Episode 52: Why Americans Are Always “Busy”

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear, intermediate English. I’m your host Christopher., I live in New York City and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

Thanks so much for being here. It’s the middle of winter here in New York City, and honestly, it’s been pretty gray lately, but there’s one thing I love about this time of year: the days are starting to get longer. You can feel it! The sun sets a little later each day, [00:01:00] and it reminds me that spring is coming, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.

This week I began to notice something. My colleagues and friends all seem to be busier now that the holidays are over and we’re into the new year. Everyone is back to their normal routines and suddenly I’m hearing people say, “I’m so busy!” and, “Work is crazy!” It made me think about something you’ve probably noticed if you’ve spent any time around Americans—we’re always busy. Or at least, we always say we are.

Think about it. When someone asks an American, “How are you?” one of the most common responses is “Busy!” or “So busy!” or “Crazy busy!” It’s almost like a reflex. Even when we’re not that busy, we still say we are!

So what’s going on here? Why are Americans [00:02:00] obsessed with being busy? And more importantly, what does busy actually mean in American culture?

Let’s start with the cultural piece. In the United States, being busy is almost seen as a badge of honor. Oh, “badge of honor” is a phrase that means something you are proud of and want others to know about. If you’re busy, it means you’re important. It means people need you. It means you are productive and successful. Many Americans believe that if you are not busy, you’re wasting time or not contributing enough.

This isn’t true everywhere. In most cultures, having free time is a sign of success. It means you’ve organized your life well or you have enough resources that you don’t need to work constantly. But in the U.S., especially in professional settings, [00:03:00] being busy is the goal.

For example, you see a colleague at the coffee shop and he asks you, how have you been? If you say “I don’t have that much going on. I’m just relaxing,” they might think you’re lazy or unmotivated, but if you say, “I’m so busy! Work has been crazy!” they’ll probably respond with sympathy, or even admiration. “I know, me too. It’s nonstop at work!”

Does this mean Americans are actually busier than people in other countries? Honestly, no. A lot of it is perception. Americans fill their schedules and say yes to too many things, and then we complain about how busy we are! And, maybe, we actually like it, or at least we’re used to it.

[00:04:00] There’s a very common English phrase for this: “hustle culture.” Hustle culture is the idea that you should always be working, always be improving, always be doing something productive. “To hustle” in this context means to work very hard and quickly. Rest is seen as a weakness, and free time is seen as wasted time.

This attitude affects how Americans communicate with each other too. If you ask someone to do something with you and they say “I’m so busy right now,” what does that actually mean? Sometimes, it means they truly don’t have time, but often it’s a polite way of saying no, because it’s easier to blame the schedule than to say “I don’t really want to.” I’m sure this can feel very strange to many of you!

Here’s another example. Imagine you’re At [00:05:00] your job, and your boss asks if you can work on a new project. Even if you have time, you might say “I’m pretty swamped, but I can try to do it.” “Swamped” is a very common word, and it means busy, basically. So, “I’m pretty swamped, but I can try to do it” is the same as saying “I’m pretty busy, but I can try to do it.” Back to the example. Why would you say you’re busy, but you’ll try to do the new project if the truth is you actually have time.

Because in American culture, if you say”Sure, no problem!” Your boss might think you’re not busy enough, and he or she might give you even more work. As a result, people frequently exaggerate how busy they are to protect themselves.

Here’s the thing though. Being busy all the time [00:06:00] has a cost. Americans are stressed, we’re tired, we don’t take enough vacation, and even when we do take time off, we check our emails. We feel guilty for resting.

A lot of Americans are starting to realize that this isn’t possible or healthy forever. There’s been a shift recently, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. More people are talking about “work-life balance,” which is a common English phrase that means having time for both work and a personal life. Many younger generations are fighting against the hustle culture in the us, but trying to be busy all the time is still very much a part of American life.

So how do you navigate this as an English learner or someone new to American culture? Here are a few tips.

First, when someone says they’re busy, don’t take [00:07:00] it personally. It’s not always about you. It’s just something people say. They might be really overwhelmed, or they might just be saying what they think is normal.

