How ESL Learners Can Use Stories to Communicate Ideas Clearly and Persuasively

In the business world, facts and figures are important, but what really captures attention is a good story. Whether you're presenting an idea, leading a meeting, introducing a product, or writing a business email, storytelling helps you connect with your audience on a human level. For ESL learners, developing storytelling skills in English can make your communication more memorable and impactful. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of storytelling in business, how it improves communication, and how you can apply storytelling techniques to different situations—even if English is not your first language.<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d2jcpee9oqh9m7g8b6ig.jpg"> <h3> </h3><h3>Why Storytelling Matters in Business</h3> Storytelling is not just for movies or books. In business, stories can help: <ul><li>Build trust with clients and colleagues.</li><li>Explain complex ideas in simple, relatable terms.</li><li>Make data and information more memorable.</li><li>Motivate and inspire teams.</li><li>Create emotional connections with audiences.</li></ul> When people hear a story, they engage not just with their minds but also with their emotions. This helps them remember your message longer and take action. <h3>Common Business Situations Where Storytelling Helps</h3> 1. Presentations Instead of starting a presentation with dry statistics, begin with a short story:“When I started working in customer service, I struggled to respond to angry customers. One day, I tried a new approach—and everything changed…”Stories grab attention immediately and make your point more relatable. 2. Job Interviews Use stories to explain your work experience:“In my previous job, we had a project that was falling behind. I stepped in to reorganize the team’s schedule, and we delivered the project a week early.”This shows your problem-solving skills in action. 3. Sales and Marketing Telling customer success stories helps potential clients see the value of your product or service.“One of our clients, a small online store, saw a 40% increase in sales after using our digital marketing package.” 4. Leadership and Team Meetings As a team leader or colleague, you can share stories to inspire your team:“Let me tell you about a time I faced failure and what I learned from it…”This builds trust and relatability.<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d2jcpjjaefg58ln5cap0.jpg"> <h3> </h3><h3>Basic Structure of a Business Story</h3> You don’t need to be a novelist to tell a good story. Just follow this simple structure: 1. Situation (Beginning) Briefly describe the context.“Last year, we launched a new product, but sales were lower than expected.” 2. Problem or Challenge (Middle) Explain the issue or turning point.“We realized that our customers didn’t fully understand the benefits of the product.” 3. Solution or Action (Middle to End) Tell what was done to address the problem.“We created simple video tutorials and added a FAQ section to our website.” 4. Result or Lesson (End) Share the outcome or what was learned.“Sales improved by 30%, and customer support calls dropped by half.”This four-step model (situation, challenge, solution, result) can help you tell clear, purposeful stories in English—even with limited vocabulary. <h3>Tips for ESL Learners Using Storytelling in English</h3> ✅ 1. Keep It Simple Use simple, clear language. Don’t try to impress with complicated words. What matters is clarity.❌ “Our revolutionary methodology disrupted the organizational paradigm.”✅ “We changed how the team worked, and it made us more productive.” ✅ 2. Practice Key Phrases Here are useful storytelling phrases you can use:<ul><li>“Let me tell you a quick story about…”</li><li>“At the time, I was working on…”</li><li>“The problem was…”</li><li>“What we did was…”</li><li>“The result was…”</li><li>“What I learned from this was…”</li></ul> ✅ 3. Use Body Language and Tone When speaking, use gestures, pauses, and intonation to keep your story interesting. Even on video calls, a smile and a friendly tone go a long way. ✅ 4. Rehearse Your Stories Practice common stories ahead of time—for interviews, presentations, or meetings. This builds confidence and reduces nervousness.<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d2jcpo8eoq6f1ih470pg.jpg"> <h3> </h3><h3>Types of Business Stories You Can Tell</h3> Here are some storytelling ideas to add to your professional English toolkit: 🌟 Success Stories Tell a story where you or your team succeeded despite challenges.“We had no budget, but we still managed to launch the campaign on time.” ⚠️ Lessons Learned from Mistakes Show humility and growth.“I once missed a deadline because I didn’t ask for help. I’ve learned to communicate more clearly now.” 📦 Customer Stories Show how your product or service helped real people.“A client told us they finally felt in control of their inventory after using our app.” 💡 Inspiration Stories Share a story about a leader or idea that changed your way of thinking.“My first manager taught me that clear communication is more important than being perfect in English.” Benefits of Storytelling for ESL Professionals <ul><li>Boosts your confidence: You don’t need perfect grammar to tell a great story. People care about the message, not the grammar.</li><li>Builds better relationships: People remember stories more than facts or data.</li><li>Makes you stand out: Whether in an interview or meeting, storytelling helps you be more persuasive and authentic.</li><li>Improves your English fluency: Practicing storytelling improves speaking, vocabulary, and sentence structure.</li></ul><img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d2jcpujaefg58ln5cas0.jpg"> Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in business communication. It brings your message to life, helps others remember your point, and builds deeper connections. As an ESL learner, you don’t need to be a perfect English speaker to be a great storyteller. Use real experiences, follow a simple structure, and practice often. Start with small stories—your first job, a challenge you faced, a customer you helped—and grow from there. Over time, you’ll become more confident, more persuasive, and more effective in any business environment.

The Power of Storytelling in Business Communication

So, it's that time again. Fresh notebooks, charged laptops, and the slightly awkward small talk at the start of class.

So, it's that time again. Fresh notebooks, charged laptops, and the slightly awkward small talk at the start of class. Whether you're heading into a physical classroom or logging on from your kitchen table, getting comfortable with classroom English can make the whole experience smoother—and way less stressful. Let’s be honest: it’s one thing to study grammar and vocabulary at home, and it’s another to speak up when the teacher calls on you and your mind goes totally blank. That’s where this article comes in. Below, you'll find 15 super-useful phrases—some for students, some for teachers, and some that work either way. They're simple, practical, and totally normal to hear in real classrooms in the U.S. and other English-speaking places. And don’t worry—we’ll sprinkle in some casual expressions and cultural notes along the way, just like a good teacher would.<hr>1. “Can I borrow a pen?”It’s a classic. Forgot your pen? Happens to everyone. Just lean over and say this with a little smile. You’re not asking to keep it—you’re just borrowing. You can also say:“Do you have a spare pen?” (a bit more casual)“Would you mind lending me a pen?” (a bit more polite)<hr>2. “I forgot my homework.”Oof. Not ideal, but hey—it happens. Teachers have heard it all before. The key here is tone: say it honestly, without too many excuses. Bonus tip: You can add,“I’m really sorry. I’ll bring it tomorrow.”“I had a family emergency” (Only if true, of course—don’t fake this.)<hr>3. “What page are we on?”If you zone out for a second—or if your book magically opens to a completely different chapter—this question is your lifeline. Slightly more formal version:“Could you tell me which page we’re on?”<hr>4. “I didn’t understand that.”This one is gold. Seriously, use it. Don’t just nod and pretend. Most teachers love when students speak up like this—it shows you're trying. You can also try:“Could you say that again?”“Can you explain that in another way?”<hr>5. “Excuse me, can you help me?”Whether you're stuck on an exercise or totally lost during group work, this polite phrase opens the door to support. Some alternatives:“Sorry, I’m confused about this part.”“I think I’m stuck—can I ask a question?”<hr>6. “Can I go to the restroom?”You might feel weird saying this as an adult, but it’s totally normal in classroom settings. Yes, even in college or evening ESL courses. Other ways to say it:“May I use the restroom?” (more formal)“I’ll be right back—I need to use the restroom.”<hr>7. “Do we have any homework?”Some people ask this with hope in their hearts. Others ask it with dread. Either way, it’s a solid question—especially if you missed part of the class. Tip: Ask this before the class ends. Teachers love when you’re proactive.<hr>8. “How do you say ___ in English?”This one’s your secret weapon. If you’re not sure of a word or phrase, just ask. It turns hesitation into a learning moment. You can say it like this too:“What’s the English word for ___?”“I know it in Spanish, but not in English. How do I say it?”<hr>9. “Could you speak more slowly, please?”There’s zero shame in this. English moves fast—especially when it’s not your first language. Asking for slower speech is respectful and helps you stay engaged. Also helpful:“Can you repeat that more slowly?”“Sorry, could you go over that again?”<hr>10. “I need more time.”Timed activities? Tests? Writing exercises? This phrase can give you a little breathing room. You might also say:“Could I have a few extra minutes?”“I’m almost done—can I finish this part?”<hr>11. “Can we work in pairs/groups?”Some students love group work. Others—not so much. But if you’re more comfortable working with classmates, this phrase is great to suggest it (nicely). Or say:“Can we do this with a partner?”“Could we go over this in small groups?”<hr>12. “Can you check this for me?”Whether it’s a grammar exercise, a paragraph you wrote, or pronunciation, asking your teacher for feedback helps you grow. Simple as that. You could also try:“Is this sentence correct?”“Can you take a quick look at this?”<hr>13. “What does ___ mean?”You’re reading or listening, and suddenly there’s a word that stops you. Don’t guess—just ask. Tip: If you want to sound more natural, say:“What does ‘deadline’ mean?”Or even: “What’s deadline?”<hr>14. “Sorry I’m late.”We’ve all had those mornings. Traffic. Alarms that didn’t go off. Or maybe you just lost track of time. Either way, this little phrase shows respect. To soften it a bit, you can add:“Sorry I’m late—my bus was delayed.”“Sorry, I had a work call that ran long.”<hr>15. “See you next class!”You made it to the end! This friendly farewell is perfect for saying goodbye to classmates or your teacher. You might hear it with a smile—or a sigh of relief. Other closings include:“Have a good day!”“Take care!”<hr>A Few Bonus Tips (Because Why Not?) -Start with a smile. Seriously. It makes everything easier.-Don’t overthink mistakes. Everyone messes up—your teacher doesn’t expect perfection.-Write down your favorite phrases. Keep them in a notebook or on your phone. That way, you can review them before class.-Practice saying them aloud. The more your mouth gets used to the rhythm, the more natural you’ll sound.<hr>Final Thoughts: You’ve Got ThisLearning English isn’t just about grammar rules and vocabulary lists. It’s about learning how to speak—how to connect, ask, answer, joke, apologize, and try again. These phrases? They're part of that. They're not just “school English.” They’re real, everyday, human English. So next time you're in class, don’t just sit quietly and hope it ends soon. Try one of these phrases. Say it out loud. See what happens. And hey—if you forget your homework again, at least now you’ll know exactly what to say.

