preparing for these big exams like the TOEFL. They're trying to master a new language to have opportunities in a different culture while also figuring out their own sense of identity and belonging.

(5:10 - 5:19)
Makes you wonder if it's even possible to fully embrace a new language without losing a part of yourself.
That's a deep question.
It is.

(5:19 - 5:29)
And I think the play does a really good job of looking at that tension.
It really does.
There's this one scene where Marjan tells her students to let go of their Iranian-ness in the classroom.

(5:29 - 5:32)
Whoa. To think in English. Laugh in English.

(5:32 - 5:35)
Breathe in English.
Wow. To the tenants.

(5:35 - 5:46)
Which is a provocative thing to say. It raises questions about assimilation and cultural identity and the power dynamics when one language becomes the dominant language.
Right.

(5:46 - 5:56)
And it's like she's pushing them toward fluency but also asking them to suppress a part of themselves.
Right. And I wonder if that kind of pressure can actually make it harder to learn a language.

(5:57 - 6:17)
That's a really interesting point. If language is tied to our identity, can we really master a new language if we feel like we have to give up who we are? It makes you think about how important it is to create learning environments that embrace all these different cultures and allow students to bring their full selves to the classroom.
Totally.

(6:17 - 6:38)
And that brings us back to the TOEFL and the challenges that so many students face. If we recognize that language learning is about more than memorizing vocab and grammar, how do we make better and more inclusive prep tools that address these deeper parts of the experience?
And this is where I think technology can really make a difference.
How interesting.

(6:39 - 6:50)
You know, we're seeing more and more AI-powered tools that are making personalized language learning and test prep way more accessible.
Like what kinds of tools?
So, like MySpeakingScore.
Okay.

(6:50 - 7:02)
Which uses SpeechRater technology to give really detailed feedback on pronunciation and fluency and all these other key aspects of spoken English.
Wow. So it's like having a personal TOEFL tutor.

(7:03 - 7:06)
It really is.
That's amazing.
And it's available to anyone with internet.

(7:06 - 7:08)
Wow. Which is incredible.
Yeah.

(7:08 - 7:20)
Over 100,000 students have already used it.
That's awesome.
Which shows how powerful technology can be for giving people access to education and creating a more level playing field for language learners everywhere.

(7:20 - 7:31)
And it's not just about access. These tools can also make learning more fun and more personalized. They can tailor feedback and instruction to individual needs and learning styles.

(7:32 - 7:55)
I'm curious though, how do these advancements in technology connect to the things that the play is exploring?
That's a great question.
Like, do you think tools like MySpeakingScore can help with some of the challenges that characters face? Like those feelings of being locked out or having to hide a part of themselves to be fluent.
I think that's something we should really dig into.

(7:55 - 8:19)
If these technologies are made with sensitivity to the cultural and emotional parts of learning a language, they could really help students take charge of their language learning without feeling like they have to change who they are.
Exactly.
And it's like giving them the tools to navigate those different worlds, those different versions of themselves with confidence and truly being themselves.

(8:19 - 8:25)
And I think that's something we should definitely talk more about.
Let's unpack that. But first, let's take a closer look at Marjan, the teacher.

(8:26 - 8:41)
She embodies this tension between accepting a new language and culture and feeling like an outsider in her own country, which is something a lot of people can relate to.
For sure. They're navigating different languages and identities.

(8:41 - 8:51)
Absolutely. And her story really makes you think about the choices we make when we start learning a new language and how those choices affect who we are.
That's a good point.

(8:51 - 9:02)
Yeah. It's interesting how Marjan's struggle to belong is like what her students are going through as they're trying to learn English. They all feel this pressure to fit in.

(9:02 - 9:06)
And to conform.
Yeah. And to kind of erase parts of themselves to succeed.

(9:07 - 9:11)
And it's not just about fitting in, though.
It's about opportunities, too.
Exactly.

(9:11 - 9:30)
Like for Elham, who wants to be a gynecologist, she sees being fluent in English as the key to reaching her goals. For her and others like her, English represents a path to a better future, even if it means having these mixed feelings about identity and where they belong.
Yeah.