Second, learn to understand “busy” when you hear it or read it. It might be in a conversation, but it also might be in a movie, a series, or a book. When someone asks how you’re doing, you can say “Busy, but good!” This shows you’re engaged with life without sounding negative.

Third, if you are invited to something and you can’t go, it’s totally acceptable to say, I’d love to, but I’m really busy this week. It’s a polite and very common way to say no.

And finally, remember that you don’t have to adopt this mentality just because you’re improving your English. By the way, lesson four in my English Listening Accelerator covers this exact topic, [00:08:00] English that is associated with workplace culture and being busy. There’s a free sample at comullen.com/listen and you can download it and decide if it’s a good fit for you.

Again, I’m Christopher, and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, and let’s continue this adventure together in clear, understandable English.

Sincere thanks as always for listening.

See you soon!

Episode 51: The Problem with Textbook English (and what to do instead)

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear intermediate English. I’m your host Christopher. I live in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

Thanks so much for listening! I hope you had a chance to relax during the holidays, and that 2026 is off to a great start. I’m excited to begin Season 4 with you, and I’ve got some new episodes coming very soon! You might notice my [00:01:00] voice sounds a little different today. I’m getting over a cold, but I’m feeling much better.

In this episode, I want to talk about something several listeners have mentioned, and it’s something that frustrates a lot of English learners: the gap between textbook English and real English. If you’ve been studying English for a while, you’ve probably noticed this. You learn grammar rules, you memorize vocabulary lists, you do exercises in a textbook, and then you try to have a real conversation with a native speaker, and... it doesn’t quite work the way you expected.

So what’s happening is textbook English bad? Not at all. Textbook English gives you the foundation. It teaches you grammar, structure, basic vocabulary, and how sentences are supposed to work. [00:02:00] And that’s all very important. But here’s the problem: textbooks can’t teach you everything about the way English actually sounds in real life.

Let me give you an example. In a textbook, you might learn the phrase, “I am going to go to the store.” This is perfect grammar, and it’s very clear. But in real conversation, what do we actually say? “I am gonna go to the store.” Or sometimes even just, “Gonna go to the store.”

The textbook version isn’t wrong, but it sounds quite formal. It sounds like you’re reading from a script. And when you only practice textbook English, you start to sound like a textbook instead of a person. Think about your own native language. I’m sure you can think of several examples when the textbook phrase [00:03:00] is a little different from the phrase you actually use.

Here’s another example. A textbook might teach you to answer “How are you?” with “I am fine, thank you. And you?” Grammatically again, that’s perfect. But in real conversation, English speakers usually say “Good, thanks. How about you?” Or even, “Good, you?” The textbook version isn’t wrong, but it sounds stiff and formal.

So what’s the solution? How do you bridge the gap? Between textbook English and real English?

First, you need to listen to real English as much as possible, and I don’t mean English lessons made for learners. I mean podcasts, like this one, TV shows, movies, conversations between [00:04:00] native speakers. You need to hear how people actually talk to each other.

Second, you need context. Textbooks often give you vocabulary words with definitions, but they don’t always show you when or how to use them. For example, you might learn that “purchase” means “to buy.” That’s true, but “purchase” sounds formal. You might say “I need to purchase a new car” in a business email, but in conversation you would just say “I need to buy a new car.” People will understand you either way, but knowing how people actually say things in real life helps you sound more natural, and it helps you understand conversations, movies, TV shows, books, and even song lyrics better.

Third, you need [00:05:00] active practice, not just passive listening. Active practice means you’re doing something with English you’re learning, you’re answering questions, you are repeating phrases out loud, you’re checking your understanding. Passive listening is helpful, but it’s not enough on its own. That’s actually why I put together the English Listening Accelerator with lessons that include transcripts, comprehension, questions, and pronunciation practice. If you want to try it, there’s a free sample at comullen.com/listen.

But the main point is this, don’t rely only on textbooks. Use them for grammar and structure, sure. But spend just as much time, maybe even more time, listening to and practicing real English. Watch shows, listen to podcasts, have conversations even if they’re messy at first.

[00:06:00] The gap between textbook English and real English doesn’t close overnight, but the more you expose yourself to how English actually sounds, the faster you’ll start to sound natural, too.

Again, I’m Christopher and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, and let’s continue this adventure together in clear, understandable English.