Back-to-School English: 15 Must-Know Phrases for the Classroom

When learning Italian, it's common to encounter expressions that seem similar but carry different nuances depending on the context.

When learning Italian, it's common to encounter expressions that seem similar but carry different nuances depending on the context. Two such expressions are "mi sono visto/a con..." and "ho incontrato...", both of which can be translated into English as “I met with” or “I met.” However, their usage and implications are not always interchangeable.&nbsp;These subtle differences reflect deeper aspects of Italian language and culture—like the importance of relationships, formality, and intent behind an action.&nbsp; <h3>1. "Mi sono visto/a con..."&nbsp;</h3> This phrase literally means “I saw myself with...”, but idiomatically, it's used to mean “I met up with...” someone. It implies a planned, reciprocal meeting, often informal and typically between people who already know each other. In essence, it signals a mutual agreement to meet, often in a social or friendly context.&nbsp;Key characteristics:&nbsp; ● Planned meeting&nbsp;● Ongoing or mutual relationship&nbsp;● Often used in friendly or social contexts&nbsp;● Mutual involvement implied&nbsp; Examples:&nbsp; ● Mi sono vista con Marco ieri per un caffè.&nbsp;→ I met up with Marco yesterday for a coffee.&nbsp; ● Ci siamo visti con i colleghi per discutere del progetto.&nbsp;→ We got together with colleagues to discuss the project.&nbsp; In both examples, there is a clear implication that the meeting was arranged in advance and that both parties were actively involved in the decision to meet.&nbsp; This expression emphasizes the interaction more than the simple act of encountering. It’s not just about being in the same place at the same time—it’s about spending time together. Additional usage tips:&nbsp; ● Commonly used among friends, family, or colleagues.&nbsp;● Can also refer to recurring meetups, e.g., “Ci vediamo ogni venerdì” (We meet every Friday).&nbsp;● Sometimes implies emotional or romantic undertones, depending on context.&nbsp;For example:&nbsp;● Mi sono visto con Luca ieri sera.&nbsp;Depending on tone and context, this could imply a romantic date, not just a casual meeting.&nbsp; <h3>2. "Ho incontrato..."&nbsp;</h3> This expression translates more directly as “I met”, “I encountered”, or even “I ran into”. It can refer to either a planned or spontaneous encounter, but it carries a slightly more formal or neutral tone. Unlike “mi sono visto/a con...”, it doesn’t automatically imply a pre-existing relationship or mutual planning.&nbsp;Key characteristics:&nbsp; ● Can be spontaneous or planned&nbsp;● More neutral or formal&nbsp;● Focuses more on the event of meeting rather than the interaction&nbsp;● Often used in professional or impersonal contexts&nbsp; Examples:&nbsp; ● Ho incontrato Anna per caso in centro.&nbsp;→ I ran into Anna downtown by chance.&nbsp; ● Ho incontrato il direttore ieri per discutere dell’offerta.&nbsp;→ I met the director yesterday to discuss the offer.&nbsp; The first example implies a chance encounter, while the second one could describe a scheduled meeting—but in a more formal or transactional setting. Additional usage tips:&nbsp; ● Useful when discussing meetings with people you don’t know well or in professional contexts.&nbsp;● Can be used to describe first-time meetings, e.g., “Ho incontrato il nuovo professore ieri.”&nbsp;(I met the new professor yesterday.)&nbsp; Common Pitfalls for Learners&nbsp; One common mistake learners make is using these expressions interchangeably, especially in romantic or emotional contexts.&nbsp; For instance:&nbsp; ● Saying “Ho incontrato la mia ragazza ieri” might sound oddly impersonal or like it was by chance.&nbsp;● In contrast, “Mi sono visto con la mia ragazza ieri” clearly indicates a planned, likely intimate meeting.&nbsp;Another issue is over-literal translation. Beginners might mistakenly say “Ho visto con Marco”, which is grammatically incorrect. The reflexive structure “mi sono visto/a con...” is essential here.&nbsp;Related Expressions&nbsp; To deepen your understanding, here are a few related phrases:&nbsp; ● “Ci vediamo” – “See you [soon/later]” (used to schedule or confirm a future meeting)&nbsp;● “Ci siamo incontrati” – Literally “We met each other,” often used similarly to “ci siamo visti”, but with slight formality&nbsp;● “Ci siamo conosciuti” – “We met [for the first time]” (focuses on initial acquaintance)&nbsp;Each of these phrases emphasizes slightly different aspects of meeting someone — timing, familiarity, spontaneity, and emotional tone. Why Nuance Matters in Language Learning&nbsp; These kinds of distinctions may seem minor at first, but they reveal the richness and precision of the Italian language. Learning when and how to use “mi sono visto/a con” versus “ho incontrato” helps learners move beyond textbook Italian and toward real-life fluency. It’s not just about vocabulary—it’s about expressing relationships, context, and intent accurately and with cultural sensitivity.&nbsp;While both expressions can describe a meeting between people, “mi sono visto/a con...” emphasizes a mutual, planned interaction, often social or friendly in nature. It highlights the relational and intentional aspect of the meeting. In contrast, “ho incontrato...” is more neutral and flexible, covering both chance encounters and scheduled meetings without the same emphasis on personal connection.&nbsp;Understanding these subtle differences not only enhances your Italian vocabulary but also helps you sound more natural and culturally aware when speaking. Language is deeply tied to social norms, and mastering these distinctions is a step toward true fluency.<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d2hc78kh5n2ubuevrhmg.jpg">

Understanding the difference between "Mi sono visto/a con..." and "Ho incontrato..."

Portugal has become a very popular destination for tourism and even for living. Many people prefer more well-known cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, or even Faro. In this article, I'm going to tell you about 10 cities you can't miss on your next holiday.