(9:30 - 9:47)
It brings up those questions about the role of language in all these global inequalities. It's almost like English is this gatekeeper to certain jobs and opportunities. And for people who haven't had the chance to be immersed in the language or haven't had access to good education, it can feel like an impossible barrier.

(9:48 - 10:02)
Yeah. And I think that's where the play's critique of English being so dominant becomes really powerful. It forces us to look at those power dynamics and realize that knowing a language isn't always a fair game.

(10:02 - 10:08)
Right. One of the students, Roya, talks about how she feels like a different person when she speaks English.
Interesting.

(10:08 - 10:13)
Like she's losing herself.
Yeah. I bet a lot of people who are learning a new language feel that way.

(10:13 - 10:18)
Yeah. Totally. That fear of becoming someone you don't even recognize just because you're trying to be fluent.

(10:19 - 10:27)
It makes sense to worry about that.
Yeah, it does. And it shows that we need better ways to teach languages that are sensitive to different cultures.

(10:27 - 10:38)
Right. It's not just about knowing the rules. It's about understanding the emotional and cultural stuff that comes with using different languages and having different identities.

(10:38 - 10:46)
It makes me think back to that idea of the brain hardening like glass.
Right. I wonder if there's a way to, like, soften it up again.

(10:47 - 10:53)
Oh, that's interesting. To make it better at learning new languages.
Well, actually, there's a lot of research on neuroplasticity.

(10:53 - 11:01)
Oh, cool. That says we can actually retrain our brains to be more adaptable as we get older. So it's not that our brains become inflexible.

(11:01 - 11:05)
Right. It's that we have to find the right ways to unlock their potential.
Exactly.

(11:05 - 11:18)
And that's where I think tools like MySpeakingScore are so helpful. It can give you personalized feedback and help you figure out what to focus on and how to improve your fluency and your pronunciation. It's like having a personal coach.

(11:19 - 11:25)
It is. Who can help you through those hard parts of learning a language that can feel overwhelming and discouraging.
Yeah.

(11:25 - 11:30)
And the fact that it uses AI makes it even more amazing.
Yeah. AI is really changing how we learn.

(11:30 - 11:40)
Right. And language learning is a perfect example. Tools like MySpeakingScore can give people feedback and help that they used to only be able to get from expensive tutors.

(11:40 - 11:42)
That's amazing. Or special programs.
Yeah.

(11:42 - 11:48)
It's leveling the playing field for everyone.
Totally. No matter where they're from or what their background is.

(11:48 - 11:51)
Yeah. And it's not just about making things accessible.
Right.

(11:51 - 12:00)
AI can make learning more engaging and effective. It can look at tons of data to suggest things just for you.
Wow.

(12:00 - 12:05)
And teach you in a way that works best for you. It's like having a language partner.
Right.

(12:05 - 12:10)
That's always learning with you and pushing you to do better.
Exactly. And that's something that the play talks about too.

(12:10 - 12:18)
Oh yeah. The power of language to open up new possibilities and help us grow. I remember when Elham talked about wanting everyone to speak Farsi.

(12:18 - 12:23)
Oh yeah. It reminds us that language can bring people together.
Yeah.

(12:24 - 12:39)
But it can also reflect how power works in the world.
Exactly. And tools like MySpeakingScore have the potential to change that, to give learners power and make language learning more fair for everyone by making sure everyone has access to great resources.

(12:40 - 12:48)
Right. We can help people from different cultures understand each other better and break down the walls that language differences often create.
Like building bridges instead of walls.

(12:49 - 12:58)
Slowly. Using technology to bring people closer together and create a world where everyone feels welcome and has a chance to learn and grow.
And to share their stories.

(12:58 - 13:03)
Yeah. And express themselves in the languages that mean the most to them. It's not just about helping individuals.

(13:04 - 13:20)
It's about making society better. When more people can talk to each other across languages and cultures, it opens up all sorts of possibilities for working together, coming up with new ideas, and just understanding each other.
It's like expanding what humans can do together.

(13:21 - 13:29)
It is. Giving everyone the tools to connect with people who might think and speak and experience the world in completely different ways.
That's really powerful.

(13:29 - 13:41)
And it brings us back to that big question we've been talking about.
Yeah. How can we use the power of language without losing our own cultures or making existing inequalities worse?
It's a tough question.

