<blockquote>
<p>“If we can produce proficient, correct language, it seems all is great no matter how we feel about it.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>My guest for this week’s podcast is María Ortega Garcia, who you will get to know well during the course of our interview. <br>
María is a rebel. She encourages you not to break the rules, but to look beyond the rules.</p>
<p>Here are some questions we discussed:</p>
<ul>
<li>How could you play with a language you love?</li>
<li>Who owns the rules of a language?</li>
<li>Can we see beyond the need to be correct, to achieve a higher level of connection and an authentic self-expression?</li>
<li>Does being so touchy-feely mean we'll miss all our goals?</li>
</ul>
<p>This was a fascinating conversation about permission, ownership, and what we think we’re all allowed to do in another language. It helped me understand my role as language coach and language teacher in a whole new way.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“It doesn’t need to have any specific goal or purpose. It’s just pleasure and self-expression.”</p>
<p>“For me, a foreign language has to come along with my own personality and background. I can’t be following someone else’s rules.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Workshop: Creative Writing, Public Speaking and Performance</h3>
<p>I want to let you know as early as possible that María and I are actually taking this one step further. We have been working on a joint language workshop inviting you to explore how creative writing and performance find your voice and courage to speak and elevate your communication skills. </p>
<p>If you struggle to express your true self in another language, and wish you could find the right words for how you feel, this new workshop is just perfect for you.</p>
<p>You can catch this workshop at Langfest in Montréal (<a href="https://montreal.langfest.org/en/#tickets" rel="nofollow">tickets available now</a>, 15% off using code KERSTIN).</p>
<p><strong>Support This Podcast</strong><br>
Like all podcasts, the Fluent Show is supported by your online reviews and word of mouth. </p>
<p>If you liked this episode, please tell someone about it. <a href="https://ctt.ac/00VIW" rel="nofollow">Click here to tweet about the show</a>, go to your Podcasts app and leave us a review, or simply text a friend about the Fluent Show. Thank you!</p><p>Special Guest: María Ortega García.</p><p>Sponsored By:</p><ul><li><a href="http://go.italki.com/thefluentshow" rel="nofollow">italki</a>: <a href="http://go.italki.com/thefluentshow" rel="nofollow">Get $10 USD in italki Credits with your first lesson purchase - no code required, click here to claim this offer</a></li></ul><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.fluentlanguage.co.uk/blog/language-notebooks" title="How To Create An Amazing Language Journal by Fluent Language" rel="nofollow">How To Create An Amazing Language Journal by Fluent Language</a></li><li><a href="https://montreal.langfest.org/en/#tickets" title="LangFest 2019" rel="nofollow">LangFest 2019</a> — Get 15% off with promo code KERSTIN</li><li><a href="https://www.fluent.show/104" title="The Fluent Show: How Can I Inject FUN Into Language Learning (with Olly Richards)" rel="nofollow">The Fluent Show: How Can I Inject FUN Into Language Learning (with Olly Richards)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/743387132398664/" title="Savvy Online Teacher Marketing - Facebook Group" rel="nofollow">Savvy Online Teacher Marketing - Facebook Group</a></li><li><a href="https://www.fluentlanguage.co.uk/events/creativeworkshop-langfest" title="Creative Writing, Performance, and Public Speaking - Workshop Info" rel="nofollow">Creative Writing, Performance, and Public Speaking - Workshop Info</a></li></ul>