Sincere thanks as always for listening as we begin Season 4.

See you soon!

Episode 50: Two Years, 50 Episodes

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear, intermediate English. I’m your host Christopher. I live and work in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work, or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

When I started this podcast two years ago, I didn’t know what would happen. I only had an idea to create a place where English learners could listen to interesting topics in clear, understandable English, perfect for intermediate learners. But I wasn’t sure if anyone would [00:01:00] actually listen. Today, I want to say thank you.

Thank you to everyone who has listened to my episodes. Thank you to listeners from all over the world, from Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. You choose to spend your time learning English with me, and that means everything.

When I look back at these two years, I think about all the topics we’ve covered together. We talked about American history and explored various landmarks. We discussed how Americans live, Why they move so often, how they celebrate, and what they eat. We visited places like New York City and the Grand Canyon. We even talked about unusual traditions and superstitions.

And there were episodes to help you learn English better. We discussed how to improve your reading skills, how to watch movies in English, and different ways to practice listening. [00:02:00] Each episode taught me something new, and I hope it taught you something as well.

But I learned something else over these 50 episodes. Language learning isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary. It’s about connection. It’s about understanding a culture, a country, and the people who live there. Every time you listen, you are not just learning English. You are discovering something about the world just like I am.

I also want to be honest with you. This work has been difficult sometimes. Almost every week I research topics, write scripts, record audio, and edit episodes. It takes a lot of time and energy, and there were moments when I felt tired and asked myself, “Is this worth it?”

But then I would receive a message from a listener saying an episode helped [00:03:00] them understand English better, or they learned something new about the USA, or they just wanted to share a story. Those messages make everything worth it.

So now we’re moving forward to episode 51 and beyond. I’m committed to this podcast. I want to keep bringing you interesting stories in clear English that you can follow and understand. I want to help you grow and discover more.

And today I have something exciting to share with you.

Many of you have asked me for more ways to practice your English. You enjoy the podcast, but you want something more structured, something with transcripts, vocabulary help and comprehension questions to check your understanding.

So I created the English Listening Accelerator.

This is a complete workbook with 10 structured lessons and each [00:04:00] lesson includes:

An audio file with natural everyday English.

A full transcript so you can read along.

Vocabulary definitions for intermediate learners.

Comprehension questions with an answer key.

Repeat-after-me practice to improve your pronunciation.

These lessons cover real life situations: ordering at a cafe, small talk at the office, asking for directions, shopping at the grocery store, celebrating a holiday, preparing for a job interview, and more. These are the situations when you’ll actually use English.

The workbook costs $9, but because you’re part of this community, and because this is episode 50, I’m offering a special launch discount. Use the code LISTEN7 at checkout and you’ll get $2 off. That’s only $7 for the complete workbook with [00:05:00] all 10 lessons and audio files.

This launch Discount is only available for a limited time, so if you’re serious about improving your English skills, now is a great time to get it.

You can find the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen.
That’s c-o-m-u-l-l-e-n.com/listen. I’ll also include the link in the show notes.

The workbook is a PDF with audio files, so you can download it instantly and start practicing today. Work at your own pace. Repeat lessons as many times as you want, and track your progress with the comprehension questions.

If the podcast has helped you, the English Listening Accelerator will take your learning to the next level.

Again, I’m Christopher and thank you for being here. Thank you for listening, and thank you for making these past two years [00:06:00] possible. I’m excited to continue this journey with you in clear, understandable English.

See you soon!

Episode 49: How to Build a Reading Habit in English

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear, intermediate English. I’m your host, Christopher. I live in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work, or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

Thanks so much for listening! I make English, please so learners everywhere can connect with English through a variety of topics. If you’d like to support the show and help me cover some of the production costs, you can do that through “Buy Me a Coffee” at coff.ee/englishplease. Your support [00:01:00] keeps this independent project going, and I truly appreciate it. You can find the link in the show notes.

Now on with the episode!

Reading in English is one of the best ways to improve your language skills. When you read, you see how words connect, how sentences are built, and how ideas are expressed. You also encounter new words again and again in different situations, and that helps you remember them more easily. Reading is not only good for your vocabulary, though. It also helps your grammar, your writing, and even your speaking because you start to think in English.

