The world has always had the need for an international language. Before, it was for the spread of religion and for intellectuals to engage in debates. Today, it is more about communicating with other people from any culture and part of the world.
Like many other people learning English, you might also think that if you can master grammar and writing you can master the English language. But you may be wrong thinking that as the English language is so much more than just grammar and writing. Popular culture, or as we like to call it ‘Pop Culture’, is the biggest part of learning English.
During our English Summer School in the UK, students of our Summer Courses in Britain are taken to see some of the sights in London; like museums, markets and a cruise on the river Thames.
When all of my children were young I sat with my friend and we thought about starting some fun summer camp for her French students who wanted to learn English. And that was how English Language Homestays was born.
The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated was in 336, during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Not long after, Pope Julius I declared that the birth of Jesus was to be celebrated on the 25th December; from then on Christmas has always been celebrated on the 25th. On the 25th December, it is…
If you are lucky enough to be enjoying a traditional Christmas dinner this year then you will certainly be expecting to pull a cracker, a Christmas Cracker that is. These colourful accessories on the family table are enjoyed by everyone and no Christmas will ever be the same without one. A beautiful metallic wrapped cardboard tube that compliments this traditional meal, but why do we pull one, where have they come from and what’s the meaning behind this?
The Christmas (or Xmas) Pudding originated in the 14th Century, but not as we know it today. It was originally called ‘Frumenty’ and was made of beef and mutton, then mixed with fruit and it looked more like a soup than a Christmas pudding. It was eaten as a fasting meal, prior to the Christmas festivities.
British Humour is unique and can seem baffling at first. The key is not to take yourself too seriously. Understanding British humour is not to take yourself too seriously, make light of your failures and flaws, clumsiness and embarrassing moments. The British are good at teasing and taking the piss, out of themselves and others.…
Whether you are a babbling baby or a senior citizen reminiscing over the past or just having a general conversation in English, conversation happens everyday and is the key to communication. I am going to take you back to the very young school stays where it all started on that cold school hall:- In the…
A traditional afternoon tea is quintessentially English. It is a meal that is served after 2.00pm (before this would be lunch) and no later than 8.00pm (after this would be dinner). History of Afternoon Tea The tradition goes back to the early nineteenth century, when Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford complained about ‘being hungry’ during…
