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Lesson 158: A situation when people congratulated you🥳

This week, you will train to speak about a situation when you were congratulated by others. This lesson uses a Part 2 cue card that was recently seen in a real IELTS Speaking exam.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Describe a situation when people congratulated you. You should say:
-what you did
-when it was
-how they congratulated you
and explain how you felt about it

🧑‍🎓Target language:

comprehensive (adjective)
-includes all components

“The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I’d like to talk about a situation when people congratulated me. This occurred last year when I successfully completed a challenging project at work.

The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new product our company was launching. It was a significant undertaking as it required not only a deep understanding of the market but also innovative thinking to differentiate our product from the competition.”

Chat on WhatsApp

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Describe a situation when people congratulated you. You should say:
-what you did
-when it was
-how they congratulated you
and explain how you felt about it

I’d like to talk about a situation when people congratulated me. This occurred last year when I successfully completed a challenging project at work.

The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new product our company was launching. It was a significant undertaking as it required not only a deep understanding of the market but also innovative thinking to differentiate our product from the competition. I worked tirelessly for three months. I conducted extensive market research and coordinated with various departments. The end result was a marketing campaign that was highly profitable for the company.

The moment of recognition came during our annual company meeting last December. The CEO, in front of the entire company, highlighted the success of the project and praised my efforts specifically. He then invited me to the stage to receive a certificate of excellence.

The congratulatory gestures didn’t stop there. My colleagues gave me a standing ovation, and many came up to me personally after the meeting to shake my hand and offer their heartfelt congratulations.

It felt great to be recognised, and I also felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. The experience not only boosted my confidence but also motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my work. Having my peers congratulate me in this way reinforced my belief in the importance of dedication and hard work.

Thank you.

June 3, 2024

Lesson 157: Talking about computers🖥️

Let’s start this week by congratulating Dinh Dung! They achieved band 8 in IELTS Speaking using the resources on this website!

On a recent IELTS Speaking exam, the candidate was asked in Part 1 about computers, namely how and when they use them. This week, you will practise speaking about this topic.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Part 1 Questions

Where are you from?
What do you do?
Did you have to do any special courses to get this job?
Did you aim for this job?
Do you use a computer in your daily work?
How did you learn to use a computer?
How often do you use a computer outside of work?
What kind of tasks do you perform on the computer?

🧑‍🎓Target language:

indispensable (adjective)
-something critically important

“Computers are an indispensable tool for data analysis and creating reports.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I work as a data analyst for a multinational corporation. My job primarily involves collecting, processing and analysing large sets of data to help the company make informed business decisions. I also create comprehensive reports and visualisations to present my findings to various stakeholders.”

Chat on WhatsApp

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Where are you from?
I am originally from Melbourne. It’s a city located in the southeastern part of Australia.

What do you do?
I work as a data analyst for a multinational corporation. My job primarily involves collecting, processing and analysing large sets of data to help the company make informed business decisions. I also create comprehensive reports and visualisations to present my findings to various stakeholders.

Did you have to do any special courses to get this job?
Yes, I did. I pursued a bachelor’s degree in computer science and then after that I did a master’s degree in data science. Additionally, I have completed several professional certifications in data analysis tools that are critical to my job, such as Tableau and Power BI.

Did you aim for this job?
Yes. From a young age, I was fascinated by technology and data. During my university years, I realised the potential of data science in solving real-world problems and decided to pursue it as a career. My education and internships further solidified my interest and helped me target this specific job.

Do you use a computer in your daily work?
Yes. Computers are an indispensable tool for data analysis and creating reports. My entire workflow, from data collection to visualisation, relies heavily on various software applications, all of which I run through my computer.

How did you learn to use a computer?
I started learning to use a computer during my early school years. Over time, I gained more advanced skills through formal education, self-study and hands-on practice. University courses and online tutorials played a significant role in enhancing my proficiency too, particularly in specialised software use.

