Learn about cultural etiquette in English-speaking countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Understand social norms, communication styles, and dining etiquette to navigate unfamiliar territories respectfully.
Discover the fascinating world of regional dialects and accents in the UK and the US. Uncover the cultural, historical, and regional nuances reflected in these linguistic variations, from Received Pronunciation to AAVE. Explore the impact of accents on identity and society.
Explore the role of English as a global lingua franca, its impact on international diplomacy and global communication, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in language learning. Understand the benefits and challenges of the dominance of English in our interconnected world.
Discover how English has become the de facto language of the global gaming community and its impact on language learning, cultural insights, and the gaming industry.
Learn about the different ways people greet each other and introduce themselves in English-speaking countries around the world. Discover the cultural nuances that make each greeting unique.
Improve your social skills with our guide to small talk and conversation starters in the US. Learn about the importance of small talk, popular topics, and dos and don’ts for engaging conversations.
Learn about the importance of politeness in English-speaking cultures and get tips for expressing it in your interactions. Discover how using “please” and “thank you,” being mindful of nonverbal cues, showing interest in others, and apologizing when necessary can help you build stronger relationships and create a positive impression on others.
Explore the debate: Should we read a book on its own, or does an author’s biography add profound meaning? Discover how the lives of Tolkien, Woolf, and Baldwin shaped their timeless works.
Ever wonder where innovation comes from? Explore how asking “Imagine what if” – a practice rooted in literature – has shaped our reality, from technology to social change, and how you can use it to rewrite your own world.
A deep dive into the intersection of AI and literature. We explore if AI can be truly creative, the philosophical questions of authorship, and how AI might augment—not replace—human writers.
Develop a reading habit and improve your English listening! A friendly librarian gives five practical tips. Includes script, vocabulary, and a 10-question quiz for exam prep.
In our final episode, we look at the state of literature in our interconnected world. We explore how themes of migration, diaspora, and hybrid identities have come to the forefront. Featuring authors from Oceania, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora, we discuss how technology and globalization are shaping the future of storytelling and creating a truly “world” literature.
This episode celebrates the immense diversity of African literature, from the ancient oral storytelling traditions of the Griots to the powerful emergence of post-colonial writing. We’ll discuss how authors like Chinua Achebe, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have used literature to reclaim their history, grapple with the legacy of colonialism, and forge new identities.
