Accents and their "fun"

Accents are really complicated when it comes to language learning. If you get used to listening to Received Pronounciation (RP English) only, then, you are very likely to struggle with the rest of English accents: local, national or international. Yes, that's where the "fun" lies....
American vs British English
Australian vs American and British
Indian English Accents
Canadian Accents
British Accent deserves a post on its own, due to the diffentent accents, slang and interesting bits and pieces it has to offer :)

The Roman Invasion of Britain

I just bumped into this hilarious description of how the Romans invaded Britain (newsport style). Fingers crossed, you like it as much as I did. If satisfied with the humour and the accent, keep on watching more Horribe Histories to learn while having fun ;)

-ED pronunciation

More often that not, we struggle to get the pronunciation of regular verbs in the past right. Tricks to it? We need to focus a bit on phonetics to master this area.
If the chart on the left means little to you in terms of actual help, try listening to this -ED pronunciation tutorial. 

Lie or Lay?

In my opinion, with the learning of Lay vs Lie comes one of the biggest challenges in the irregular verb list!!!
This generous teacher gives us a lesson (click here )on how to distinguish between:

• LAY LAID LAID (irr. transitive verb meaning to put something down)

• LIE LAY LAIN    (irr. intransititive verb meaning to recline)                                                      

• LIE LIED LIED (regular verb meaning to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive) also gets by to make things a little bit more complicated...

Watch and learn...

VOA's Learning: Another tool to learn English.

When you click in VOA's Learning English link, you'll be directed to a two-column chart in which you can either
1) select youtube videos with a news-telling format and subtitles available
or, which I think it is the most attractive service,
2) a selection of news articles. So far, nothing special! but wait and see. Once the piece of news is opened, an emerging orange dialogue box will pop out so that you can  work on what you really need regarding the article you have just read in terms of vocabulary, comprehension and listening. Sometimes, it is accessible at the bottom of the page. More than recommendable!
In case you haven't realised, it is AmE, as VOA stands for Voice of America.

Martin Luther King

Here is my tribute for this outstanding figure in history who 50 years ago decided that enough was enough for his community. He became the voice of black people suffering discrimination against for their skin colour and told the world about his dream during the March on Washington. His 15 minute "I have a dream" speech , still inspirational today, moved the world then as it does now. Many things have been achieved racismwise, but much work is left yet.
 
They are not longer slaves, but there is still segregation and discrimination that need hard work in order to eradicate it. To succeed in such an honorable cause fought by only the brave and fully committed with the black community no matter what is definitely my dream too.

Notting Hill Carnival

I know today is meant to be "market day entry", but can you think of a better alternative than getting your fancy dress on, wear your best smile, get your dancing spirit high and join Notting Hill Carnival? Vibrant street life at its best. Here you are this year's Visitor's Guide

Edimburgh International Festival

EDIMBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL started last 9th August and threatens to expand up to next 1st September. A proper goodbye to what has been one of the best British summers, weatherwise.
This thrilling and exciting festival is a must for world visitors and locals boasting street culture in many forms and shapes: music, drama, performances, ranging from classical music and opera to theatre, dance and visual art. Unmissable!

Have you got 6 minutes?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/

6 minute English audioclips are the perfect option for those who are always in a hurry. Quick and straight to the point listening with some vocab keys in case you need help. Where there is a will, there is a way!
BBC LEARNING ENGLISH: 6 MINUTE ENGLISH

Market Day: Camden

Proposing today Camden Market, the fourth most popular visitor attraction in London, attracting approximately 100,000 people each weekend. Candem Market is a number of adjoining large markets in Camden Town near the Hampstead Road Lock of the Regent's Canal (which is usually called Camden Lock), often called collectively "Camden Market" or "Camden Lock". (Source http://www.londonmarkets.co.uk/)

Most people know Camden nowadays thanks to relatives' or friends' pictures, tv documentaries or the Internet in general. In my opinion, it is one of the most fascinating places to visit in London. You can't imagine its magic until you put your feet in it and experience the place: the atmosphere, the smell, the sounds, the different locations....

That is why I decided to post a video about how Camden was in the past and learn some history of one of London's top tourist destinations. If you are not into history, then watch this Camden Market Nowadays  link and enjoy as it is today.