How often do you use a computer outside of work?
I use a computer quite frequently outside of work as well. It serves multiple purposes, such as staying connected with friends and family and furthering my personal learning through online courses.

What kind of tasks do you perform on the computer?
Outside of work, I perform a variety of tasks on the computer. These include browsing the internet and engaging in hobbies such as digital photography and gaming. I also consume a lot of international news through my computer.

Thank you.

May 27, 2024

Lesson 156: Appliances and people⏲

This week’s lesson continues the conversation that began with last week’s cue card. The topic of this Part 3 sample is ‘appliances and people’. Note how the candidate’s responses are longer and more developed in this section of the exam.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Part 3 Questions

Can you name another home appliance that people commonly use?
Do you think people nowadays accumulate unnecessary appliances in their homes?
Do most people in your country prefer to shop for household appliances in markets or shopping malls?
Are higher priced appliances always better quality than lower priced ones?
How do you judge the quality of a household appliance?
How long do you expect an appliance to last after you buy it?

🧑‍🎓Target language:

staple(noun)
-a central part of something

“Another home appliance that people commonly use is the microwave oven. It has become a staple in most kitchens due to its convenience and its ability to save a person time.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“Another home appliance that people commonly use is the microwave oven. It has become a staple in most kitchens due to its convenience and its ability to save a person time. For example, it can quickly heat up food, defrost frozen items, and even cook simple meals.”

Chat on WhatsApp

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

We’ve been talking about home appliances, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Can you name another home appliance that people commonly use?

Another home appliance that people commonly use is the microwave oven. It has become a staple in most kitchens due to its convenience and its ability to save a person time. For example, it can quickly heat up food, defrost frozen items, and even cook simple meals.

Do you think people nowadays accumulate unnecessary appliances in their homes?

Yes, and I think this trend is primarily driven by aggressive marketing tactics that make people believe buying the latest technology will simplify their life. It also doesn’t help that it is so easy to buy things online nowadays. However, in reality, many of these gadgets end up being used infrequently, if at all, and this results in cluttered living spaces and wasted resources.

Do most people in your country prefer to shop for household appliances in markets or shopping malls?

In my country, the preference for shopping locations varies, but a significant number of people tend to favour shopping malls over traditional markets when buying household appliances. Shopping malls offer a wider selection of products and the convenience of modern facilities. Malls also offer the assurance of purchasing from reputable retailers. Plus they typically offer after-sales services. This level of assurance isn’t commonly found in traditional markets.

Are higher priced appliances always better quality than lower priced ones?

Not necessarily. While higher priced appliances often come with advanced features, they do not always deliver superior quality or performance. For example, several years ago I purchased my microwave from Carrefour, which is a budget superstore in my area. This microwave was not expensive, yet it remains highly reliable and functions just as well as pricier options. To my mind, it’s essential to look at online user reviews before you purchase. Doing this will help you judge whether a more expensive option is really worth it.

How do you judge the quality of a household appliance?

Judging the quality of a household appliance involves several factors. Firstly, as I mentioned, I want to know what others think, so I base a lot of my opinion on online reviews. Customer feedback can provide valuable insights into the durability and performance of the appliance. Secondly, I check whether the appliance’s specifications and features meet my specific needs. Lastly, I look at the warranty and the availability of after-sales service, as I want to have options should the appliance break after I buy it.

How long do you expect an appliance to last after you buy it?

The expected lifespan of an appliance can vary greatly. Generally, I would expect a well-made household appliance to last at least five years. Major appliances like refrigerators and washing machines should ideally last closer to a decade, if not longer. On the other hand, smaller or more technologically complex appliances might have a shorter lifespan. I wouldn’t expect to get more than about five years out of a blender, for example.

Thank you.