1. Monsanto (Castelo Branco) Why visit: Known as the ‘most Portuguese village in Portugal’, Monsanto is built among huge granite rocks, with houses built into the stones.Attractions: Medieval castle, trails with incredible views, and unique architecture.What to do:Walk through the historic centre with houses embedded in stone.Climb up to Monsanto Castle at sunset.Local experience: Talk to locals about rural life (some open their houses to visitors).Typical gastronomy: Migas de couve with sausages, sheep's cheese, Beira Baixa wine. 2. Piódão (Serra do Açor) Why visit: Historic village with schist houses, perched on the mountainside.Attractions: Narrow streets, old churches, and unspoilt nature.What to do:Walk through the cobbled alleys of the historic village.Visit the Mother Church and the viewpoints of the mountains.Local experience: Dinner with locals (some houses offer typical meals).Typical cuisine: Chanfana (goat's meat roasted in wine), stuffed pork belly, corn bread. 3. Marvão (Alentejo) Why visit: Medieval walled village on top of a mountain range with breathtaking views.Attractions: Castle, municipal museum, hiking in the São Mamede mountains.What to do:Climb up to Marvão Castle with views over the mountains.Light hike along the trails of the Serra de São Mamede.Local experience: Tasting olive oil and regional liqueurs.Typical gastronomy: Açorda alentejana, stewed wild boar, Nisa cheeses.<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d29fmqrrer5iu99974l0.jpg"> 4. Vila Nova de Milfontes (Alentejo Litoral) Why visit: Less well known than the Algarve beaches, it has stunning beaches and a river for water sports.Attractions: Beaches, Alentejo cuisine, peaceful atmosphere.What to do:Relax on the beaches of the Alentejo Litoral (such as Praia das Furnas).Kayaking on the River Mira.Local experience: Surf lesson or boat trip along the estuary.Typical cuisine: Grilled fish, razor clam rice, almond tart. 5 Almeida (Beira Interior) Why visit: Star-shaped fortress town with strong historical importance in the Napoleonic invasions.Attractions: Fortifications, historic centre, military museums.What to do:Explore the Star FortressVisit the Historical-Military MuseumDiscover the historic centreTake part in the historical re-enactment of the Siege of Almeida (if it's in August)Go for walks and hikes around the townTypical gastronomy:&nbsp;Oven-roasted kidChestnut soupRegional sausages with greensBeira Interior DOC wineDon't miss the traditional sweets such as cavacas, dried cakes, and corn porridge. 6. Castelo Rodrigo (Guarda) Why visit: One of Portugal's historic villages, with preserved ruins and walls.Attractions: Castle ruins, viewpoints, Templar history.What to do in Castelo Rodrigo:Stroll around the castle ruins.Taste conventional sweets.What to do in Almeida (in the afternoon):Walk along the star-shaped ramparts.Visit the military museum.Local experience: Night lantern tour of Castelo Rodrigo (some local companies offer this).Typical gastronomy: Bacalhau à lagareiro, chestnut soup, Beira Interior wines. 7. Belmonte (Centre) Why visit: Pedro Álvares Cabral's birthplace, with a strong Jewish legacy.Attractions: Jewish Museum, castle, landscapes of Serra da Estrela.What to do:Visit the Jewish Museum and learn about the Sephardic presence in Portugal.Climb up to Belmonte Castle with views of the Serra da Estrela.Local experience: Guided tour of the Jewish quarter with storytelling.Typical gastronomy: oven-roasted kid, cheeses from the Serra, Belmonte pastries. 8. Arouca (North) Why visit: Site of the famous Paiva Walkways and the longest suspension footbridge in the world.Attractions: Arouca Geopark, 516 Arouca Bridge, hiking trails.What to do:Walk along the Paiva Walkways.Cross the 516 Arouca pedestrian bridge.Local experience: Geotourism with a guided tour of the rocks and fossils of the Arouca Geopark.Typical gastronomy: Posta arouquesa, roast veal, convent sweets (such as sweet chestnut and nun's belly).<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d29fo34dm2fnsghlcvn0.jpg"> 9. Castro Marim (Algarve, but less touristy) Why visit: Close to the border with Spain, it has a castle, salt pans, and a rural atmosphere.Attractions: Castle, Sapal Nature Reserve, medieval festivals.What to do:Visit the castle and the Sapal nature reserve.Climb up to the fortress and viewpoints overlooking the border with Spain.Local experience: Birdwatching and a visit to the salt pans with fleur de sel tasting.Typical gastronomy: Fish cataplana, xarém (corn porridge), carob jam. 10. Idanha-a-Velha (Beira Baixa) Why visit: Small village with Roman and Visigothic ruins.Attractions: Ancient cathedral, ruins, tranquillity and nature.What to do:Idanha-a-Velha: Roman ruins, Visigothic cathedral, Templar tower.Idanha-a-Nova: Historic centre, Mother Church, local market.Local experience: Hike or e-bike ride through the countryside.Typical gastronomy: Goat stew, handmade ham, homemade jams.<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d29fonjrer5iu99974u0.jpg"> In this article, I've talked about beautiful and marvellous places for nature lovers. You'll probably need more sporty clothes to get the most out of these places, and you'll probably also need a car to get to some of these places easier.

Ten Tourist towns in Portugal that nobody remembers

In Italian there exists two tiny words that often cause huge headaches to those  approaching this language. I am talking about the so-called ''ci'' and ''ne''.

Learning how to use these pronominal particles is very important, especially because&nbsp;Italians do not like repetitions. If you understand how to use these two particles, you will&nbsp;give and incredible boost to your fluency.&nbsp;Today we will explore:&nbsp; 1.What "ci" means and when to use it&nbsp;2.What "ne" means and when to use it&nbsp;3.Common expressions and verbs that go with "ci" and "ne"&nbsp; Are you ready? Let’s dive in!&nbsp;<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d2870iivu7c46bib4pag.jpg"><h3>1. What ''ci'' means and when to use it&nbsp;</h3> The pronoun ''ci'' in Italian has several uses, but its core meaning often relates to the idea&nbsp;of a place. Let's see more in detail.&nbsp; This is the most straightforward use. When you have already mentioned a place, you can&nbsp;refer back to it with ''ci'':&nbsp; • Mi piace andare al mercato. Ci vado ogni sabato. → I like going to the market. I go&nbsp;there every Saturday.• Sei mai stato in Italia? Sì, ci sono stato l'anno scorso. → Have you ever been to&nbsp;Italy? Yes, I was there last year.&nbsp; But you can also often find ''ci'' combined with the verb essere (to be), which transforms&nbsp;into esserci, to indicate the existence of people or things, or their presence in a specific&nbsp;place.&nbsp;• Ci sono moltissime specie di animali e di piante → There are many species of&nbsp;animals and plants.&nbsp;• C’è qualcuno in casa? → Is there someone in the house?&nbsp; Ci'' can also stand in for prepositional phrases beginning with prepositions like ''da'',&nbsp;''per'' and ''in'', when their meaning refers to ''da questo/quel luogo'', ''per questo/quel&nbsp;luogo'' or ''in questo/quel luogo''.&nbsp;• Vado da Marco ogni sera (I go to Marco’s every night) → Ci vado ogni sera (I go&nbsp;there every night)&nbsp;• Passo spesso per quel bar (I often pass by that bar) → Ci passo spesso (I often pass by there)&nbsp;• Andate in montagna quest’estate? (Are going to the mountains this summer?) →&nbsp;Sì, ci andiamo → Yes, we are going there.&nbsp; In addition, you may also find ''ci'' with ''su'', ''a'', ''da'' and ''con'' that have a&nbsp;demonstrative function, so that refer to a specific object. Especially with certain verbs&nbsp;like pensare a (to think), credere a (to believe), provare a (to try), and riuscire a (to&nbsp;manage; to succeed in).&nbsp;• Hai riflettutto sulla proposta? Sì, ci ho riflettuto → Did you think about the&nbsp;proposal? Yes, I thought about it.&nbsp;• Pensi a Maria? Sì, ci penso spesso. → Are you thinking about Maria? Yes, I think&nbsp;about her often.&nbsp;• Quanto pensi di guadagnare da ciò? → Quanto pensi di guadagnarci? (How much&nbsp;do you think will you earn from it?)&nbsp;• Non esco mai con lui → Non ci esco mai (I never go out with him). <h3>2. What ''ne'' means and when to use it&nbsp;</h3> Ne'' is equally versatile. At its core, ''ne'' usually means "of it" or "of them," and it is often used to replace phrases introduced by the preposition ''di''. But it can also express&nbsp;quantities and be used with numbers.&nbsp;• Hai parlato di politica? Sì, ne ho parlato. → Did you talk about politics? Yes, I&nbsp;talked about it.&nbsp;• Hai paura dei ragni? No, non ne ho paura. → Are you afraid of spiders? No, I'm not&nbsp;afraid of them.&nbsp; When you talk about how much or how many of something, ''ne'' replaces the noun and&nbsp;is often accompanied by a number or expression of quantity:&nbsp; • Vuoi del pane? Sì, ne voglio un po'. → Do you want some bread? Yes, I want some. • Quanti libri hai? Ne ho tre. → How many books do you have? I have three (of&nbsp;them).&nbsp; Just remember: if you are dealing with "some of," "a few of," "a lot of," or even specific&nbsp;numbers, ''ne'' is your friend.&nbsp; <h3>3. Common expressions and verbs with ''ci'' and ''ne''&nbsp;</h3> Some Italian verbs almost always require ''ci'' or ''ne'', so it is a good idea to learn them&nbsp;together.&nbsp; Verbs commonly used with ''ci'':&nbsp; • pensare a (to think about something/someone) → Ci penso&nbsp;• credere a (to believe in something/someone) → Ci credo• provare a (to try to) → Ci provo&nbsp;• riuscire a (to manage; to succeed in) → Ci riesco&nbsp; Verbs commonly used with ''ne'':&nbsp; • parlare di (to talk about something/someone) → Ne parlo&nbsp;• avere bisogno di (to need something/someone) → Ne ho bisogno • avere paura di (to be afraid of something/someone) → Ne ho paura • essere sicuro di (to be sure of something) → Ne sono sicuro&nbsp; Other than the abovementioned verbs, you must also consider that there are also&nbsp;idiomatic expressions which require the use of ''ne'':&nbsp; • Andarsene – to go away Me ne vado. → I am leaving.&nbsp;• Uscirsene – to come out with (something unexpected)&nbsp;Se n’è uscita con una battuta assurda. → She came out with a ridiculous remark.&nbsp; • Fregarsene – to not care&nbsp;Me ne frego. → I don’t care at all.&nbsp; • Accorgersene – to realize&nbsp;Non me ne sono accorto. → I didn’t realize.&nbsp; • Volerne – to hold a grudge / be mad at someone&nbsp;Me ne vuoi ancora? → Are you still mad at me?&nbsp; • Non poterne più – to not be able to take it anymore&nbsp;Non ne posso più! → I can’t take it anymore!&nbsp; • Averne abbastanza – to have had enough&nbsp;Ne ho abbastanza di questa situazione. → I have enough of this situation.&nbsp; • Parlarne – to talk about it&nbsp;Ne possiamo parlare domani? → Can we talk about it tomorrow? • Saperne – to know about something&nbsp;Non ne so nulla. → I don’t know anything about it.&nbsp; • Esserne sicuro – to be sure about something&nbsp;Ne sei sicuro? → Are you sure about it?&nbsp; • Valerne la pena – to be worth it&nbsp;Non ne vale pena, lascia stare → It is not worth it, forget about it&nbsp;<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d2870m2vu7c46bib4pcg.jpg">That is all for today’s lesson!&nbsp;I hope you find useful this article and that you learnt something.&nbsp;&nbsp;Understanding ''ci'' and ''ne'' will not only improve your grammar but also make your&nbsp;Italian sound much more fluent and idiomatic. With a bit of practice, you will start using&nbsp;them with confidence.Of course, if you have any questions or other topics you would like me to cover, let me&nbsp;know in the comments below.&nbsp;Thank you reading this article!&nbsp;If you want to learn more about me, feel free to check out my profile. Ciao!&nbsp; Germana

