With the June 2011 update to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the English language has officially gained some new words to use when talking about the environment, and especially about the future of the planet. They start out on a … Continue reading…
They have been at a great feast of languages, and have stolen the scraps – William Shakespeare, “Love’s Labours Lost” The English language is a veritable banquet of deliciously interesting words that you can learn and use in your daily … Continue reading…
Beowulf wæs breme – blæd wide sprang – Scyldes eafera Scedelandum in. A thousand years ago, if you had read this text (assuming that you were one of the relatively few people in Western Europe who could read back then), … Continue reading…
The Oxford English Dictionary recently added two terms peculiar to the 21st-century lifestyle: couch surfing and ego-surfing. If you’re a relatively independent 20-something* you’ve probably done a bit of both. Ocean waves have been washing against the shore for millions … Continue reading…
In 18th-century England, it’s likely that less than half of the general public could do much more than sign their name. Those people who had the time, the talent, and most importantly the money to educate themselves and spend their … Continue reading…
In May 1770, Marie Antoinette married the future King Louis XVI (she was 14, he was 15). They remained married for over twenty years, until both their lives and their monarchies were brought to an abrupt end during the French … Continue reading…
While students do get English classes at school, young children still need encouragement to keep up with their schoolwork at home, and the adults in their lives play an important role in helping them develop a love of words while … Continue reading…
We encourage a love of language in people of all ages, but it’s particularly important for young children and teenagers to develop an interest in vocabulary improvement, because a solid foundation in English vocabulary will help them in their early … Continue reading…
Yesterday we talked about the fact that expanding your reading materials will present you with an expanded list of English words that you can make part of your working vocabulary. However, just seeing a word in print doesn’t mean that … Continue reading…
If you’re hoping get a good job in any English-speaking country, your ability to read, write, and speak English at a high level is crucial to your success. In addition, since English has become the default language for many international … Continue reading…