May 20, 2024

Lesson 155: An appliance you use daily🔌

This week, you will train to speak about an appliance that you use every day in your home. This could be a washing machine, microwave, food processor or some other electric machine you use to carry out a household task. In the model, the candidate chooses to speak about a coffee maker.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Part 2 Cue Card

Talk about an appliance that is used daily in your home. You should say
-when you bought it
-who in your home uses this appliance the most
-how this appliance is useful to you
and give some advice about this type of appliance

🧑‍🎓Target language:

frequenting (verb)
-visiting often

“Its convenience saves us considerable time and money compared to frequenting coffee shops.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I’m going to talk about an appliance my family and I use every day in our home, and that’s our trusty coffee maker. We got it approximately two years ago when we moved into our current residence.”

Chat on WhatsApp

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Talk about an appliance that is used daily in your home. You should say
-when you bought it
-who in your home uses this appliance the most
-how this appliance is useful to you
and give some advice about this type of appliance

I’m going to talk about an appliance my family and I use every day in our home, and that’s our trusty coffee maker. We got it approximately two years ago when we moved into our current residence.

I live with my parents and out of all of us, I would say that I’m the primary user of this appliance. As an avid coffee drinker, I rely on it to kickstart my mornings and keep me energised throughout the day. My mother and father do use it from time to time, but they definitely don’t use it as much as I do.

Our coffee maker is useful because it greatly simplifies the process of making coffee. Before we got this appliance, I would have to manually boil the water and strain the coffee into a cup. With the coffee maker, all I have to do is add water, a paper filter and some coffee grinds and the coffee maker does the rest in about 10 minutes. Its convenience saves us considerable time and money compared to frequenting coffee shops.

For those considering purchasing a coffee maker, I would offer a few pieces of advice. Firstly, invest in a model that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle, whether it’s a basic drip machine or a more sophisticated espresso maker. Secondly, prioritise quality over price. Buying a durable coffee maker will save you from having to replace a cheap one every few years. And lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance.

I have to say that our coffee maker is no longer just a household appliance. It’s a valuable tool that has enhanced our daily lives in more ways than one.

May 13, 2024

Lesson 154: Transportation🚇

This week’s lesson examines the topic of ‘transportation’. These questions were taken from a recent IELTS exam and –as always– the suggested responses were written by a former IELTS Speaking exam at the band 9 level.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Part 1 Questions

Do you work or study?
Where are you from?
What type of job do you have?
Is it easy to find a job in your hometown?
Let’s talk about transportation. What type of transportation did you use to get to your test centre today?
Do you usually use this form of transportation?
Are there any forms of transportation you prefer not to use?

🧑‍🎓Target language:

on the spot
-without any delay

“They gave me the job on the spot!”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I actually do both at the moment. I study business administration and am currently working at a small cafe near my apartment.”

Chat on WhatsApp

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Do you work or study?

I actually do both at the moment. I study business administration and am currently working at a small cafe near my apartment.

Where are you from?

I’m from this city, London. I’m very much a proud Londoner, and to me London is a place that will always feel like home.

What type of job do you have?

My job is not very exciting. I wash dishes in the cafe I was mentioning. It’s really just a job to help fund my schooling.

Is it easy to find a job in your hometown?

I think it depends on what you’re looking for. Securing employment in London can be competitive in specialised fields, but other industries are desperately in need of workers. For example, I got my job at the cafe just by asking whether they were hiring. They gave me the job on the spot! So I think the time and effort required to find a job really is relevant to the type of work a person is pursuing.

Let’s talk about transportation. What type of transportation did you use to get to your test centre today?

Today, I used the subway to reach this test center. In London, we lovingly call it ‘The Tube’ and its known for its punctuality, cleanliness and extensive coverage of the city.

Do you usually use this form of transportation?

Yes, I frequently rely on the Tube for my daily commute. Its reliability and efficiency make it my preferred mode of transportation for navigating the city’s busy streets and reaching my destination in a timely manner.

Are there any forms of transportation you prefer not to use?

While I appreciate the convenience of most transportation options available in London, there are certain forms I tend to avoid, such as buses. During peak hours, the buses in London are way too crowded for comfort. I’m also not a fan of taxis. I just find them overpriced and not much faster than other transportation types. Those would be the two I’d most prefer not to use.