How to use ''ci'' and ''ne'' correctly in Italian

<h2>A Practical Guide for ESL Professionals</h2> When you're working in English, especially in a business environment, being confident in how you speak is essential. But for many ESL learners, there's a fine line between sounding confident and sounding arrogant. You want to express your skills, opinions, and ideas clearly—but you also want to remain polite, professional, and humble. This article will help you understand the difference between confidence and arrogance, and show you practical ways to speak more confidently in English without overdoing it. <h2>What’s the Difference Between Confidence and Arrogance?</h2> Let’s start by looking at the key differences:<table table_id="j0n5kda32go"><tr row_id="svkwyx5zl4"><td table_id="j0n5kda32go" row_id="svkwyx5zl4" cell_id="zioaf1t71en">Confident Person</td><td table_id="j0n5kda32go" row_id="svkwyx5zl4" cell_id="48hkqex0i17">Arrogant Person</td></tr><tr row_id="aclh62l4s9"><td table_id="j0n5kda32go" row_id="aclh62l4s9" cell_id="hgadf576z3s">Believes in their abilities</td><td table_id="j0n5kda32go" row_id="aclh62l4s9" cell_id="jrz424r7bld">Believes they are better than others</td></tr><tr row_id="kvuthk1zwqe"><td table_id="j0n5kda32go" row_id="kvuthk1zwqe" cell_id="51c2pk4a9zl">Speaks clearly and respectfully</td><td table_id="j0n5kda32go" row_id="kvuthk1zwqe" cell_id="rh1fzybkbfr">Interrupts or talks over others</td></tr><tr row_id="cjwfwgw0juj"><td table_id="j0n5kda32go" row_id="cjwfwgw0juj" cell_id="n7ke0qedbci">Listens to feedback</td><td table_id="j0n5kda32go" row_id="cjwfwgw0juj" cell_id="s2gfgjjkpwb">Ignores others’ opinions</td></tr><tr row_id="thoo8hc4t1e"><td table_id="j0n5kda32go" row_id="thoo8hc4t1e" cell_id="r2uhq93agsm">Gives credit to the team</td><td table_id="j0n5kda32go" row_id="thoo8hc4t1e" cell_id="gjun1u5oh6h">Takes all the credit</td></tr></table> In short, confidence is self-assurance, while arrogance is self-importance. <h2>Why Confidence Is Important in Business?</h2> In business, confidence helps you: <ul><li>Share your ideas clearly in meetings</li><li>Build trust with clients and coworkers</li><li>Lead teams effectively</li><li>Perform better in interviews and presentations</li></ul> However, if you come across as arrogant—especially in cross-cultural situations—you may damage relationships or create misunderstandings. <h2>Common Mistakes ESL Speakers Make (and How to Fix Them)</h2> ❌ Mistake 1: Overusing “I” Statements Too many “I” statements can make you seem self-centered. Instead of: “I solved the problem on my own. I made the decision. I led the project.” Try this: “I worked with my team to solve the problem.”“Together, we made the decision to…”“I played a key role in leading the project.”This shows leadership and involvement without bragging. ❌ Mistake 2: Sounding Too Passive Some ESL speakers try to avoid sounding arrogant by being too modest. Example: “Maybe I’m not very good at this, but I can try…”“It’s probably a silly idea…”This language weakens your message and shows a lack of confidence. Try this instead: “I believe this idea could work because…”“I’m confident I can handle this task, and I’m open to feedback.” ❌ Mistake 3: Using Overpowering Language Words like “obviously,” “clearly,” or “of course” can sound arrogant, especially if you’re talking to someone who disagrees. Example: “Obviously, this is the best solution.”“It’s clear that my method is more efficient.” Better option: “In my opinion, this seems to be the most effective solution.”“Based on our results, this method might work best.”This softens your tone without weakening your position. <h2>Phrases That Show Confidence (Without Arrogance)</h2> Here are some useful English expressions you can use:<table table_id="4ifkqyophoo"><tr row_id="xwjjfi8chys"><td table_id="4ifkqyophoo" row_id="xwjjfi8chys" cell_id="9vz4ghjt3uq">Situation</td><td table_id="4ifkqyophoo" row_id="xwjjfi8chys" cell_id="snu3rf4crrk">Confident Phrase</td></tr><tr row_id="eg1fxvolpja"><td table_id="4ifkqyophoo" row_id="eg1fxvolpja" cell_id="joxrp8f6s7j">Making a suggestion</td><td table_id="4ifkqyophoo" row_id="eg1fxvolpja" cell_id="v141ygxi5bg">“I’d like to suggest…” / “One option could be…”</td></tr><tr row_id="g183rudllwp"><td table_id="4ifkqyophoo" row_id="g183rudllwp" cell_id="3agupok79kc">Expressing an opinion</td><td table_id="4ifkqyophoo" row_id="g183rudllwp" cell_id="0qouhlnfe2lb">“In my view…” / “I believe that…”</td></tr><tr row_id="5huxnoxyca"><td table_id="4ifkqyophoo" row_id="5huxnoxyca" cell_id="360yptuiny">Talking about experience</td><td table_id="4ifkqyophoo" row_id="5huxnoxyca" cell_id="qg7863l63v">“I’ve had experience with…” / “In my previous role, I…”</td></tr><tr row_id="pokyws0vyzr"><td table_id="4ifkqyophoo" row_id="pokyws0vyzr" cell_id="eqnvd1du5md">Responding to disagreement</td><td table_id="4ifkqyophoo" row_id="pokyws0vyzr" cell_id="znh54dockr">“That’s an interesting point. May I share my perspective?”</td></tr></table><table table_id="opsw3sq6uyk"><tr row_id="u3f1f1d9ar9"><td table_id="opsw3sq6uyk" row_id="u3f1f1d9ar9" cell_id="wrn9u39ols">Talking about strengths</td><td table_id="opsw3sq6uyk" row_id="u3f1f1d9ar9" cell_id="mwdnxvr6c8m">“One of my strengths is…” / “I’ve consistently received positive feedback on…”</td></tr></table> Using polite language and a professional tone helps you sound strong and respectful at the same time. <h2>Body Language and Tone of Voice</h2> Confidence is not just about the words you say. It's also about how you say them. ✅ Use eye contact (in person or on video calls)Avoid looking down or away too much—it makes you seem unsure. ✅ Speak clearly and at a steady paceDon’t rush through your sentences. Pausing naturally shows you’re in control. ✅ Avoid filler wordsTry not to say “uh,” “like,” or “you know” too often. It can weaken your message. ✅ Smile (when appropriate) A friendly smile shows openness and confidence. <h2>Cultural Awareness: What Sounds Confident in One Culture May Sound Arrogant in Another</h2> Different cultures view confidence in different ways. In some countries, being direct is seen as a sign of leadership. In others, it may come across as rude. For example: <ul><li>In Germany or the US, stating your achievements directly is normal and expected.</li><li>In Japan or China, humility is more valued, and it's better to emphasize the group over the individual.</li><li> </li></ul>Tip for ESL Learners: Pay attention to how your coworkers communicate. Adapt your style to match the cultural context when possible. <h2>Building Confidence Through Practice</h2> Here are some ways to develop more confidence in English: ✅ Practice speaking aloudUse business-related topics. Talk about your job, achievements, or give short mock presentations. ✅ Record yourselfListen to how you sound. Are you too quiet or hesitant? Do you sound clear and natural? ✅ RoleplayPractice common workplace scenarios with a teacher or colleague—interviews, meetings, negotiations, etc. ✅ Expand your vocabularyHaving the right words helps you express your thoughts more precisely. <h2>Confidence in Action: Real-Life Examples</h2> 🎯 Job Interview“I have five years of experience managing projects in the tech sector. In my last role, I led a team that delivered a major project on time and under budget.”— Confident, direct, and respectful. Not arrogant. 🗣️ Team Meeting“I believe our current approach is working well, but there may be a faster solution. May I suggest an alternative?”— Shows leadership and respect for the team’s ideas. 🙋 Giving Feedback“You did a great job handling the client call. One thing that might help next time is speaking a bit more slowly so the client can follow easily.”— Offers support while still making a useful point. For ESL professionals, learning how to communicate confidently in English without sounding arrogant is a valuable skill. It helps you share your ideas, show your value, and gain respect in the workplace. The key is balance—use strong, clear language while being polite and aware of your audience.Remember:<ul><li>Be proud of your experience, but stay humble.</li><li>Use respectful language and tone.</li><li>Practice regularly and observe native speakers in professional settings.</li></ul> With time and experience, your confidence will grow—and your professional communication will too.

