Learning English Podcast - October 12, 2024
5Digest
The podcast begins by discussing the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization of survivors of the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The award recognizes their activism against nuclear weapons and their efforts to cultivate hope and engagement for peace despite their suffering. The podcast then transitions to a segment of "Ask a Teacher," addressing a question from Guillermo in Argentina about the difficulties of English spelling. The teacher explains that English spelling is complex due to multiple sounds for a single letter, homophones, and silent letters. The best way to improve spelling is through reading, writing, and memorizing spelling patterns. Next, the podcast explores the expression "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," highlighting its meaning of adapting to local customs and norms. The origin of the expression is traced back to St. Augustine's time in Milan, where he followed the local fasting practices. The expression emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding different cultures. Finally, the podcast shares an American story about Madame Louise d'Arceboumont, a woman who seeks refuge from the bustling city in a quiet Broadway hotel. She enjoys the luxurious amenities and the company of other guests who share her desire for tranquility. The story takes a twist when a young man, Harold Feddington, arrives and develops a friendship with Madame Beaumont.
Outlines
Nobel Peace Prize and Atomic Bomb Survivors
The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization of survivors of the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, for its activism against nuclear weapons. The Nobel Committee cited the survivors' efforts to cultivate hope and engagement for peace despite their suffering.
Ask a Teacher: English Spelling Challenges
This segment addresses a question about the difficulties of English spelling. The teacher explains that English spelling is complex due to multiple sounds for a single letter, homophones, and silent letters. The best way to improve spelling is through reading, writing, and memorizing spelling patterns.
Words and Their Stories: "When in Rome"
The expression "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is explored, highlighting its meaning of adapting to local customs and norms. The origin of the expression is traced back to St. Augustine's time in Milan, where he followed the local fasting practices. The expression emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding different cultures.
American Stories: Transients in Arcadia
This American story tells the tale of Madame Louise d'Arceboumont, a woman who seeks refuge from the bustling city in a quiet Broadway hotel. She enjoys the luxurious amenities and the company of other guests who share her desire for tranquility. The story takes a twist when a young man, Harold Feddington, arrives and develops a friendship with Madame Beaumont.
Keywords
Nihon Hidankyo
A Japanese organization of survivors of the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, known for its activism against nuclear weapons. They advocate for peace and disarmament, raising awareness about the devastating consequences of nuclear war.
Hibakusha
A Japanese word referring to survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki or the radiation they caused. It signifies the enduring impact of the bombings on individuals and communities.
Homophones
Words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings, such as "to, too, and two." They pose challenges for English learners due to their similar pronunciation.
Silent Letters
Letters in a word that are not pronounced, such as the "b" in "climb." They contribute to the complexity of English spelling, requiring learners to memorize specific spellings.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do
An idiom meaning to adapt to local customs and norms when visiting a new place. It emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding different cultures and behaving appropriately in different situations.
Q&A
What are some of the challenges faced by English learners when it comes to spelling?
English spelling is complex due to multiple sounds for a single letter, homophones (words that sound the same but have different spellings), and silent letters. This makes it difficult to predict spelling based on pronunciation alone.
What advice does the teacher give to Guillermo regarding improving his English spelling?
The teacher recommends reading extensively, practicing writing, and memorizing spelling patterns. These strategies help learners develop a better understanding of English spelling rules and exceptions.
What is the meaning of the expression "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"?
This expression means to adapt to local customs and norms when visiting a new place. It emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding different cultures and behaving appropriately in different situations.
What is the significance of the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to Nihon Hidankyo?
The award recognizes the organization's tireless efforts to raise awareness about the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons and advocate for peace and disarmament. It highlights the importance of remembering the victims of nuclear war and working towards a world free from such weapons.
Show Notes
Table of contents
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