(13:42 - 13:45)
It is. But I think the answer is finding a balance.
Okay.

(13:45 - 13:51)
Using technology in a smart and ethical way.
Yeah. And creating spaces where people can learn.

(13:52 - 13:59)
Where both fluency and being yourself are valued. It's about realizing that learning a language is a personal journey.
Yeah.

(13:59 - 14:13)
It's not just about memorizing a bunch of rules or getting a certain score on a test. It's about helping people find their voice, connect with others, and tell their own stories in the languages that are most meaningful to them.
And that brings us back to the play.

(14:13 - 14:17)
Yeah. And the characters who are trying to figure all of this out in their own ways.
Yeah.

(14:18 - 14:22)
They all face challenges and setbacks.
Right. But they also show how strong they are.

(14:22 - 14:29)
How creative they are. And how much they want to connect with the world around them.
And that's a powerful message for our listeners.

(14:29 - 14:33)
It is. Learning a new language can be hard. But it's so rewarding.

(14:33 - 14:49)
Totally. It's a journey of self-discovery, a way to broaden our horizons and to connect with the world in new and meaningful ways. And with AI tools like MySpeakingScore becoming more common, the possibilities for a language learner are just exploding.

(14:49 - 14:52)
Totally. It's an exciting time to be learning languages.
It is.

(14:52 - 15:05)
And I can't wait to see how these advancements keep shaping the future of education and how we communicate globally.
I'm excited too. And as we're wrapping up this deep dive, I'm feeling really optimistic about the future of language learning.

(15:05 - 15:20)
Oh, that's awesome. We have the tools, the technology, and we're starting to understand the cultural and emotional sides of learning a language. It's up to us to use all of this wisely and ethically to create a more inclusive and interconnected world.

(15:20 - 15:31)
We've come back around to that idea of language being powerful. The characters in English are trying so hard to learn this language that will shape their future.
It's true.

(15:31 - 15:46)
And tools like MySpeakingScore have that same feeling, that drive to get rid of obstacles and open up new doors for people. It's like they're being given a microphone, a chance to be heard and share their stories. And it's not just about individuals succeeding.

(15:46 - 15:57)
It's about creating a world where everyone has a chance to learn and connect and contribute, no matter what language they speak.
I totally agree. And I think that's what's most exciting about all of this.

(15:57 - 16:10)
The potential for technology to bring people together from different cultures. It's not about replacing how we connect as humans. It's about making more ways for people to interact in a meaningful way.

(16:10 - 16:27)
It's like creating this beautiful mix of human experiences where all these languages and cultures can exist together and make each other richer. And you know, maybe someday we'll have a world where tools like MySpeakingScore help us move past standardized tests.
I love that idea.

(16:27 - 16:32)
Where being fluent is celebrated in all its forms and accents.
Imagine that.
Yeah.

(16:32 - 16:37)
A world where communication just flows.
Right. Where language isn't a barrier anymore.

(16:38 - 16:44)
It's a beautiful thought. And where people can connect on a deeper level, no matter their background or where they're from.
It's a nice vision.

(16:44 - 16:47)
Yeah. It's a beautiful vision. And I think we're moving in the right direction.

(16:47 - 16:56)
I think so too. And as we wrap up this deep dive, I'm left feeling hopeful about the future of language learning.
Yeah.

(16:56 - 17:10)
It's bright. And it's really cool to see how technology and understanding the human experience are shaping that future. It's been incredible exploring all these ideas about language and who we are and the opportunities that are out there.

(17:10 - 17:14)
Yeah. It really has. We see how language can be tough, but also make us grow.

(17:14 - 17:24)
And how it affects how we see the world and our place in it.
Absolutely. And we've also seen how technology is making education available to more people.

(17:24 - 17:28)
Yeah. And giving learners the power to take charge of their language learning journey.
Exactly.

(17:28 - 17:45)
If I could just leave our listeners with one thought, it would be that learning a language isn't just a skill. It's an adventure, a journey of self-discovery, and a powerful way to connect with the world. So keep exploring, keep learning, and keep embracing how language can change us.

(17:45 - 17:47)
Until next time, happy language learning.