How to Communicate Confidence in English Without Sounding Arrogant

There are four names for the Portuguese spoken in Portugal: European Portuguese, Portuguese from Portugal, Lusitanian Portuguese, or Continental Portuguese.

There are four names for the Portuguese spoken in Portugal: European Portuguese, Portuguese from Portugal, Lusitanian Portuguese, or Continental Portuguese. All these names refer to the Portuguese spoken in Portugal and, of course, by Portuguese emigrants around the world.&nbsp; It is taught a couple of countries as for all the other Portuguese-speaking countries, in the absence of their standardised norms, the other Lusophone countries (except Brazil) follow the conventions of the Portuguese norm of Portugal, so there are around 65 million inhabitants (according to the latest censuses) in regions that adopt Portuguese from Portugal. Anyone who thought that because Portugal is small, everyone speaks the same language is mistaken! Portugal has several dialects in Portugal (about 10) and sub-dialects.&nbsp; According to some authors, the norm of Portuguese is made up of all the linguistic uses of the educated classes of the Lisbon-Coimbra region. Other authors consider standard (original) Portuguese to be the central-meridional variety used in Lisbon by educated speakers. Today I'm just going to focus on the most talked dialects or best known: <h3>Lisbon</h3>The Lisbon dialect belongs to the European Portuguese group and has some phonetic, lexical, and syntactic characteristics that distinguish it from other Portuguese dialects.&nbsp;&nbsp;Closure of unstressed mid vowels:&nbsp;&nbsp;Unstressed [e] and [o] vowels (in unstressed syllables) tend to close:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘cidade’ → [siˈdadɨ]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘Português’ → [puɾtuˈɣeʃ]&nbsp;&nbsp;Vowel reduction:&nbsp;&nbsp;Vowels in final position or in an unstressed syllable tend to be reduced or even elided:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘rapaz’ → [ʁɐˈpaʃ]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘muito’ → [ˈmũjtʊ] → almost like [mũit]&nbsp;&nbsp;Palatalisation of ‘s’ and ‘z’ at the end of the syllable:&nbsp;&nbsp;The ‘s’ and ‘z’ at the end of the syllable are pronounced like [ʃ] and [ʒ]:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘mesmo’ → [ˈmeʒmu]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘os cães’ → [uʃ ˈkɐ̃jʃ]&nbsp;&nbsp;Apocope (dropping of vowels at the end of words):&nbsp;&nbsp;Some words lose final syllables or sounds:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘está’ → [ʃta]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘para’ → [pɾɐ]&nbsp;&nbsp;🧠 Grammatical / Syntactic features&nbsp;Use of the gerund is less common:&nbsp;&nbsp;Constructions with ‘a + infinitive’ are preferred over the gerund:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘Está a chover’ instead of “Está chovendo” (Brazilian form).&nbsp;&nbsp;More frequent use of the pronoun ‘você’ in informal registers (in modern Lisbon):&nbsp;&nbsp;Traditionally, ‘tu’ was more common, but ‘você’ has been gaining ground, especially in urban Lisbon.&nbsp;<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d1jnk597uv6f2n7s0vjg.jpg"> &nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Porto&nbsp;</h3>The dialect of Porto, also known as northern Portuguese or the dialect of Porto, is one of the most marked variants of European Portuguese. It differs greatly from the Lisbon dialect, both in pronunciation and in some grammatical structures and vocabulary.&nbsp;&nbsp;Less vowel reduction compared to Lisbon&nbsp;&nbsp;Unstressed vowels (in unstressed syllables) are more open and less reduced:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘cidade’ → [siˈdadɛ] or [siˈdade]&nbsp;&nbsp;In Lisbon: [siˈdadɨ]&nbsp;&nbsp;Less palatalisation of ‘s’ and ‘z’ at the end of syllables&nbsp;&nbsp;In Lisbon, ‘s’ at the end of a syllable sounds like [ʃ]; in Porto, it sounds more like [s]:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘os carros’ → [uʃ ˈkaʁuʃ] (Lisbon)&nbsp;&nbsp;‘os carros’ → [us ˈkaʁus] (Porto&nbsp;&nbsp;More conservative pronunciation of the final and initial ‘r’&nbsp;&nbsp;In Lisbon, the ‘r’ can be softened or elided; in Porto, it is stronger:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘comer’ → [kuˈmeɾ]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘rápido’ → with a very vibrant “r” at the beginning&nbsp;&nbsp;More ‘hard’ or ‘closed’ sounds&nbsp;&nbsp;Speech from Porto is often perceived as more ‘sharp’ or ‘dry’ compared to Lisbon, which is more fluid.&nbsp;&nbsp;Less use of the gerund, as in the rest of Portugal&nbsp;&nbsp;Strong identity and regional pride&nbsp;Porto's speech is distinctive and proudly local. Many people from Porto keep their accent even though they live in other regions, as a symbol of their identity.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is often associated with an image of candour, courage and authenticity.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Alentejo&nbsp;</h3>The Alentejo dialect is a regional variety of Portuguese spoken predominantly in the Alentejo region of Portugal. It has phonetic, morphological, syntactic and lexical characteristics that distinguish it from standard Portuguese.&nbsp;&nbsp;Phonetics and Pronunciation&nbsp;<ul><li>Closing final unstressed vowels: Eg, "cabra" → cabre, "rapariga" → raparigue.&nbsp;</li><li>Apocope (deletion of vowels at the end of words): "menino" → menin, "mulher" → mulhé.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>Monophthongisation: Diphthongs like ou and ei can be simplified: “muito” → móito or muito, with a more open accent.&nbsp;</li></ul> <h3>Syntax&nbsp;</h3>Frequent use of the gerund: Andava cantando pela rua - although the gerund is more typical of Brazilian Portuguese, in certain areas of the Alentejo it also appears frequently.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reduction of personal pronouns: replacement or omission of pronouns, as in foi-se embora (without an explicit subject).&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Algarve&nbsp;</h3>The Algarve dialect is a regional variant of European Portuguese spoken in the south of Portugal, in the Algarve region. This dialect has very specific features, especially in pronunciation (phonetics), but also in terms of lexicon and intonation. It is strongly influenced by its history of contact with other cultures (Arabic, Andalusian) and by the relative isolation of the south until recent times.&nbsp;&nbsp;Monophthongisation and elision of diphthongs and consonants&nbsp;&nbsp;Diphthongs such as -ei, -ou are often monophthongised (reduced to a single vowel):&nbsp;&nbsp;‘sei’ → [sɛ]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘foi’ → [fɔ]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘beijo’ → [bɛʒɔ]&nbsp;&nbsp;Reduction or elimination of final consonants&nbsp;&nbsp;Especially r and s:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘comer’ → [kumé]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘três’ → [tré]&nbsp;&nbsp;Pronúncia fricativa do "s" e "z" finais como [ʃ] e [ʒ]&nbsp;<ul><li>Tal como em Lisboa, mas com entoação diferente:&nbsp;</li><li>"os cães" → [uʃ kɐ̃jʃ]&nbsp;</li></ul>Final and intervocalic ‘L’ can be vocalised or elided&nbsp;&nbsp;‘mal’ → [mau]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘calor’ → [kaˈloʊ] or [kaˈlo]&nbsp;&nbsp;Sung intonation and slow cadence&nbsp;&nbsp;The melody of the Algarvian is very marked, with a paused rhythm and a ‘dragged’ cadence, often considered ‘melodic’ by those from other regions.