This is a classical idiom story that almost everyone knows in China. Idiom stories not only tell people stories, but also convey great truths. Hope you enjoy it.

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Idiom story  刻舟求剑 Make a mark on the boat side to get the sword

We call it a PHONE - but let's be honest. We rarely use this COMPUTER in our pocket - to make phone calls. And we often forget all the tools that it contains, built right in. Tools that are amazing for working on our English!

I hope this episode helps you get inspired to use your phone as the language partner it is! 

* Please note - I speak very fast in this episode - so it may be challenging to understand everything I say. But I repeat myself a lot, so you don't have to understand it all. I think you will understand the main point. That is what matters! I hope it inspires you to USE your English to LEARN more English - today!

Hear and There

8. The language partner in your pocket 

Writing is great for your speaking, but it's not necessary! What's great about writing is that it gives you a way to LOOK at YOUR words. To see how things really are. Speech-to-text applications or many AI programs allow you SEE the words you SAY. That is so helpful.

It also gives you a way to practice WITHOUT getting feedback - which has some real benefits. 
Listen to hear more! 

6. But what if we don't like to write? 

This May, I want to plant a seed in your brain. I will water this seed during the month of May. This seed is - TO WRITE - in English.

The thought I want to water, nourish and feed - for you, this month - is the idea that this month, this MAY - you START TO THINK about writing in ENGLISH. 

May this May be the month that you begin to write! That is my wish for you. 

Until next time! 

7. May we write in English this May

If you like to write, you're in luck. Writing is also great for your SPEAKING. 

Listen to learn more, and follow this podcast if you're interested, because I'll be talking about this a lot! 

5. Write to speak 

In this episode, I make some observations about different conversational styles among native and non-native English speakers. I am generalizing, of course, and these are just my thoughts, based on what I've experienced in my life. *

I'd love to hear what YOU think! What have you observed? 

Here are some questions you might want to talk to yourself or write about - as we reflect on the year that has ended. Maybe you want to create a short monologue by recording your thoughts in a voice memo on your phone. Or perhaps you could try writing down your ideas on your phone or on a piece of paper. Do it for 5 or 10 minutes, and don't worry about your grammar or vocabulary. Writing is a great PROCESS - an exercise where you can use your English - anywhere, anytime, without a teacher or a listener. So getting in the HABIT of writing or speaking to yourself is as important as the words you use. Over time, your skills will improve! 

---- QUESTIONS TO ANSWER -----

What does the word SUCCESS mean to you? 
What does SUCCESS LOOK LIKE to you? 
What is something you have SUCCEEDED AT?

Based on YOUR definition of success - what made 2023 a successful year for you?
What will make 2024 a successful year for you? 

And here's a THOUGHT EXPERIMENT and a WRITING EXERCISE.
Imagine it is December 31, 2024. Using past tenses, write about what made 2024 a successful year for you. (This may feel strange, but it’s a great exercise for your English and for your mind! It can be fun and transformative, too!)

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*Note - In this episode, I make the mistake of using the word "American" to refer to people from the US. This is a bad habit that I am (still) trying to break. The truth is that we are all Americans in the whole hemisphere - North and South. But, as they say, "old habits die hard" or existing patterns are hard to change. 