But reading in another language can sometimes feel difficult or slow. You might look at a page and see too many uncommon words, or maybe you feel that it takes a [00:02:00] long time to finish even a short article. That’s perfectly normal! The important thing is to make reading a small daily habit, not something that feels like a test.

You don’t need to read for hours every day. Even 20 or 30 minutes is enough. The key is to do it regularly. Try to make it part of your day, like having a cup of coffee or checking your messages. If you read every day, even for a short time, you’ll see progress after just a few weeks. Reading in English should feel natural, not stressful.

Okay, that’s great, but what should you read? Choose things that are interesting and not too difficult. If you enjoy what you’re reading, it’s easier to stay motivated. News websites written in simple [00:03:00] English are great. Many of them use clear language and short sentences. You can also read short stories, blogs, travel articles, music reviews, or how-to guides. If you like food, read about recipes. If you enjoy sports, read about your favorite teams in English. The best reading material is something you actually want to finish when you start reading something new.

Don’t try to understand every single word. Doing that is one of the biggest mistakes language learners make. If you stop to check every word in a dictionary, you lose the flow and it becomes hard to see the main idea. Instead, focus first on understanding the general meaning. Often you can guess what a word means from the sentence around it. Later you can go back and look at new [00:04:00] words you encountered.

There are two very useful reading techniques that can help you read more effectively: skimming and scanning. “Skimming” means reading quickly to get the main idea of a text. You don’t read every word. Instead, you move your eyes over the text, reading the first sentence of each paragraph, the headings or any bold words. For example, imagine you see an article about healthy eating tips. When you skim this article, you’re just trying to see what the article is generally about. Maybe it talks about balanced meals, fresh vegetables, avoiding too much sugar. You’re not looking for details yet. Skimming is useful when you want to decide if something is worth reading more carefully later, and I’m sure you do this in your native language all the time.[00:05:00] 

The second technique is scanning. “Scanning” means reading quickly to find one specific piece of information. You use scanning when you already know what you’re looking for. For example, you might read a train schedule to find the time of the next train or an article to find the name of a person or date. You don’t read everything, just the parts that help you find that detail. For example, imagine you’re reading an article about American history and you want to know when the first National Park was created, you would scan the text until you see a number that looks like a date —1872—and then, read that sentence carefully. Scanning helps you save time and find information faster.

Both skimming and scanning are good skills to practice. And you can try them with short online articles. Start with skimming to understand what the article is about, [00:06:00] and then scan to find specific facts. This will make you a faster and more confident reader, not only in English, but in your native language as well!

Another good habit is rereading. When you read something interesting, read it again a few days later. The second time, you’ll notice words or phrases that you didn’t understand before. You’ll also see grammar patterns more clearly. Rereading is a simple but powerful way to deepen your understanding.

If you want to build a reading routine, here’s a simple plan. Choose one short article or story each day—something you can finish in about 10 minutes. Read it once quickly to get the idea. Then read it again more slowly, noticing new words or expressions. Write down two or three new words you find useful, but don’t make [00:07:00] long lists. Use those words in a sentence later in the day, maybe in a text message or a journal entry, or saying it to yourself. After that, you can try to summarize the article aloud in your own words. This helps connect reading with speaking practice.

It’s also helpful to track your progress. You can keep a small notebook and write down in English what you read each day, include the title, the topic, and one thing you learned from it. After a few weeks, you’ll be able to look back and see how much you’ve read and how much you’ve learned. This is great for motivation!

Finally, remember that reading in English should be enjoyable. You don’t have to read classic literature or difficult books, unless you want to. Reading simple, modern, interesting texts is just as valuable. What matters [00:08:00] is consistency. Little by little, your brain will start to recognize patterns and reading will feel easier. You’ll notice that you can understand more without translating in your head, and that’s a great feeling.

So keep it simple. Read what you enjoy. Use skimming to get the main idea and scanning to find details. Don’t worry about every unknown word. Read every day, even just a little, and let English become a natural part of your daily life. Over time, you’ll see how small, regular reading habits can make a big difference in your language skills.

Again, I’m Christopher and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now and let’s continue this adventure together in clear, understandable English.

