This set of podcasts is a supplement to the General English Course, Elementary level.

Listening&Speaking Boost. Elementary Level.

This set of podcasts aims at explaining some common phrasal verbs in context. 

Phrasal Verbs

This set of podcasts offers an insight into how to make the most of your language learning time.

Language Learning Tips and Tricks

This set of podcasts will be interesting for avid readers. I read extracts from books which I find impressive. I invite listeners to share their ideas on the matter - by a message or in a lesson.

The Joy of Reading

This set of podcasts is a supplement for the General English course. Intermediate level.

Listening &  Speaking Boost. Intermediate Level.

This set of podcasts is about some common mistakes which learners make. I explain this or that mistake and give advice how to fix or avoid it.

Common Mistakes

When it comes to memorizing vocabulary, there are several effective techniques you can employ. I am exploring some of them

Background Method:
This technique draws inspiration from the “memory palace” concept. Imagine placing new words or images representing those words in specific rooms within your mental palace. By associating words with spatial locations, you ground them in context. 
Process Words Deeply:
Instead of merely rote memorization, engage with the words deeply. Understand their meanings, etymology, and usage. Create mental connections by linking them to related concepts or personal experiences. 
Associate Words with Mental Images:
Visualize the word’s meaning. Create vivid mental images related to the word. Associating words with images enhances memory retention.
Review Words at Spaced Intervals:
Spaced repetition is a powerful technique. Instead of cramming, review words at regular intervals. Use flashcards or language-learning apps that incorporate spaced repetition algorithms. 
Use Mnemonics:
Create mnemonic devices to remember challenging words. Mnemonics can be acronyms, rhymes, or visual associations. 
Practice with Vocabulary Apps and Games:
Interactive apps and games make learning fun. Explore platforms like Duolingo, Memrise, or Quizlet. Gamified exercises reinforce vocabulary and keep you motivated.
Have a Dedicated Vocabulary Notebook:
Maintain a vocabulary journal. Write down new words, their meanings, and example sentences. Regularly review and revise your notebook. The act of writing reinforces memory.
Immerse Yourself in the Language:
Surround yourself with the target language. Read books, watch movies, listen to podcasts, and follow native speakers on social media. Remember, consistency and creativity are key. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. 

Like a Chameleon

Memory Techniques

In this episode of the italki Language Stories Podcast, we follow Emma through a stressful morning that takes an unexpected turn for the better. You'll hear a short, engaging story in natural English, learn useful vocabulary like rushed, power outage, and pointless, and get a clear explanation of the past perfect tense. Plus, there’s a quick speaking practice to help you sound more natural in conversation. Perfect for intermediate English learners!

ENGLISH FLOW WITH TEACHER MANSUMA

"Missed the Train, Saved the Day: A Lucky Story with Grammar Tips"

Just talking about life in general and what it's like to have a lesson with me. See what it's like talking with Uncle Billy? That's right. My new little format. Making everybody comfortable. 

Can I Say - Can I Do

Uncle Billy.

 Amir-Hushang Ebtehaj AKA  A.H.Saye. A Contemporary Iranian poet who recently passed away at the age of 94, Aug 10, 2022. 
امیر هوشنگ ابتهاج ملقب به سایه. شاعر معاصر فارسی که در سن 94 سالگی در 10 آگوست 2022 چشم از جهان فرو بست. 