Thank you.

May 6, 2024

Lesson 153: Water-based activities🏊

This week’s lesson looks at Part 3 questions that extend from last week’s cue card.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Part 3 Questions
What water-based activities are popular in your country?
What are some safety precautions people should take when doing activities near water?
Is boating a safe water activity?
Do people in your country like to travel by boat?
Do you have rivers and lakes in your country?
Do the factories in your town affect its water?

🧑‍🎓Target language:

jeopardise
-put someone or something at risk

“Townspeople are concerned industrial discharge and runoff could harm wildlife and possibly even jeopardise public health.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“Hmm in my country, along the coast, activities such as swimming, surfing and snorkeling are very popular. Inland, our lakes and rivers attract people who are interested in fishing, kayaking and leisurely boating.”

Chat on WhatsApp

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

We have been talking about water, and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. What water-based activities are popular in your country?

Hmm in my country, along the coast, activities such as swimming, surfing and snorkeling are very popular. Inland, our lakes and rivers attract people who are interested in fishing, kayaking and leisurely boating. Water-based activities are actually quite central to our culture, especially during the warmer months, and people like to use them as a convenient excuse to socialise.

What are some safety precautions people should take when doing activities near water?

First and foremost, individuals should learn some essential swimming skills. Even if they are good swimmers, they should also wear appropriate flotation devices, particularly in deep waters. Additionally, people should only do water-based activities in properly designated areas. For example, it would be very unsafe to swim alone in areas that are not patrolled by lifeguards. A final precaution would be to keep abreast of weather forecasts. By adhering to these precautions, individuals can safeguard themselves and others while doing water-based activities.

Is boating a safe water activity?

Boating, when undertaken with adherence to safety protocols, can indeed be a safe and enjoyable water activity. However, it is imperative that boaters use life jackets to hedge the risks associated with capsising. Furthermore, following navigational rules, such as observing speed limits, is crucial for accident prevention.

Do people in your country like to travel by boat?

Yes. It’s not nearly as popular as land-based transportation, but people nevertheless still love to travel by boat when they have some free time. I think the main motivator for this is that it allows them to take a break from their everyday routine.

Do you have rivers and lakes in your country?

Yes, rivers and lakes are abundant in my country. Rivers meander through the valleys and often connect to the lakes. They’re all quite scenic and filled with all sorts of animal life.

Do the factories in your town affect its water?

The impact of factories on water quality is an ongoing concern in many towns, including mine. Townspeople are concerned industrial discharge and runoff could harm wildlife and possibly even jeopardise public health. We’ve pushed our municipal government to regulate industrial activities, and today there is greater public awareness of the waste-types these factories produce.

Thank you.

April 29, 2024

Lesson 152: A profession done in or near water🌊

This week, you will train to speak about a profession that is related to water, such as a fisherman or ship captain.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Describe a profession you know that is done near or in water. You should say:
-What the profession is
-Where it is typically done
-Why it is important
and say what skills or qualifications are required to do this job

🧑‍🎓Target language:

firsthand
-from personal experience

“Others spend a considerable amount of time diving underwater to observe marine life firsthand.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“The profession I want to talk about is that of a marine biologist. Marine biologists are scientists who study life in the oceans and other saltwater environments. They conduct research to understand marine organisms – their behaviours, habitats and ecosystems.”

Chat on WhatsApp

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

The profession I want to talk about is that of a marine biologist. Marine biologists are scientists who study life in the oceans and other saltwater environments. They conduct research to understand marine organisms – their behaviours, habitats and ecosystems.

Marine biologists typically work in or near water bodies such as oceans, seas and coral reefs. Some may work in laboratories analysing samples collected from the field, while others spend a considerable amount of time diving underwater to observe marine life firsthand. They may also work on research vessels, coastal facilities, or even aquariums and marine parks.

