In this episode of Culture In Between, Randa tells us about growing up in Philadelphia with Lebanese parents. She also explains how she transitioned from studying applied mathematics at Harvard to pursuing a graduate degree in vocal performance, teaches us the correct Arabic pronunciation of ‘falafel’ (as well as her name), and describes how she became trilingual.

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• 00:00-Intro
• 00:51-Randa Introduction
• 02:00-Where are your parents from in Lebanon?
• 03:15-Parents’ journey to the U.S.
• 04:47-Have you visited Lebanon?
• 06:30-Growing up speaking French and Arabic
• 10:55-Harvard and music career
• 15:59-Parents’ attitudes toward music and immigrant expectations
• 16:20-Does she still like mathematics?
• 18:25-Musical life at Harvard and transition to opera
• 20:20-Was there a Lebanese community in Philly?
• 23:45-How did your parents instill Lebanese culture?
• 26:10-Learning languages
• 28:21-Favorite foods (+ name pronunciation)
• 31:58-Lebanese musicians
• 35:45-What is your favorite saying or expression?
• 38:30-Happy place in Lebanon
• 40:52-Outro

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*Disclaimer: We value featuring the genuine viewpoints of our guests. As such, please note that the thoughts and opinions of our guests may not always reflect our own thoughts and opinions as hosts.