If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider supporting ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!
By becoming an ESL Podcast Member, you get the Learning Guide with even more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.
Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member today!
………
ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 756 – Holding Structured and Unstructured Meetings
In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to fall to” and “free for all.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Business Meeting Agendas.”
“At most business meetings, each “attendee” (person who participates in a meeting) is given a copy of the agenda. The agenda lists each item of business and the…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…
ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 329
Topics: American Presidents: Jimmy Carter; The Lost Ship of the Desert Legend; phrases used to ask for status updates; to start off for; likely versus probable
In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Dune Buggies.”
“If you live in or near a desert, you may be familiar with “dune buggies,” which are vehicles that look like cars, but with very large and wide wheels…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…
ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 757 – Getting Political Support
In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to sign on” and “first things first.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Common Events Before an Election.”
“Most political candidates organize many events in the weeks and months “prior to” (before) elections. These events help them “garner” (gather; earn; get) support and…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
Hi, Jeff and Lucy,
I’m afraid that I couldn’t show up here on this blog these past few days.
The truth is, I’m on broke recently.
Why? Well,
I used up all the pocket money I had to buy my girlfriend all what she wanted.
True story! Just kidding.
No, I’m not kidding. yeah, a true story you can trust. 😉
Well, Lucy,
Your scripts always “wow” me.
Jeff usually comes up with interesting explanations.
You are the King and Queen of ELT field.
I’m not exaggerating.
I’m saying what I see.
Jeff and Lucy,
You can call me a “crazy”. (I’ll never mind)
Because I’m always “crazy” about your podcasts and scripts.
And you can term me a “psycho”.
‘Cause I am always “psyched” about yours.
Thank you for being with us and for your new pods. 😉
[Just trying to improve my writing skill! How about?]
Hi Betty,
Thans for the response.
Very informative indeed.
One thing I didn’t understand here.
I am really curious.
An official language of a country is the language that media outlets use.
I mean Tv,news paper,radio stations ,and to some extents books.
If some ,or all universities use English language as language of their choice,It does not make English language the official language of the country.
Having said that, did you mean the media outlets out there in Hongconk all communicate to people in English.
Here ,in Trornto a significant numver of people speak french fluently,yet the official language here is English. Conversely ,there is a good proteion of population in Kebeck who are totally bilingual even with proper Anerican accent yet the official language up there is French merely because government express itself through french medium.
They say the official language is both French and English overal.but , the predominant language is the language of wisdom.
Just ,out of curiosoty ,is English language predominantly used by the press.
Thanks,
Dear Betty,
I know you just gave me a thumbnail sketch. I really appriciate for the care.
I have always wanted to know
That is all
Guys,
Here in Canada,January the 19th is popcorn day
You get a fee larg size popcorn with any drink
Yayyyyy
The makes a perfect day for me
I m a movie goer.
Hi Peter
Thank again for your question which I really like.
I am sorry I only mentioned “English as an official language in Hong Kong” last time. In fact both Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong. I have extracted the contents from the latest Hong Kong Year Book for you:
“Official Languages
Chinese and English are Hong Kong’s official languages. It is Government policy to have a civil service that is proficient in written Chinese and English and conversant in Cantonese, Putonghua and spoken English. While important Government documents are written in both official languages, correspondence with individual members of the public is always done in the language appropriate to the recipient”.
I may be wrong, but I believe that currently, if there are any ambiguities about the Chinese and English interpretation of the Hong Kong law or legislation, English version has the final say.
Yes, we have both Chinese and English media. For radio and TV channels, we have all of them – English, Cantonese Chinese and Putonghua/Mandarin Chinese.
You will also find that Cantonese Chinese channels always invite Putonghua Chinese speakers. They listen to Cantonese questions and they answer in Putonghua, or vice versa. Very strange!
Actually, you will find both Chinese and English words coexist in a lot of Chinese Newspapers/Advertising. A lot of Hong Kong people use both languages at the same time in one sentence. So you need to know both languages to know what people are talking about. Clever?
Even my old father who claims that he does not know all the 26 English alphabets can say a few English words like hello, chicken, and count from one to ten in English.
I think Hong Kong is one of the oddest places on earth, do you agree?
Thanks again for your question.
Enjoy your popcorn on 19th January. I hope Hong Kong will have a popcorn day as well.
Betty 🙂