Ever forgotten a word mid-sentence or gone completely blank in conversation? You're not alone! In this episode, we explore the neuroscience behind why your brain freezes when speaking English—and, more importantly, what we can do about it!

Brain talk

Blanking in conversation 

Understanding Concessive Clauses in Spanish and English

In Spanish, the mood (indicative or subjunctive) in concessive clauses depends on whether the action is factual, non-factual, or counterfactual. For example, the conjunction "aunque" (although) can be used with both indicative and subjunctive moods depending on the context.
Example in Spanish:
Indicative: "Vendré aunque no tengo ganas." (I will come even though I don't feel like it.)
Subjunctive: "Vendré aunque no tenga ganas." (I will come even if I don't feel like it.)
In English, concessive clauses typically use the indicative mood. The conjunctions "although," "even though," and "though" are commonly used, and they don't change the mood of the verb.
Example in English:
"Although he doesn't want to, he will come."
"Even though she is tired, she will finish the work."
So, while Spanish requires a choice between indicative and subjunctive based on the nature of the action, English consistently uses the indicative mood in concessive clauses.

Taming the Spanish Verb: The  Macondo Man

Aunque vs. Even Though: El Subjuntivo y las Cláusulas Concesivas en Inglés y Español

Poema de Federico García-Lorca del Romancero Gitano

POEMAS DE FEDERICO GARCÍA-LORCA

MUERTO DE AMOR

 the interrogative phrase “多+大”， how to say in Chinese?

HSK vocabulary

HSK1 the interrogative phrase “多+大”

🗣️ Diálogo: Miedo a Hablar en Inglés

Carlos: Sofía, tenemos que hablar en inglés en esta reunión… ¡y estoy muerto de miedo!

Sofía: ¡Yo también! ¿Y si me equivoco y todos se ríen?

Carlos: Exactamente, siento que mi pronunciación es terrible.

Sofía: ¡Y yo olvido palabras cuando me pongo nerviosa!

Carlos: ¿Y si nos quedamos callados? Mejor dejamos que los demás hablen.

Sofía: No, Carlos. Vinimos aquí para practicar. No podemos huir siempre.

Carlos: Lo sé, pero me siento tan inseguro…

Sofía: Piensa en esto: nadie espera que seamos perfectos.

Carlos: ¿Y si no me entienden?

Sofía: Si hablas despacio y con calma, seguro te entienden.

Carlos: Tal vez… pero me cuesta.

Sofía: A mí también, pero si no lo intentamos, nunca mejoraremos.

Carlos: Ok, ¿qué tal si nos apoyamos? Si uno se bloquea, el otro ayuda.

Sofía: ¡Me parece genial! Así no nos sentimos solos.

Carlos: ¿Y si nos equivocamos?

Sofía: ¡No pasa nada! Lo importante es intentarlo.

Carlos: Tienes razón… ¡vamos a hacerlo!

Sofía: ¡Sí! Y después, nos merecemos un café por el esfuerzo.

Carlos: ¡Trato hecho!

Learn Spanish Conversation

Learn Spanish conversation part 60

¿Le has cantado a alguien las cuarenta alguna vez? Probablemente sí y no lo sabes, ven y te lo cuento. 

Expresiones en español

Cantar las cuarenta

Have you ever felt an instant dislike for someone you just met? That "I don't like this person" vibe can be mystifying. Let's dive into it. Where do these instincts come from? When you feel that initial dislike, what's your next move? Let's explore the world of first impressions, uncovering hidden cues and maybe a bit about ourselves.


Richelle's Learning Community: Your Insights

Beyond the Surface: Exploring First Impressions 

Since England is an island, it has a rich maritime history and lots of idiomatic expressions that come from sailing and ships. In this podcast, I cover the following:

* “Dead in the water” 
* “Three sheets to the wind” 
* “To go by the board” 

For a full transcript of this podcast, go to https://www.difficultenglishexplained.com/nautical-idioms-part-2/.

Difficult English Explained

Nautical Idioms in English, Part 2:  What do they Mean and Where did they Come from?

In this episode I'm discussing how to stay consistent. 
You have to set clear goals, create a routine, track progress, stay accountable, embrace flexibility, and prioritize self-care to maintain motivation and momentum.