Today we're talking about the adjective "punctual" and the noun "punctuality". These are two really important words for things that you likely already talk about at work all the time!

Don't forget that I'm a full time English coach and tutor, right here on iTalki. So if you use English as a second language at work and you'd like to improve your professional communication skills then feel free to book some of my time and let's get to work!

DAILY Business English VOCABULARY builder

This podcast is late.

Host: Welcome back to the podcast everyone. Now we’re moving on to the part of the show that we call ‘Explain yourself!’. This is where our guests talk about a topic and say what they think and why. Listeners, you can tell us who was the most convincing. So we’ve got Jake with us, Jake is from New York in the United States. Then we’ve got Andrew who’s from York in the UK.

Andrew: The original York before the Americans made a worse one.

Jake: No one knows where York is, or cares.

Host: Whoa! We’ve started already. Don’t worry, Jake, Andrew’s just trying to provoke you. This could be an interesting discussion! And today’s topic is Food and Drink. Which is better: American or British?

Jake: Well, this is going to be a short discussion. It’s American food and drink. It’s definitely the most well-known food around the world. What’s the next topic?

Andrew: Just because American food is the most well-known, which it is, it doesn’t mean it’s good. I think most of it is really unhealthy. Yes, he’s definitely an American male. Do all of you just sit watching games on TV that no other countries are interested in, drinking ice cold beer-flavored water and shouting (Mimics) ‘We’re the best at everything! USA!’

Jake: Oh you’re talking to me about beer? Good luck with tempting people to come to your barbecue on a hot day with a nice glass of warm beer. Not that you have barbecues because it’s always raining. You just sit inside with your warm beer and your fish and chips feeling sad.

Andrew: (laughs) I’m not going to apologize for enjoying beer that is slightly warmer than ice. There are things that are more important than how cold it is, you know? Like, oh I don't know - taste?

Host: Beer wars! Are we going to be able to resolve this difference at all, gentlemen?

Andrew: Obviously I’m a little more favorable toward British beer, but Jake has a point about the weather. It doesn’t actually rain all the time, but it’s not usually as hot as it gets in most places in the US. 

English Conversation/Dialogue

Discussion Opinions 

For an international executive, a misaligned cultural fit can be a multi-million dollar mistake. In this episode of The Global Professional Podcast, we provide a strategic framework for conducting deep "cultural due diligence." Learn how to decode a company's true operating system and assess your leadership fit to ensure your next career move is both powerful and sustainable.

The Global Professional Podcast

Episode 137 - The Cultural Due Diligence: A Guide for Executives

in Indonesian there are two "we" namely ( "kita" and "kami" ) how are they used let's see!
(we = kita/kami) but different way to use.

 Indonesian Language Friends

should we use "kita" or "kami ?

李月，谢朋，王方，
欧阳，上官，诸葛，
李老师，王医生。

Learn Chinese with Joanna

Features of Chinese People`s names

Enjoy in this short story, written for kids by Su Yu Jin, which tells us about how to find real friends. After listening to this amazing story, try to solve the quizzes.
Срећно учење! / Srećno učenje!


SERBIAN TO GO

Свитац тражи пријатеља – Svitac traži prijatelja -  Firefly looking for friends (A short story for B1 level)

Today’s Theme is “すし《sushi》”.
This episode is JLPT-N4 level.

I created a quiz on this episode.
After listening, please take the quiz!

Please use this audio for listening and shadowing practices.

☆Words☆
歴史（れきし / rekishi）：history
東南アジア（とうなんあじあ / tōnan ajia）：Southeast Asia
保存する（ほぞんする / hozonsuru）： to preserve, to save
塩（しお / shio）：salt
江戸時代（えどじだい / edojidai）：Edo period (1603-1868 CE)
酢（す / su）：vinegar
きゅうり（kūri）：Japanese cucumber
巻く（まく / maku）：roll
箸（はし / hashi）：chopsticks
横（よこ / yoko）：turn sideways
しょうゆ（shōyu）：soy sauce
わさび（わさび / wasabi）：wasabi

☆Grammar☆
passive form
～ために、

☆Script for this episode
The scripts (URL) are listed in the overview section of the channel.

☆Quiz for this episode
https://www.italki.com/quiz/set/5363?utm_source=copylink_share&utm_medium=share_content&utm_campaign=share_quiz


Simple Japanese Listening with Meg（めぐ）Smile

#17  すし / sushi // N4 Level

Matryoshka

 Cracking the Code: Navigating the Moscow Metro with Confidence

The Zen philosophy teaches us to approach each task with mindfulness and enthusiasm. Language learning isn’t just about mastering grammar or vocabulary; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, sounds, and rhythms of a new world. Start with curiosity and joy.

Why Passion Matters
Studies in motivation psychology reveal that intrinsic interest—the joy of learning for its own sake—leads to better retention and long-term success (Deci & Ryan, 1985). To channel this:
•	Choose a focus that excites you: Is it the music, the cuisine, or the stories of the language’s culture? Let your interests guide your learning.
•	Set a theme for the month: Dedicate January to learning words and phrases around a specific theme, like food or travel.
