What do you struggle with the most in regards to speaking American English with native English speakers? Is it coming up with words to say? It's pronouncing them clearly so your listener can fully understand? Is it saying enough so you don't sound limited or be able to give enough variety in your responses so you don't sound repetitive? Is it phrasal verbs? Do you use them? Do you understand them? Do you know how many there are? What about your confidence? Do you second guess yourself when you speak English? Do you have a lot of 'ums' and 'uhs' when you speak American English? Do you repeat words and phrases? Do you have long pauses in between your words and phrases? Do you translate in your head before you say it? Do you depend on translating? Do you say the bare minimum which is only the few things you know how to say but if someone asks you to 'say more.' you'd have difficulty? Are you not really sure where you struggle? Have you ever had someone from the United States... a tutor or teacher really judge your speaking and give you feedback?

The Balkan Hug: Why Serbian People (Especially Kids!) Show Affection Immediately A cultural perspective for language learners. Introduction When learning a language, we focus on grammar and vocabulary. But culture is just as important! Today, I want to share some personal stories about physical affection and open communication in Serbia, especially when interacting with children. 1. The Immediate Connection: No Need for Introductions In many cultures, you must build trust slowly before showing deep affection. In Serbia, connection and warmth are often immediate—especially if you are someone new and positive. I experienced this early on during a school trip when I was about 13 or 14. I was singing and chatting with friends in a courtyard when a young boy, perhaps 6 or 8 years old, came up to me. He didn't want to leave my side! He asked me to sing the famous traditional song "Zona Zamfirova" (a cultural reference for Serbian learners!) He played with my fingers, totally unconcerned with the age difference or the fact that we were strangers. My friends joked that he was in love—but really, it was just pure, open Balkan affection. When his mother called him away, he was genuinely sad! 2. The Power of "The Collective Hug" The affection doesn't stop with small gestures; it often involves the whole community! I often used to visit my old elementary school, and every time, the children would gather around me like bees around a flower! Once, a little girl was particularly brave: she started talking to me, then spontaneously gave me a big hug—all without any reason! Then she asked me to gently scratch her head. Just then, a teacher came by and looked surprised. She asked me, "Are you her parent?" I smiled and replied: "Does it look like I am her mother?" The teacher smiled back and said, "Yes, why not?" That teacher perfectly understood that affection here often looks parental, even when it's not. We are all part of a big, warm community!

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Swahili Culture Fact: In Swahili culture, hospitality is a sacred value. When you visit someone’s home, even for a few minutes, you’ll always be offered something to drink — usually chai ya tangawizi (ginger tea) or fresh juice. Refusing it can be seen as impolite, because serving a guest shows warmth, respect, and community spirit. In many coastal homes, hosts will say “Karibu, jisikie uko nyumbani,” meaning “Welcome, feel at home.” This gesture reflects the Swahili belief that mgeni ni baraka — “a guest is a blessing.” #SwahiliCulture #LearnSwahili #CulturalFacts #EastAfrica #LanguageAndCulture

Do you confuse "por" and "para"? 🤯 Many students tell me, “Aura, por and para confuse me.” Book a class with me on Italki to master Spanish with confidence. 🇨🇴✨

Tomorrow is a very important day for a huge number of Japanese baseball fans. Tomorrow is the day the draft meeting will be held. It has an important mean to 12 professional baseball teams. They choose several people from amateur baseball teams. It including high school, university and corporate. Every year, a lot of players participates this meeting to enter professional baseball leagues. But this meeting is so severe. I often watching top prospect players who don't choose by any teams. It maybe happen this year. This year, I especially pay attention to university's players. A lot of prospect players are in around the Japan. Osaka, Hokkaido, Tokyo and so on. Of course, High school's players has also outstanding players. I want to watch draft meeting with my friends and beer.🍺 My favorite team's weak point is pitcher, so I expect them to choose outstanding pitchers! I already very exiting now! I may can't sleep well tonight.

English students try this. Choose the correct answer.

Have you heard of the English idiom, "to sponge off (someone)?" See if you can discover the meaning in this exercise.

How does “importance” differ from “import” in context? Does this mean that, at least in Middle English, most verbs could be used as nouns without needing a suffix? ..., because suffering, injustice, cruelty and the welfare of society were matters of sacred import.

Being able to talk on a wide variety of topics is really helpful for getting a higher mark on the IELTS test. In this podcast I will help you to form opinions and ideas for Speaking Part 3 and Writing Part 2. You can also book a private lesson with me on my profile. Hope to see you in a lesson soon!