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- The secret to improving your English? Your screen! 📺
The secret to improving your English? Your screen! 📺
Did you know you can maximize your English language learning with just your screen?
Chris Madden
January 7th, 2025 • Reads in 5 minutes
What’s your favorite English language media?
Hello, English learners! Today is a fantastic day to immerse yourself in the world of English through engaging media.
Today’s edition of the EZ English Newsletter will feature:
- All about new media, and specifically how English-language new media can boost your learning.
- Use your shadow! A practical tip for improving your speaking through shadowing.
YESTERDAY’S GAME ON! ANSWERS…
WORD SCRAMBLE CHALLENGE
“R L E O V C”
Answer: CLOVER
FILL IN THE BLANKS
“She has great ________ for languages.”
Answer: Aptitude
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT!
The “N” in English is “New Media” - and you can use it to your advantage!
We all know the term “social media” from our days of hanging around on the internet and our FYPs (for-you-pages) in TikTok, but did you know there’s an academic term for all those platforms? We call them “new media.”
New media refers to digital communication platforms that enable interactive content sharing and engagement, such as social media, streaming services, and blogs. This makes things like English-language learning especially easier, especially when we have:
Real-Life Context: Streaming services like Netflix expose users to authentic dialogue and cultural nuances through movies and series, enhancing their listening skills.
Community Engagement: Social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit allow learners to connect with native speakers, facilitating real-time conversations and cultural exchange.
Diverse Content: YouTube hosts countless educational channels where learners can access lessons on grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary in an entertaining format.
Due to its accessibility, English-language learning with new media is super easy. You can even start doing it after reading this newsletter! Try these steps:
Choose a Show or Podcast: Pick an English-language show or podcast that aligns with your interests—comedy, drama, or educational topics work well.
Set a Viewing Schedule: Decide when you’ll watch an episode or listen to a podcast episode this week. Aim for at least 30 minutes.
Take Notes: While watching or listening, jot down new vocabulary and phrases. This will help reinforce your learning.
Discuss It: Find a friend or language partner to discuss what you've learned after your viewing session.
And you don’t have to learn all of this alone! Join the EZ English Club to find learning companions and useful English language resources.
FACT ATTACK!
Where did “new media” come from?
New media has its roots in the evolution of electronic communication, but it truly took off with the rise of the internet - and the democratization of content creation - in the late 20th century. By the early 2000s, social media giants like Facebook and YouTube emerged, fundamentally changing how we communicate and consume information.
Today, platforms like TikTok and Instagram are not only popular for entertainment but also serve as powerful tools for language learning, enabling users to engage with diverse content in various languages through videos, memes, and interactive posts. These modern platforms have transformed language acquisition by providing immersive experiences where learners can practice listening and speaking skills in real-time.
EZ LAUGHS 😂
This is called a tautology - a statement that is technically true based on redundancy, logical truth, and clarity. Although they usually lack depth!
GAME ON!
Word Riddle Challenge
I start with an "e," end with an "e," but usually contain just one letter.
What am I?
Email us your guess! We’ll give the correct answer in tomorrow’s newsletter!
MASTERY PRO-TIP
Imitation is the highest form of flattery… it’s also an easy way to learn English!
Want to speed up your English speaking game? Try shadowing! 🥷
This basically just means mimicking native speakers in real-time. Here’s how you can do it:
Select a Short Clip: Choose a 2-3 minute video clip or podcast segment with clear dialogue.
Listen Closely: Play the clip once to understand the content without speaking.
Repeat Aloud: Play the clip again and repeat what you hear immediately after each phrase, matching the speaker's tone and pace.
Record Yourself: Use your phone to record your shadowing practice and listen back for feedback on pronunciation and fluency.
Interested in more techniques? Go check out the rest of our offerings at the Good Future Network!
EZ LAUGHS 😂
Remember, folks - drink responsibly! 🍻 Wait, it’s just Tuesday!
Thank you for reading today's newsletter! We hope you feel inspired to tackle this week with enthusiasm and curiosity.
Regards,
Chris Madden