And please, if you [00:09:00] enjoy the podcast and would like to support it, visit coff.ee/englishplease. It is just a simple way to help me cover the costs of making the podcast. I appreciate your support no matter how small.

Sincere thanks, as always, for listening.

See you soon!

Episode 48: Stop Being Afraid to Speak English

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear intermediate English. I’m your host Christopher. I live in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

First of all, thanks for listening. As I’ve said in the past few episodes, I’m sending occasional newsletters to help you on your journey to fluency. If you are interested, you can sign up at the link in the show notes.

If you enjoy this podcast and would like to support it, you can send a small donation through a site called Buy Me a [00:01:00] Coffee at coff.ee/englishplease. It’s an easy way to help me cover the costs of making the podcast, and I appreciate anything no matter how small. There’s also a link to this in the show notes.

Today I’m going to talk about something that almost everyone experiences when learning a language: feeling nervous when you have to speak. I’m going to share some ways to feel more relaxed and confident when you speak English.

I remember once feeling completely frozen when I had to order lunch in Italian in a small village in southern Italy. It was a place few tourists visited, and the family working at the cafe didn’t speak any English. My mind went blank and I struggled to put the words together. When someone came to my table and asked me if I wanted something to drink, I could only nod my head. [00:02:00] I felt so embarrassed afterwards, and I wondered what went wrong.

If you’ve ever felt nervous when speaking English, you are not alone. Many people feel this way when they try to speak a second language. Even native English speakers can feel this kind of stage fright when they have to speak in public. Oh, “stage fright” is the feeling of nervousness or fear that some people get when they have to speak or perform in front of others. This fear is very common, and it often happens because we worry about making mistakes. But making mistakes is a normal part of learning any new language!

Most people will understand that you’re learning and they will be patient with you. Think about a time when somebody spoke to you in your native language and made mistakes. You probably tried to understand that person anyway because you [00:03:00] wanted to communicate. Just like this, when you speak English to native speakers, they normally appreciate the effort and we’ll focus on what you are trying to say, and that means you really can speak without worrying too much about being perfect.

It can help to prepare before speaking. For example, if you know you will need to ask for directions or order food, think in advance about what you want to say. You might even practice a few sentences quietly to yourself. This preparation will make you feel more confident when the time comes. It also helps to write down a few key words or phrases before you go into a situation.

Another way you can increase your confidence is to think about what the person will say back to you in English. For example, imagine you were at a table in a restaurant. When the [00:04:00] server comes to your table, you will exchange greetings, and you know that the server will probably ask you what you would like to drink and then what you would like to eat. And after that, you can be fairly sure that he or she will ask. Is that all or anything else? Having a basic idea of what to expect will make you feel more prepared. 

Another piece of advice: try talking about topics you know and like. If you love cooking or movies or sports, you probably already know many words for these things. Reading articles or listening to podcasts about your interests can help you learn useful words and phrases. When you use these familiar topics in conversation, you will feel more comfortable because you have already thought about the words you need.

Another obvious tip is to practice speaking whenever [00:05:00] you have the chance. Speaking a language is like practicing a sport or playing an instrument. The more you do it, the easier it becomes, and the more confident you feel. Look for conversation groups or find a language partner or even talk to yourself in the mirror to practice. Each time you speak, you will learn something and build your confidence bit by bit.

Remember that every good speaker started where you are now. When I first started learning Spanish, I could barely order a coffee. After months of practice, I was able to speak comfortably with new friends. With practice and patience, you’ll get better over time too. Speaking confidently is a skill that grows slowly, so keep talking and soon you will be surprised at how much progress you have made.

Sometimes it might feel like your body is doing its own thing. Your heart might be [00:06:00] racing or your hands might feel sweaty when you try to speak. These feelings are your body’s way of telling you that you care about speaking well. Even experienced speakers get a little nervous sometimes. The important thing is not to let these feelings stop you from continuing! Take a deep breath and keep going.

If you do make a mistake or forget a word that is okay. You can quickly correct yourself and move on. For instance, if a wrong word comes out, just say the correct word calmly or use an easier word. People will normally understand and move on as well. Sometimes you can even laugh a little at yourself to show that you are relaxed. This actually helps others feel at ease as well.