This profession is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, marine biologists play a vital role in understanding and conserving marine biodiversity. By studying marine ecosystems, they can identify threats to various species, as well as develop strategies for their protection. Additionally, their research contributes to our understanding of climate change, which is a significant issue facing our planet today.

To become a marine biologist, one typically needs a strong educational background in biology. I am not a marine biologist, but I would assume this profession requires obtaining a bachelor’s degree followed by further studies at the graduate level. Practical experience through internships or volunteer work is probably highly valued in this field, too. Other skills key to becoming a marine biologist would include having excellent observation skills, critical thinking and a passion for the life forms that live in salt water.

I feel marine biologists contribute significantly to our understanding of the oceans and they play a crucial role in conserving these precious ecosystems for future generations.

Thank you.

April 22, 2024

Lesson 151: Drawing🎨

This week’s lesson pushes you to train to speak about a common hobby: drawing. As you will hear in the sample, the candidate isn’t super enthusiastic about drawing, and they skillfully use language choices to express this.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Part 1 Questions

Do you work or study?
Why did you choose this job?
Let’s talk about drawing. Do you like drawing?
What do you draw?
Are there benefits to drawing?
Is it important to teach children how to draw?
Is it important for adults to be able to draw?

🧑‍🎓Target language:

doodle
-a rough drawing made absentmindedly

“I might doodle an animal one day and a busy city street the next.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I do draw on occasion, and I would say I like it for the most part. The act of sketching allows me to unwind and unleash my creativity, but I have to admit I’m not particularly talented at it.”

Chat on WhatsApp

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Do you work or study?

I work as a server at a popular dining establishment in the heart of the city. My role involves providing exceptional customer service, taking orders and ensuring a pleasant dining experience for patrons.

Why did you choose this job?

The decision to pursue a career in the restaurant industry was influenced by my passion for hospitality and interpersonal interaction. I thrive in environments where I can engage with people from diverse backgrounds and cater to their needs with warmth and professionalism. Let’s talk about drawing.

Do you like drawing?

I do draw on occasion, and I would say I like it for the most part. The act of sketching allows me to unwind and unleash my creativity, but I have to admit I’m not particularly talented at it.

What do you draw?

I don’t usually plan out my drawings ahead of time, so they tend to encompass a wide array of subjects. I might doodle an animal one day and a busy city street the next. I think the last time I drew something it was a cross section of a house, where you could see the rooms inside and what was going on.

Are there benefits to drawing?

Drawing offers a multitude of benefits beyond its artistic appeal. Engaging in drawing promotes mindfulness and relaxation, and I feel it serves as a therapeutic outlet for stress relief and self-expression. Moreover, it enhances cognitive skills such as observation, spatial reasoning and problem-solving, and this can encourage mental agility and creative thinking.

Is it important to teach children how to draw?

Yes, it certainly is. Nurturing children’s drawing skills is essential for their holistic development and self-discovery. For example, drawing encourages imagination, fine motor skills and visual literacy, and I believe these skills provide a foundation for creative expression and critical thinking.

Is it important for adults to be able to draw?

I wouldn’t say it is critically important, but it can be a useful skill to have in certain personal and professional contexts. Being capable of sketching concepts –such as business ideas or flooring layouts in an office– enhances communication, problem-solving and innovation. As I mentioned before, it could be a source of relaxation for certain people, too.

Thank you.

April 15, 2024

Lesson 150: Learning English💂

We’ve reached 150 lessons!🎉 This week’s topic is very central to the base theme of this entire website: learning English!

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Part 3 Questions
Do you think the way people learn English today is the same as in the past?
Is it easy for children to learn new languages?
Is it easier for children to learn languages than adults?
What is the importance of language in a culture?
Can people understand a culture without learning its language?
Is it important to protect small language groups?

🧑‍🎓Target language:

in my own case
-a phrase used to cue a personal example

“For example, in my own case, I found certain English pronunciation patterns challenging because these sounds do not exist in my language!”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson.

