Learning English Podcast - July 10, 2024
4Digest
The episode begins with a report on the extravagant wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia's richest man. The festivities have been ongoing for months, with lavish parties and events attended by global dignitaries, tech leaders, Bollywood stars, and even singer Rihanna. The main wedding ceremony is scheduled for July 12th, followed by a grand reception on July 14th. The episode then shifts to a report on the declining number of American students studying in China, which has dropped significantly in recent years. Experts attribute this decline to factors such as air pollution, human rights concerns, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political tensions between the two countries. The report emphasizes the importance of intercultural understanding and the potential consequences of a lack of knowledge about China for the United States. The episode concludes with a lesson on the English verb "wish", providing examples and exercises to help listeners practice using the word in different contexts.
Outlines
The "Wedding of the Year"
This Chapter discusses the extravagant wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia's richest man. The festivities have been ongoing for months, with lavish parties and events attended by global dignitaries, tech leaders, Bollywood stars, and even singer Rihanna. The main wedding ceremony is scheduled for July 12th, followed by a grand reception on July 14th.
Desert Moss for Mars Colonies
This Chapter reports on a study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences that identified a type of desert moss, Centricia Canonervis, which could potentially support human colonies on Mars. The moss has shown resilience to extreme conditions like dryness, low temperatures, and radiation, making it a promising candidate for creating a sustainable ecosystem on the red planet.
Declining American Students in China
This Chapter explores the significant decline in the number of American students studying in China, highlighting concerns about the potential loss of a generation of China experts. Experts attribute this decline to factors such as air pollution, human rights concerns, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political tensions between the two countries. The report emphasizes the importance of intercultural understanding and the potential consequences of a lack of knowledge about China for the United States.
Lesson of the Day: The Verb "Wish"
This Chapter focuses on the English verb "wish", providing examples and exercises to help listeners practice using the word in different contexts. The lesson explains how the verb "wish" is used to express a desire for a different situation, and how the verb form changes to reflect this difference. The chapter also includes a chant with more examples using the word "wish".
Keywords
Anant Ambani
Anant Ambani is the son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia's richest man. He is known for his involvement in the new energy business and his philanthropic work. He is also known for his lavish wedding celebrations, which have been ongoing for months and have attracted global attention.
Mukesh Ambani
Mukesh Ambani is an Indian billionaire businessman and the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, a multinational conglomerate. He is considered the richest person in Asia and the ninth richest person in the world. He is known for his business acumen and his philanthropic activities.
Intercultural Understanding
Intercultural understanding refers to the ability to understand and appreciate different cultures and to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries. It is essential for building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and fostering global cooperation.
China Educational Tours (CET)
China Educational Tours (CET) is an organization that helps bring American students to China for language and cultural studies. It was launched in 1982 and has programs in several cities in China, including Beijing and Shanghai. CET has seen a significant decline in the number of American students participating in its programs in recent years.
Centricia Canonervis
Centricia Canonervis is a type of desert moss that has shown resilience to extreme conditions like dryness, low temperatures, and radiation. It has been identified as a potential candidate for supporting human colonies on Mars by contributing to oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and soil fertility.
Tianwen II
Tianwen II is a Chinese near-earth asteroid probe that is scheduled to launch next year. It is part of China's ambitious space exploration program, which also includes missions to Mars and the moon.
Tianwen III
Tianwen III is a Chinese mission scheduled for around 2030 to collect material from Mars and bring it to Earth for study. It is part of China's ongoing efforts to explore the red planet and investigate its potential for supporting human life.
Let's Learn English with Anna
Let's Learn English with Anna is a new program for children launched by VOA Learning English. The program aims to teach children American English through asking and answering questions and experiencing fun situations. It features Anna Mateo, a young woman who works and lives in Washington, DC.
VOA Learning English
VOA Learning English is a multimedia service of the Voice of America that provides English language learning materials for learners around the world. It offers a variety of resources, including podcasts, videos, articles, and interactive exercises.
Mars Exploration
Mars exploration is the ongoing effort to study and understand the planet Mars. It involves sending robotic spacecraft to the red planet to collect data and images, as well as planning for future human missions to Mars.
Q&A
What are some of the key highlights of Anant Ambani's wedding celebrations?
Anant Ambani's wedding celebrations have been lavish and extravagant, spanning several months and attracting global attention. The festivities have included lavish parties, a three-day cruise from Italy to France, and performances by Bollywood stars and Justin Bieber. The main wedding ceremony is scheduled for July 12th, followed by a grand reception on July 14th.
What are some of the reasons for the decline in American students studying in China?
Experts attribute the decline in American students studying in China to several factors, including air pollution, human rights concerns, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political tensions between the two countries. The strict lockdown measures implemented by China during the pandemic also had a significant impact, leading many foreigners, including American students, to leave the country.
Why is intercultural understanding important, especially in the context of the declining number of American students studying in China?
Intercultural understanding is crucial for building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and fostering global cooperation. In the context of the declining number of American students studying in China, it is particularly important for the United States to have a greater understanding of Chinese culture and society. This understanding is essential for navigating complex geopolitical issues and fostering constructive dialogue between the two countries.
How is the verb "wish" used in English?
The verb "wish" is used to express a desire for a different situation. It is often followed by a verb in a different form to reflect this difference. For example, "I wish I could swim" expresses a desire for the ability to swim, even though the speaker cannot swim at the present time.
What are some examples of how the verb "wish" is used in sentences?
Here are some examples of how the verb "wish" is used in sentences: "I wish I had more time." "I wish I could understand the question." "I wish they didn't talk so fast." "I wish I had gone to the beach." "I wish I knew how to swim."
Show Notes
Table of contents
United States
