Beyond Words | Julia Webster Ayuso | Substack

The latest language stories from around the world, written by Paris-based journalist Julia Webster Ayuso.

Launched 5 years ago

"Whimsy", "AI cannibalism" and the Lion King in Quechua

Plus a new drama about the Barcelona housing crisis, and the perfect soundtrack for a hot summer.

Jun 22•Julia Webster Ayuso

Code-switching with: Caterina Detti

In the second interview of a new series, I speak to Paris bookshop owner Caterina Detti about multilingualism in France and how she came to run one of…

May 10•Julia Webster Ayuso

Cruciverbalists in crisis, Londonophobia and “language’s little fireballs”

Plus new French words and the meaning of "populism"

Apr 26•Julia Webster Ayuso

Introducing "Code-switching with"

In the first of a new interview series, I speak with Marseille-based Indian chef Zuri Camille de Souza about the nine languages she has collected across…

Apr 2•Julia Webster Ayuso

Handwriting, Frollywood and interpreters in the spotlight

Plus the spread of far-right lexicon and the best way to learn a language

Mar 12•Julia Webster Ayuso

Punctus admirativus, the origins of hello and the world's 'coolest' language

Plus why words sometimes disappear, my pick for Best International Film and a Spanish painter worth knowing

Feb 17•Julia Webster Ayuso

F-bombs, "nu det Nuuk" and the uniting power of fo shur

The new vocabulary of 2026, and what I'm reading, watching, and cooking to stay sane.

Jan 31•Julia Webster Ayuso

Linguistic tics, 'aura-farming' and speaking to whales

Plus a language-themed Christmas gift guide