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are also differences in vocabulary and regional expressions. The Algarve has always been a region of contact with the sea, with many fishermen, emigrants and, today, international tourism, which brings some diversity to the way people speak.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite this, traces of the traditional dialect still persist in rural areas and among older people.&nbsp; <h3>Açores&nbsp;</h3>The Azorean dialect, or rather the Azorean dialects (as there is variation between islands), belong to the group of insular European Portuguese and have very specific characteristics in terms of phonetics, syntax, morphology and vocabulary, often influenced by the geographical isolation of the islands.&nbsp;&nbsp;The main general characteristics of the Azorean dialect highlight elements common to the various islands, especially São Miguel, Terceira, and Faial.&nbsp;&nbsp;Palatalisation of vowels and consonants&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the most striking features:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘menino’ → [miˈɲiɲu]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘dinheiro’ → [diˈɲejɾu] or even [ɲejɾu]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘gente’ → [ˈʒẽtʃi] or [ˈʒẽtʃɨ]&nbsp;&nbsp;Closing of final unstressed vowels&nbsp;&nbsp;Similar to the mainland, but with more emphasis:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘vida’ → [ˈvidɨ]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘casa’ → [ˈkazɨ]&nbsp;&nbsp;Diphthongisation of stressed vowels&nbsp;&nbsp;Some stressed vowels become diphthongs:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘pé’ → [pjɛ]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘mão’ → [mɐũ]&nbsp;&nbsp;Guttural articulation of ‘r’ and ‘rr’&nbsp;&nbsp;The intervocalic ‘r’ can be very strong (uvular or guttural), especially on islands like Terceira:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘carro’ → [ˈkaχu] or [ˈkaʁu]&nbsp;&nbsp;Reduction and elision of final consonants&nbsp;&nbsp;E.g. ‘dizer’ → [diˈze], ‘do’ → [faˈze]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grammatical / Syntactic characteristics&nbsp;Archaic use of verb tenses and moods&nbsp;&nbsp;Preservation of verb forms now in disuse on the continent:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘Haja Deus!’ (subjunctive), ’Se eu viesse...’&nbsp;&nbsp;Use of the pronoun ‘vós’ on some islands (rarer today)&nbsp;&nbsp;Remnant of older forms:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘vós ides à missa?’&nbsp;&nbsp;Use of the definite article before proper names&nbsp;&nbsp;Very common:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘A Maria vai chegar.’&nbsp;&nbsp;‘O João já foi’&nbsp;&nbsp;Use of gerund and infinitive in variable form&nbsp;&nbsp;The gerund can be used in hybrid constructions:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘Tava fazendo isso’ (influence of Brazilian Portuguese via emigration)&nbsp;&nbsp;Also has typical vocabulary and regional expressions&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Madeira&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;Phonetics and pronunciation&nbsp;Middle vowel diphthongisation: Words with closed stressed e or o can be diphthongised.&nbsp;&nbsp;Eg: verde → vêirde, copo → cóupu&nbsp;&nbsp;Closing final vowels: Menina can sound like meníne, casa → cáse Partial nasalisation of nasal vowels: E.g.: mão → sounds something like mãu Reduction of diphthongs: E.g.: muito → mui' or mui-tu Increased sonority in final consonants: Words like hot can sound like quente with the final consonant more marked.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lexicon (Vocabulary)&nbsp;Use of words specific to the region, many with origins in:&nbsp;&nbsp;Old Portuguese archaisms&nbsp;&nbsp;Terms with African and South American influence (due to emigration and trade)&nbsp;&nbsp;Vocabulary associated with rural and maritime life, with terms for plants, animals and utensils.&nbsp;&nbsp;Syntax and Morphology&nbsp;Frequent use of the gerund with auxiliary verbs:&nbsp;&nbsp;Está chovendo instead of Está a chover (influence of Brazilian Portuguese in some areas)&nbsp;&nbsp;More frequent use of the personal infinitive.&nbsp;&nbsp;IntonationMadeiran intonation is very distinctive: it is musical and rhythmic, with an ascending-descending melody in short phrases. In some areas, the tone can sound sung, which makes it distinctive to the ears of mainland speakers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Internal variation&nbsp;There are variations within Madeira itself, such as between Funchal (closer to the standard) and rural areas or other islands in the archipelago (such as Porto Santo).&nbsp;&nbsp;People in the north and more isolated areas preserve older, rural features of the dialect.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;External influences&nbsp;Emigration from Madeira (mainly to Venezuela, South Africa, the UK, the USA and Brazil) has brought lexical and even intonational influences, especially among the younger generations and in areas where emigrants have returned.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Coimbra&nbsp;</h3>The Coimbra dialect is a regional variant of European Portuguese, geographically situated between the dialects of the north (such as Porto) and the south (such as Lisbon). It therefore has transitional features between these two large groups, but also has its own phonetic, lexical and cultural characteristics.&nbsp;&nbsp;Although nowadays the influence of the standard norm and migration has reduced some regional features, we can still recognise distinctive traits in the Coimbra dialect, especially in more traditional or rural contexts.&nbsp;&nbsp;Transition between north and south&nbsp;&nbsp;The accent of Coimbra is less closed and nasalised than that of the north (e.g. Porto), but less open and reduced than that of Lisbon.&nbsp;&nbsp;Less vowel reduction compared to Lisbon&nbsp;&nbsp;Final unstressed vowels are slightly more open:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘cidade’ → [siˈdadɨ] or [siˈdade], instead of [siˈdadɨ] as in Lisbon.&nbsp;&nbsp;‘s’ and “z” at the end of syllables pronounced as [ʃ] and [ʒ], as in Lisbon:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘os carros’ → [uʃ ˈkaʁuʃ]&nbsp;&nbsp;‘mesmo’ → [ˈmeʒmu]&nbsp;&nbsp;Softer rhotics (pronunciation of ‘r’)&nbsp;&nbsp;Less guttural than in the north, but not as weakened as in Lisbon:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘carro’ → [ˈkaʁu], with a softer alveolar “r”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Use of the gerund is rare&nbsp;&nbsp;As in the rest of Portugal, the structure ‘estar a + infinitive’ is used:&nbsp;&nbsp;‘Estou a comer.’, not ’Estou comendo.’&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Culture and Linguistic Identity&nbsp;Coimbra is the birthplace of Portugal's first university and has a linguistic identity strongly marked by academic tradition.&nbsp;&nbsp;Coimbra speech, especially in academic and bohemian circles (Coimbra fado, for example), reflects a mixture of formality, tradition and student culture.&nbsp;<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d1jnka17uv6f2n7s0vkg.jpg"> &nbsp;It would be impossible to write a characterisation of all the dialects, so I've focused on the best-known ones. The grammar usually remains the same, but the way words are pronounced and the vocabulary can change from region to region.