It also helps to focus on what you want to communicate. People care more about your message than about every single word Before you [00:07:00] speak, gather your thoughts. You might even smile to calm your nerves a bit. When you speak, try to keep a steady pace. It’s okay to pause and think, and giving yourself a moment is fine! Speaking slowly and clearly will help others understand you better.

Think of ways to practice as part of your daily life. For example, you could describe your day in English as you walk or drive. Each little moment like this is good practice. It may feel small, but over days and weeks, these little efforts add up.

Another idea is to listen and repeat. Listen to simple English podcasts, news segments, or songs, and try repeating what you hear. You can pause and mimic a sentence or phrase. This can help with pronunciation and rhythm, and it can also help you learn new [00:08:00] phrases. Doing this bit by bit makes speaking feel more natural.

And remember to celebrate your successes no matter how small! For example, saying a sentence without freezing in the middle is progress. Someone might understand you even when you are nervous, and that’s great too. Keep track of these wins. Maybe write them down, or just note them in your mind. They will remind you that you are improving.

You’re not alone on this journey. Many people around the world are learning English or another language, and they feel just like you do now when they talk to a native speaker. Over time, those nervous moments will become less common, and it will feel more natural to speak.

Stay patient, stay positive, and keep speaking, you’ll get there in time.

Again, I’m Christopher and I want to invite you to join me [00:09:00] in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, and let’s continue this adventure together in clear, understandable English.

And please, if you enjoy this podcast and would like to support it, visit coff.ee/englishplease. It’s a simple way to help me cover the costs of making the podcast, and I appreciate anything no matter how small.

Sincere thanks as always for listening.

See you soon! 

Episode 47: The Origins of “American” English

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear intermediate English. I’m your host, Christopher. I live in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

First of all, as always, thanks for listening. As I’ve said in the past few episodes, I’m sending occasional newsletters to help you on your journey to fluency. If you’re interested, you can sign up at the link in the show notes.

If you enjoy this podcast and would like to support it, you can send a small [00:01:00] donation through a site called Buy Me a Coffee at coff.ee/englishplease. It’s a simple way to help me cover the cost of making the podcast. I appreciate anything no matter how small. There’s a link in the show notes for this, as well.

In this episode, I’m going to talk about where “American” English comes from. English is mostly the same around the world, but the English, you hear me speak, is American English, which is the kind used in the United States.

American English began when English speakers came to North America in the 1600s. The settlers from England brought the kind of English spoken in Britain at that time, which was the English of Shakespeare’s time. Over the years, this language changed and developed in the new country. It slowly [00:02:00] became different from the English spoken in Britain. And today, American English has its own spellings, words, and pronunciation.

In the early colonies, people often gave simple English names to new plants and animals. They used words that described what they saw. For example, they called one bird, a “bluebird,” and another a “hummingbird.” They also made names like “redbird” and “groundhog” for animals they had never seen in England. This shows how many Americans use their language creatively to describe the world around them.

American English also grew by taking words from other languages. In the 1600s and 1700s, the colonies included people from many countries, English speakers learned and borrowed words from [00:03:00] Dutch, French, Spanish, and other languages.

The Dutch in what is now New York gave English words like “yacht” and “spook” (meaning “ghost”). French speakers gave words like “cafe” and “gopher.” In the American South, Spanish speakers gave words like “alligator” from “el lagarto,” meaning “the lizard” and “canyon,” meaning “a deep valley.” Each time, English speakers changed these words a little bit to make them fit into English.

Native Americans also influenced English. They shared words for local plants, animals, and foods. Some of their words were difficult for English speakers to pronounce, so they were changed. For example, “squash” and “woodchuck” came from native languages. People [00:04:00] from Africa, brought to America as slaves, also added words from their languages. For example, “banjo,” which is a sort of guitar, and “jazz” have African roots and even the common word, “okay” likely comes from African influence. These words became part of American English.

In the 1800s, more immigrants arrived from Europe. People came from Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Jewish communities, bringing new words with them. For example, “cookie” came from Dutch, “bagel” from Yiddish, and “vigilante” from Spanish. Because so many groups lived together, English in America continued to change and grow.

