Exploring English: language and culture
Published May 22, 2023, 10:20 a.m. by Jerald Waisoki
When you learn a new language, you also learn about the culture that uses that language. It's impossible to learn a language without also learning about the culture of the people who speak it.
That's why the British Council's learnenglish website is such a great resource for anyone interested in exploring english language and culture.
The website is packed with articles, videos, and activities that will help you learn about the english language and the cultures of english-speaking countries.
You can learn about the history of the english language, the different varieties of english spoken around the world, and how the language is used in different contexts.
You can also explore the cultures of english-speaking countries through articles, videos, and activities on topics such as food, music, and art.
So whether you're interested in learning more about the english language or you want to explore the cultures of english-speaking countries, the British Council's learnenglish website is a great place to start.
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NICOLE: Hi.
My name's Nicole and I'll be working with you
on this course.
Now, people often say that English is a world language
and it's true that English is spoken - and studied -
all over the world.
This week, we'll look at some of the reasons
why English is a world language.
By the end of the week, you'll be able to talk and write
more fluently about why - and how - you're learning English,
and what English means to you.
We know that people learn English
for many different reasons - to help them communicate
at work, to help them study courses in English
or perhaps just for fun.
We also know that learning English is not always easy
- it can be hard work.
We asked three people who've learnt English how they feel
about speaking English.
Let's have a look at what they said.
Fernando from Brazil said: "In English I see myself
as a stronger and more confident man.
I can hear changes in my voice.
It gets deeper and more 'serious'.
I think of myself as an older person when I speak English".
And this is what Anne-Lise from Denmark
said: "English is a much richer, more subtle and more beautiful
language than my mother tongue.
Speaking it makes me feel I'm the person I was always
meant to be."
And finally, Mahwish from Pakistan
said: "Speaking English helps me to understand British culture
and at the same time gives me a better understanding
of my own culture from other people's perspective."
We've heard some interesting ideas and opinions there.
Speaking English can make people feel like a 'different, older
person' or, as Anna said, 'Speaking English makes me feel
like the person I was meant to be' -
those are quite strong feelings.
But how about you?
Did you agree with any of our learners?
Or perhaps you completely disagreed.
I'd like you now to think about how you feel about English