European Portuguese Dialects

When people think about traveling to China, the first places that usually come to mind are big, famous cities: Beijing with its Forbidden City, Shanghai’s bright skyline, or Xi’an and the Terracotta Army.

When people think about traveling to China, the first places that usually come to mind are big, famous cities: Beijing with its Forbidden City, Shanghai’s bright skyline, or Xi’an and the Terracotta Army. And of course, these are all amazing places to visit. But today, I want to tell you about a small village that’s just as special in its own way — and in my opinion, one of the most beautiful places in China: 宏村 (Hóngcūn, literally means: Hóng village). It’s quiet. It’s old. It’s where language, culture, architecture, and philosophy come together.<hr><h3>A Village Frozen in Time</h3> 宏村 (Hóngcūn) is located in the southeastern part of Anhui Province (安徽省 Ānhuī Shěng), not far from the famous Yellow Mountains (黄山 Huángshān). You can take a high-speed train from Shanghai to the Yellow Mountains in about 3 hours, and then a short bus or taxi ride will bring you straight to the village.The village has a history of over 900 years and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of rural architecture and city planning from feudal China — so much so that it’s been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You might even recognize it from the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which filmed several scenes here. When you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a classical Chinese painting.<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d1jn9dcfgq8gjn3nqnu0.jpg"> Narrow stone paths wind between white-walled houses. Small stone bridges, willow trees, still water, and whitewashed walls reflected in the ponds — a peaceful world far from the noise of modern life. <h3>徽派建筑 (Huīpài jiànzhù) — Traditional Hui-Style Architecture</h3> One of the most striking parts of 宏村 (Hóngcūn) is its architecture, known as 徽派建筑 (Huīpài jiànzhù), or Hui-style architecture. Developed during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it’s known for white walls, black-tiled roofs, horse-head shaped walls (马头墙 mǎtóu qiáng), and fine wooden carvings. The houses are usually built around a central courtyard, with rooms on all four sides. These were homes built by wealthy merchant families who valued education and Confucian family traditions. Inside, you’ll often find carved wooden windows, ancestral halls, and delicate stone pathways. In 宏村 (Hóngcūn), you can explore several of these historic residences, many of which are open to the public. Walking through them, you’ll see how architecture was used to express traditional Chinese values — respect for ancestors, family order, and harmony with nature. One unique feature are the 牌匾 (páibiǎn), or inscribed plaques, hanging above doorways and in central halls. These display powerful words like 忠孝 (zhōngxiào – loyalty and filial piety) or 勤俭 (qínjiǎn – diligence and frugality), showing the ideals that guided family life.<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d1jna2sfgq8gjn3nqo10.jpg"> 徽派建筑 (Huīpài jiànzhù) is more than just beautiful — it reflects a way of living deeply connected to harmony, modesty, and tradition. <h3>风水 (Fēngshuǐ) — A Village Designed in Harmony</h3> Another reason 宏村 (Hóngcūn) feels so balanced and peaceful is its layout. The entire village was designed based on 风水 (fēngshuǐ), the traditional Chinese philosophy of harmony between humans and nature. The village layout mimics the shape of a cow or ox (牛 niú), a symbol of strength and prosperity. The mountain forms the “head,” two large trees are the “horns,” the famous 月沼 (Yuèzhǎo, Moon Pond) is the “stomach,” and a network of canals represents the “intestines.” These canals still carry fresh mountain water throughout the village.<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d1jnan97uv6f2n7s0tvg.jpg"> In Chinese thought, flowing water brings fortune and energy (气 qì). The village founders believed that this layout would bring balance, health, and prosperity to those who lived there. <h3>A Place to Taste, See, and Learn</h3> As you explore 宏村 (Hóngcūn), you’ll probably see groups of young people sitting quietly near the ponds, under trees, or on stone bridges — sketching or painting. These are art students from universities across China. 宏村 (Hóngcūn) is one of the most popular destinations for practicing traditional landscape drawing.<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d1jnaup7uv6f2n7s0u5g.jpg"> If you’re learning Chinese, it’s a great opportunity to chat with them. Try asking simple questions like: “你画的是什么？” (Nǐ huà de shì shénme? – What are you drawing?) or “可以看看你的画吗？” (Kěyǐ kànkan nǐ de huà ma? – Can I take a look at your painting?). Many students are friendly and happy to talk, and their art is often for sale — a lovely and affordable souvenir to take home. While you enjoy the scenery, don’t miss the food. 宏村 (Hóngcūn) is part of the famous 徽菜 (Huīcài) or Hui cuisine tradition, known for deep flavors and slow-cooked dishes. The most famous is 臭鳜鱼 (chòu guìyú), or “stinky mandarin fish.” Despite the name, it’s actually not stinky — it’s fermented and then cooked until tender and flavorful. You can also try 毛豆腐 (máo dòufu), or “hairy tofu,” which has a soft inside, crispy outside, and a rich fermented flavor. Alongside these, you’ll find hearty vegetable dishes, local tofu, and mountain herbs. <h3>Why 宏村 (Hóngcūn) Should Be on Your List</h3>宏村 (Hóngcūn) isn’t a place to rush through. It’s a place to slow down, look closely, and learn — whether it’s from the wooden plaques above the doorways, the students painting by the pond, or the quiet sound of water flowing past your feet. Have you been to 宏村 (Hóngcūn) already? Let me know in the comments below!

Visiting China? Here’s Why You Should Add 宏村 (Hóngcūn) to Your List

French is full of homophones — words that sound the same but are spelled differently. Today, let’s explore the homophones [o] (the /o/ sound), spelled o, ô, au, and eau. You'll also discover tips to help you recognize patterns and avoid spelling mistakes.

*All examples are kept in French to help <h2>Identify the Part of Speech</h2>Votre and notre, where -o- is pronounced [ɔ], are possessive adjectives:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Votre appartement est vaste, le nôtre est tout petit. Nôtre and vôtre, where -ô- is pronounced [o], can be:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Possessive adjectives: « (ces promesses), nous les avons faites nôtres » (M. Proust)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Possessive pronouns: le nôtre, la vôtre...&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Nouns: Soyez des nôtres. Mettez-y du vôtre comme nous mettons du nôtre !<h2><img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d1jn247id78l0388esf0.jpg"> </h2><h2>Recognizing Homophones: O – Ô – AU – EAU</h2>We write -au- in suffixes like -aud which become -aude in the feminine form:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;lourd → lourdaud ; noir → noiraudWe write -eau in suffixes like: château, éléphanteau, troupeau…&nbsp;We write -eau in derivatives where you hear [o] or [ø]:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;agneau – agnelet ; bateau – batellerie ; cerveau – cervelle ; sceau – sceller&nbsp;We write -ô when in a derivative, the sound is [os] or [oz]:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;apôtre → apostolat ; côte → accoster ; impôt → imposer ; hôpital → hospitalier ; dépôt → déposer<h2> </h2><h2>Country/Language Adjectives Ending in -ô</h2>Use -ô in shortened adjectives relating to countries or regions:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;franco-allemande, anglo-normandes, hispano-américain, etc. <h2>Common Words Ending in -o</h2>dactylo, kilo, météo, photo, radio, vélo... <h2>Words with Prefixes co- + vowel</h2>These maintain the spelling: coopérer, coordonner, coopter...<h2> </h2><h2>Use Your Memory (Orthographic Memory)</h2>Masculine nouns that end in the /o/ sound can be spelled in various ways:<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d1jn26kfgq8gjn3nqn80.jpg"> <h2>Masculine Words by Spelling Category</h2>➤ -o: un cargo, un piano, un bobo, un veto...➤ -ô: un dôme, un rôle, un trône, un dépôt...➤ -au: un tuyau, un matériau, un tableau, un niveau...➤ -eau: un château, un cadeau, un seau, un rideau...➤ -ot: un sabot, un complot, un ragoût...➤ -os: un albatros, un cosmos, un matos... <h2>Words with Multiple Spellings for the [o] Sound</h2>Some words contain at least two different spellings of the [o] sound:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;aîné / aînée, projeté, prôner, téléphérique, restauration, grignote / grignoté,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;maurasque / mauresque, zizote / zigoto, etc. <h2>Bonus: Words Starting with 'zoo-'</h2>Words like zoologique, zoophile, zoophage, all relate to the Greek root 'zoo' (meaning animal).<h2><img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d1jn2897uv6f2n7s0tbg.jpg"> </h2><h2>Conclusion</h2>&nbsp;If you're learning French, understanding homophones and mastering their spelling is an essential step toward fluency. These patterns and examples will help you write more confidently and clearly. Would you like to practice these with exercises or a quiz? Feel free to book a session with me, and we'll reinforce these concepts together with pronunciation and writing tips!