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“No, the approach to learning English has evolved significantly. With technology and globalisation, access to diverse resources like online courses has enhanced the learning process. Learners are no longer constrained to classrooms. There are now dynamic approaches that allow people to train from anywhere in the world and in a variety of settings.”

Chat on WhatsApp

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

We have been talking about languages and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. Do you think the way people learn English today is the same as in the past?

No, the approach to learning English has evolved significantly. With technology and globalisation, access to diverse resources like online courses has enhanced the learning process. Learners are no longer constrained to classrooms. There are now dynamic approaches that allow people to train from anywhere in the world and in a variety of settings.

Is it easy for children to learn new languages?

Yes, children have a natural aptitude for language acquisition due to their adaptable brains and exposure to language-rich environments. Also, unlike adults, I think children are less inhibited by the fear of making mistakes, and this allows them to experiment with language freely.

Is it easier for children to learn languages than adults?

Generally, yes. As I mentioned, a child’s lack of inhibitions allows for easier experimentation with grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, and this willingness to experiment encourages them to learn. Children have also not developed fluency in any language, so they have no preprogrammed speaking patterns that are working against them. For example, in my own case, I found certain English pronunciation patterns challenging because these sounds do not exist in my language!

What is the importance of language in a culture?

Language is integral to culture. It serves as a means of communication, expression and identity. Language also reflects the evolution of a society, and by this I mean it captures the collective wisdom and values of the people that speak it. Some sayings in one language may be completely nonsensical in another, and I feel this is clear evidence of how central language is to culture.

Can people understand a culture without learning its language?

I don’t think people can gain a deep understanding, no. While some insights can be learned through secondary sources, a deep understanding of a culture requires knowing the language. Language is an expression of the values of a culture, and it shows how the people of that culture solve problems and think about the world. So I guess that is to say that any quote unquote ‘understanding’ someone claims to have about a culture is very surface-level if they don’t know anything about the language.

Is it important to protect small language groups?

Absolutely. Small language groups represent linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. They embody unique ways of perceiving the world. Efforts to protect and revitalise endangered languages are crucial to preserving cultural identity and honouring the contributions of every culture to human civilization.

Thank you.

April 8, 2024

Lesson 149: A person from another country that speaks your language well🎎

This week’s lesson requires the candidate describe a person that speaks their native language well.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below):

Describe a person you know from another country who speaks your language fluently. You should say
-who he/she is
-what country he/she is from
-how he/she learned your language
-and explain how you feel about this person

🧑‍🎓Target language:

set apart
-something special or distinguished

“What truly sets Maria apart is her dedication to learning Japanese.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson.

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I’m going to talk about a remarkable individual named Maria, who speaks my native language, Japanese, fluently. Maria is from Spain and first encountered Japanese during her university studies in Barcelona, where she developed a profound interest in Japanese culture and language.”

Chat on WhatsApp

Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

I’m going to talk about a remarkable individual named Maria, who speaks my native language, Japanese, fluently. Maria is from Spain and first encountered Japanese during her university studies in Barcelona, where she developed a profound interest in Japanese culture and language.

What truly sets Maria apart is her dedication and unconventional approach to learning Japanese. For example, instead of relying solely on textbooks and classroom instruction, she sought out authentic Japanese materials, such as novels, podcasts and films. Additionally, before she moved to Japan, Maria actively engaged with native Japanese speakers through language exchange programmes and online communities. She now lives in Tokyo and seamlessly integrates into Japanese society, displaying a level of cultural fluency that is rarely seen among foreign language learners.

As someone who grew up in Japan, I can say with confidence that Maria is truly fluent in Japanese. Her pronunciation is near-native, and she effortlessly navigates complex grammatical structures with skill. Her proficiency in Japanese fills me with admiration and respect, and I feel truly inspired when I am around her. Her commitment to mastering the language reflects a genuine love for Japanese culture and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

I feel very lucky to know an amazing person like Maria. Just being around her motivates my own language pursuits!

Thank you.

April 1, 2024