متن اصلی شعر هرگز:
 
خانه دلتنگِ غروبی خفه بود
مثلِ امروز که تنگ است دلم
پدرم گفت چراغ
و شب از شب پُر شد
من به خود گفتم یک روز گذشت
مادرم آه کشید؛
«زود بر خواهد گشت.»
ابری آهسته به چشمم لغزید
و سپس خوابم برد
که گمان داشت که هست این همه درد
در کمینِ دلِ آن کودکِ خُرد
آری، آن روز چو می رفت کسی
داشتم آمدنش را باور
من نمی دانستم
معنیِ «هرگز» را
تو چرا بازنگشتی دیگر؟
آه ای واژه ی شوم
خو نکرده ست دلم با تو هنوز
من پس از این همه سال
چشم دارم در راه
که بیایند عزیزانم، آه

the poem's English translation 

The home was like a suffocated sunset,
like today that I miss you,
my father said light and then suddenly the night became full of night (darkness),
I said to myself one day passed,
my mother sighed "she'll come come back soon",
a cloud slowly slipped into my eyes and then I fell sleep,
who would've thought there were such pains in the ambush of the heart of that poor child?
in those days if anyone left me, I believed they'd come back,
I did not know the meaning of "never"... why didn't you come back, though?,
oh ominous word (never),
my heart isn't used to you yet,
after all these years,
my eyes are still on the way to see my loved ones.

Farsi (Persian) pods

Amir-Hushang Ebtehaj AKA  A.H.Saye

This week we introduce the expression:

STEAL SOMEONE'S THUNDER

Brentoni's English Podcast

033 - steal someone's thunder

Saudi Arabia scored a big win in its campaign to attract major sports events to the kingdom when it was formally named as the 2034 men's soccer World Cup host on December 11.

For the last year, there hasn't been too much doubt that Saudi Arabia would be confirmed as host, as the only other contender — Australia — had withdrawn from the contest to host the World Cup.

Awarding the tournament to Saudi Arabia has been seen as controversial by some soccer observers.

That's mostly because of the country's human rights record. Some have said that Saudi Arabia is using sports to divert attention from social or environmental problems, something that's known as sportswashing.

Saudi Arabia has denied this is the case.

The World Cup may be a number of years away but there are a lot of questions that need to be answered about the tournament, from where games will be played to how workers' rights will be protected.

Saudi Arabia aims to host all 104 games, though there has been speculation that some games could be played in neighboring or nearby countries.

Currently, 15 stadiums have been proposed, although eight are still on paper. They include a 92,000-seat venue planned in Riyadh and another near the capital that's set to be on top of a 200-meter cliff.

The timing may also be an issue. The tournament may have to be moved from the traditional period of June and July to the cooler months of November and December.

This also happened for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, although it wasn't a move that was popular among European soccer clubs, who had their domestic seasons interrupted.

The question of workers' rights was also discussed before and during the competition in Qatar. Saudi Arabia has promised to reform and enforce labor laws, and fully respect migrant workers, but some human rights groups are skeptical.

In the meantime, there are still World Cups in 2026 and 2030 to think about!

Practice Listening, Reading & Comprehension

Saudi Arabia Confirmed as 2034 World Cup Host

TENOCHTITLÁN.

Como tal, se puede señalar que el surgimiento de  Tenochtitlan comenzó con el proceso de la migración de los aztecas chichimecas, quienes recibían ese nombre por habitar la tierra de Aztlán, en donde adoraban a Huitzilopochtli, deidad que los guiaría hacia un nuevo lugar. Los aztecas no eran la única tribu chichimeca que emprendería este proceso de migración pues como refiere Hernando de Alvarado Tezozómoc, existían siete barrios, cada uno identificado por una deidad.

El proceso de migración tomó varios años antes de alcanzar la Cuenca de México, pasando por diversos lugares y asentamientos en donde se fueron estableciendo al ser pueblos que conocían y practicaban la agricultura, no obstante, también eran personas dedicadas a la guerra, pues tal como refiere Tezozómoc en el mito de Malinalxóchitl, al momento en que los aztecas abandonaron a Malinalxóchitl lo hicieron por la voluntad de Huitzilopochtli que tenía como encargo traer armas, arco, flechas y rodelas, al ser su principal oficio la guerra.





Spanish México

TENOCHTITLÁN.

今天8月中国政府拟继续讲强对未成年人使用手机的限制，今天Karen和柏威也就着这个话题聊了他们关于使用屏幕和上网的看法。