Mastering French Homophones: O, Ô, AU, EAU

Festas Juninas, or June Festivals, are one of the most beloved and traditional celebrations in Brazil.

Taking place throughout the month of June, these festivities honor Catholic saints such as Saint Anthony (Santo Antônio), Saint John (São João), and Saint Peter (São Pedro). However, they also incorporate elements of Brazilian folklore, rural traditions, and even indigenous and African influences. For Portuguese learners, understanding Festas Juninas is a great way to expand vocabulary related to culture, food, music, and traditions. The festivals are marked by colorful decorations, lively music, traditional dances, and delicious seasonal treats. Let’s explore the key aspects of this unique Brazilian celebration.<hr><h2>The Origins and Cultural Significance</h2>The roots of Festas Juninas can be traced back to European traditions, particularly Portuguese and Spanish festivities that celebrated the summer solstice. When these customs arrived in Brazil during the colonial period, they blended with local indigenous and African cultures, creating a uniquely Brazilian celebration. In rural areas, Festas Juninas were originally linked to agriculture, as June marks the end of the harvest season for crops like corn, a key ingredient in many festival foods. Over time, the celebration became a way for communities to come together, give thanks, and enjoy music and dance. For Portuguese learners, this festival is an opportunity to learn words like: - Fogueira&nbsp;(bonfire) – A central element of the celebration.- Quadrilha&nbsp;(square dance) – A traditional dance performed at festivals.- Festa caipira&nbsp;(country-style party) – Refers to the rural theme of the event. Traditional Foods and Drinks One of the highlights of Festas Juninas is the delicious food. Since corn is harvested in June, many dishes are made from this ingredient. Here are some must-try treats: - Pamonha&nbsp;– A paste made from grated corn, often sweet or savory.- Curau&nbsp;– A creamy corn pudding, similar to a thick porridge.- Canjica&nbsp;– A sweet dessert made with white corn, milk, and cinnamon.- Pé de moleque&nbsp;– A peanut brittle candy.- Quentão&nbsp;– A hot drink made with cachaça (sugarcane liquor), ginger, and spices.When talking about food in Portuguese, it’s useful to know phrases like:- "Eu quero experimentar…"&nbsp;(I want to try…)- "Isso é típico das Festas Juninas?"&nbsp;(Is this typical of June Festivals?)- "Está delicioso!"&nbsp;(It’s delicious!)<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d1j3p7fid78l0388b7og.jpg">Music, Dance, and Games No Festa Junina is complete without music and dance. The most famous dance is the&nbsp;quadrilha, a group dance that resembles a square dance. Participants dress in country-style clothing, with men wearing checkered shirts and straw hats, while women wear colorful dresses with pigtails and painted freckles. Popular songs played during the festival include&nbsp;"São João na Roça"&nbsp;and&nbsp;"Capelinha de Melão."&nbsp;These songs often use simple, repetitive lyrics, making them great for Portuguese learners to practice listening and pronunciation.<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d1j3pa8clt57jj0lfehg.jpg">Games are also an essential part of the celebration. Some classic ones include: - Correio elegante&nbsp;– A playful way to send anonymous messages.- Pescaria&nbsp;(fishing game) – A game where participants "fish" for prizes.- Jogo de argola&nbsp;(ring toss) – Players try to throw rings onto bottles.Useful phrases for joining in the fun:- "Como se joga isso?"&nbsp;(How do you play this?)- "Posso participar?"&nbsp;(Can I join?)- "Que prêmio eu ganhei?"&nbsp;(What prize did I win?) Regional Variations Across Brazil While Festas Juninas are celebrated nationwide, each region has its own unique twist: - Northeast: The biggest and most famous festivals happen here, especially in Campina Grande (Paraíba) and Caruaru (Pernambuco). The celebrations include massive bonfires, live forró music, and elaborate decorations.- Southeast: In São Paulo and Minas Gerais, the festivals are more influenced by rural traditions, with a focus on food and family gatherings.- South: Due to European immigration, some areas incorporate German or Italian elements, such as different types of dances and foods. For Portuguese learners, discussing regional differences can be a great way to practice comparisons: - "No Nordeste, as festas são maiores."&nbsp;(In the Northeast, the festivals are bigger.)- "Aqui, a quadrilha é diferente."&nbsp;(Here, the square dance is different.)<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d1j3pe1mnta67avb74bg.jpg">Why Festas Juninas Are Great for Learning Portuguese? Festas Juninas are more than just a party—they are a vibrant and immersive way to experience Brazilian culture, history, and language. For Portuguese learners, these festivals offer a fantastic opportunity to practice the language in a real-world context while enjoying a lively and welcoming atmosphere. By engaging with Festas Juninas, students can:&nbsp; - Expand their vocabulary with food, music, and tradition-related words.- Practice listening skills with traditional songs and simple phrases.- Understand regional differences in Brazilian culture. Listening to traditional forró songs, for example, helps with pronunciation and comprehension, as the lyrics are often repetitive and easy to follow. Participating in games like&nbsp;pescaria&nbsp;or&nbsp;correio elegante&nbsp;encourages learners to use simple phrases and interact with native speakers in a relaxed setting. Even ordering food—asking for a&nbsp;pamonha&nbsp;or a cup of&nbsp;quentão—becomes a chance to practice conversational Portuguese. Additionally, understanding the regional differences in how Festas Juninas are celebrated (such as the massive festivals in the Northeast versus the more intimate gatherings in the South) helps learners appreciate Brazil’s cultural diversity. Discussing these variations with Brazilians can lead to deeper conversations and stronger language skills. If you ever have the chance to visit Brazil in June, don’t miss the opportunity to join a Festa Junina. The combination of delicious food, joyful music, and warm hospitality creates the perfect environment for language practice. Whether you're dancing the&nbsp;quadrilha, tasting&nbsp;canjica, or simply chatting with locals, you’ll be improving your Portuguese while making unforgettable memories.<img src="https://ofs-cdn.italki.com/u/internal/galaxy/message/d1j3pgpmnta67avb74eg.jpg">Feliz São João!&nbsp;(Happy Saint John’s Day!)

Festas Juninas: A Vibrant Celebration of Brazilian Culture

Which one is OK*

In the restaurant, etc.

Can you sit on my left?
Can you sit to my left?

What’s your favorite phrasal verb? And why?

Hi everyone! I just came across a sentence on my textbook that goes, “There are solutions that could light a path towards more sustainable and fair farm economy, but farmers can’t awkwardly put them together before us.” 

I’m not sure about the latter part “but farmers can’t awkwardly put them together before us”. Or the sentence itself is grammatically incorrect? Could anyone please explain?

Hi! How does it sound when people use "delicate" to refer to someone's sensitive personality? Old-fashioned? Literary? Or mostly acceptable?

I personally like using 'delicate' for beauty or craftsmanship. I am not sure if it's common though😊

Hi! I've recently come across the phrase "for all (someone) cares" and GPT told me it's a fixed English idiom. Is that right?

I know it's not meant literally. I've often heard it in TV shows and movies, but I never thought about it grammatically. I find its capability of producing an ironic meaning is interesting!

For example:
He can quit tomorrow, for all I care.
→ I really don't care if he quits tomorrow.

Is this a viable approach for adopting word choice effectively in writing?

How do you say this another way?

I did my money's worth.

Is the word “abnormal” being used appropriately in the following sentences? Should we take a closer look at the different shades of meaning a word carries before adopting it in our writing?

Literary: “She displayed abnormal talents for music, astonishing everyone around her.” — Adapted from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Journalistic: “The prodigy's abnormal talents in mathematics drew international attention.” — BBC News, 2022

¿Anyone available now to practice English with? :)