If you're in a coffee shop in China, how to order one?

Everyday-Chinese

I want a cup of coffee

Hello! Welcome to Shay's Language Hub!

In this week's very first episode, it's my pleasure to read the first few pages of Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone with you. 

If you have the book, you can follow along as I read or simply challenge yourself by listening only. 

Send me questions if you've got any, otherwise, enjoy!

Shay's Language Hub

Episode 1 - A little dive in a magical world 

Join us in this exciting episode of "English Learners Boost" as we explore the benefits of subconsciously learning English. Discover how you can enhance your language skills effortlessly by integrating fun and engaging activities like movies, music, and podcasts into your daily routine. Hosted by yours truly, a licensed professional science teacher and experienced English tutor, this episode offers practical tips and inspiring examples to help you master English naturally. Plus, learn about my unique teaching methodology and how you can book personalized lessons with me on iTalki to take your English to the next level. Tune in and transform your learning experience!

English Learner's Boost

The Benefits of Subconsciously Learning English

The European Union (EU) has encouraged citizens across the continent to stockpile food, water and other essentials to last at least 72 hours as war, cyberattacks, climate change and disease increase the chances of a crisis.

The call to action for the EU's 450 million citizens comes as the 27-nation bloc rethinks its security, especially after Donald Trump's US administration warned that Europe must take more responsibility for it.

In recent years, the EU has been forced to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, and the threat from Russia, including its attempts to exploit Europe's dependence on its natural gas to weaken support for Ukraine.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has warned that Russia could be capable of launching another attack in Europe by 2030.

"Today's threats facing Europe are more complex than ever, and they are all interconnected," said Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib as she shared a new strategy for dealing with future disasters.

While the commission is keen not to be seen as alarmist, Lahbib said it's important "to make sure people have essential supplies for at least 72 hours in a crisis." She listed food, water, flashlights, ID papers, medicine and radios as things to stock.

Lahbib said the EU should build up a "strategic reserve" and stockpile other critical resources including firefighting planes; medical, energy and transport equipment; and specialized assets against chemical, biological and nuclear threats.

The EU's plans are similar to those in France, Finland and Sweden.

Last year, Sweden updated its civil emergency advice "to better reflect today's security policy reality" such as what to do in case of nuclear attack.

Not all EU countries have the same level of crisis preparedness, and the commission also wants to encourage them to coordinate better in case of emergency.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: "New realities require a new level of preparedness in Europe."



Practice Listening, Reading & Comprehension

EU Asks People to Gather Supplies in Case of Crisis

Topic related Vocabulary 

1. Fascinated (adjective) = Extremely interested or attracted by something.
2. Curiosity (noun) = A strong desire to know or learn something
3. Mesmerized (adjective) = So attracted or interested that you can’t look away; completely captivated.
4. movie buff = someone who is very knowledgeable and passionate about film


IELTS speaking part-2 🗣️ (2 Minutes)

Describe an area of science (biology, robotics, etc.) that you are interested in and would like to learn more about

ビザの期限が切れたので今、日本に一時帰国しています。ドイツではようやく暖かくなり、庭のさくらが咲き始めていました。マスクの義務も今月から無くなりました。なのでこの時期に帰ることになったのはとても残念です。
さて、日本入国についてですが、今も日本では３回ワクチンを接種している人以外は隔離が必要です。私は２回しかワクチンを接種していないので、隔離をしました。隔離３日目に自費でPCR検査を受けて陰性だったので、隔離期間は３日間でした。PCR検査を受けない場合は7日間です。
ドイツ出国前にもPCR検査を受ける必要がありました。私はフィンランドで乗り継ぎをしたので、そこでPCR検査を受ける必要があるかどうかなどを確認するために入国条件を何度も確認しました。空港のカウンターに行って検査の証明書を見せて、搭乗が認められるまでとても不安でした。また、今回は戦争のために、通常のロシア上空を飛ぶ北ルートではなく、南ルートを通ることになり飛行時間が長くなっていました。でも機内はガラガラで５人席を独り占めでき、横になって寝ることが出来ました。
今も日本入国には隔離やPCR検査が必要なので、コロナ前のように気軽に日本に旅行することができるようになるまではまだ時間がかかりそうです。

期限が切れる：きげん　the expiration date has come
一時：いちじ　temporary
義務：ぎむmandatory
接種(せっしゅ)する：take　
隔離：かくり　quarantine
自費で：じひで　at own expense　
陰性：いんせい　negative  *陽性：positive
出国：しゅっこくdepart from a country
入国：にゅうこく　entry into a country
乗り継ぎ：のりつぎ　transfer 
条件：じょうけん　condition, requirement
確認する：check
検査：けんさ　examination, test
証明書:　しょうめいしょ　certificate
認める：みとめる　accept
上空：じょうくう 　above　
北：きた　north
南：みなみ south
機内：きない  in the cabin
飛行時間：ひこうじかん　flight time
ガラガラ：empty
一人占め：ひとりじめ  keep ~ to myself
横になって寝る：lay down

Nihongo Short Story by Noriko

日本に帰国しました (I returned to Japan)

An aquarium in Japan is asking people to help a group of eels that are getting lonely.

English News

English News for Beginners: Aquarium Asks People to Video-Call Lonely Eels

Top 10 Best Practices for a Global Mindset:

Embrace Cultural Curiosity: Cultivate a genuine interest in understanding different cultures, their values, and customs.
Practice Active Listening: Pay close attention not just to words but also nonverbal cues and communication styles across cultures.
Develop Cultural Intelligence (CQ): Sharpen your ability to adapt and thrive in diverse cultural environments.
Mind the Context: Recognize that communication is heavily influenced by context, and adjust your approach accordingly.
Respect Differences: Value cultural diversity and avoid ethnocentrism (believing your culture is superior).
Communicate Clearly and Concisely: Favor direct communication while remaining mindful of cultural nuances.
Embrace Flexibility: Be adaptable in your communication style and expectations to bridge cultural gaps.
Foster Empathy: Try to see things from the other person's perspective to build stronger relationships.
Leverage Technology for Collaboration: Utilize video conferencing and other tools to overcome geographical boundaries.
Celebrate Cultural Exchange: View cultural differences as opportunities for learning and growth.

The Global Professional Podcast

Top 10 Best Practices for a Global Mindset

❥ In this podcast, Teacher Melody from The Aesop for Children. 
❥ Aesop's Fables are free online at:
www.read.gov/aesop/ 
❥ Listen and learn the moral of each story.
❥ Follow along as Teacher Melody Aesop's well-known fable called 
"The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse"
https://www.read.gov/aesop/004.html
❥The moral of today’s fable is: 
"Poverty with security is better than plenty in the midst of fear and uncertainty."