At the same time, Americans began to create their own version of English. After the United States became independent, they wanted a [00:05:00] language that showed their new identity. One important person associated with this was Noah Webster, who wrote the first major American dictionary in 1828. He believed spelling should be simpler and more logical. For example, he promoted spellings like C-O-L-O-R for “color” instead of C-O-L-O-U-R. His dictionary and spelling books were used in schools across the United States, so these forms became standard. It’s largely because of his work that American English looks and sounds different from British English.

Pronunciation also changed in some interesting ways. Early settlers from Britain pronounce the letter “R” clearly as in “car” or “hard” [00:06:00] Americans kept this pronunciation. But in Britain, people later started to drop the “R” sound in some areas, especially London. So “car” became “car.” That is why most Americans still pronounce every “R,” while many British speakers do not. In some ways, American English kept older forms of English that disappeared in Britain.

By the 1800s, American and British English had become clearly different from each other. Some words were used mostly in America. For example, Americans said, “fall” instead of “autumn” to describe the season when leaves dropped from the trees. “Fall” became an old English phrase, But it stayed popular in America while it disappeared, mostly, in Britain. Over time, these small [00:07:00] differences became part of the American identity.

Today, English learners around the world can hear these differences. American English has special spellings, pronunciation, and vocabulary that reflect its long history. It was shaped by people from many countries and many cultures.

American English is the result of hundreds of years of change. It began with settlers from Britain, then grew through contact with Native Americans, Africans, and immigrants from many regions. Writers and teachers like Noah Webster helped make American spelling and grammar consistent. The language has continued to grow ever since the history of English in the United States. Shows that a language really is never fixed. It changes with the people who speak it and the places where they live.

And American English really is a [00:08:00] great choice to learn because it’s widely used in movies, music, business, and travel, so it helps you communicate with people all over the world. And remember, no matter which type of English you learn, the most important thing is being able to understand, and being able to be understood, wherever you go.

Again, I’m Christopher and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, and let’s continue this adventure together in clear, understandable English.

And please, if you enjoy this podcast and would like to support it, visit coff.ee/englishplease. It’s just a simple way to help me cover the costs of making the podcast. I appreciate anything no matter how [00:09:00] small.

Sincere thanks, as always, for listening.

See you soon! 

Episode 46: How to Watch Movies in English Without Subtitles

Struggling to watch English-language movies without subtitles? In this episode of English, please, I break down a simple, step-by-step way to go from native-language subtitles to no subtitles at all, without feeling lost or frustrated. Press play on this page to listen, or read the transcript below.

Episode 46: How to Watch Movies in English Without Subtitles

[00:00:00] 

Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under ten minutes in clear, intermediate English. I’m your host Christopher. I live in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work, or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

First of all, thanks for listening. As I’ve said in the past few episodes, I’m sending occasional newsletters to help you on your journey to fluency. I’m working to make the newsletters more and more useful as we get into Season 3. If you’re interested, you can sign up at the [00:01:00] link in the show notes.

If you enjoy this podcast and would like to support it, you can send a small donation through a site called Buy Me a Coffee at coff.ee/englishplease. It’s an easy way to help me cover the costs of making the podcast. I appreciate anything no matter how small. There’s also a link to this in the show notes.

Okay, let’s get started!

Today, we’re going to talk about something exciting, but also a little scary, for many English learners: watching movies in English without subtitles. I receive lots of emails about all kinds of topics(and feel free to email me with your own questions or comments). Recently, a listener wrote about her difficulty watching popular English language [00:02:00] movies without subtitles in her native language.

Watching movies in English with subtitles in your own language is great. It means you can enjoy the story as you hear English because you can understand it fully by reading the translation in your native language.

But maybe your goal is to move step by step, starting to use English subtitles, and then watching with no subtitles at all. That sounds amazing, right? Maybe you’re thinking, “I’ll never be able to do that. The actors speak too fast and I’ll get lost.” Don’t worry. That’s exactly what I’m going to talk about in this episode.

So how do you go from native subtitles to English subtitles to no subtitles at all?

The first step is to start small. [00:03:00] Don’t choose a complicated movie full of fast dialogue or unusual accents. If you do, you’ll probably become frustrated. I know some of you might be thinking you’d like to watch a popular Hollywood movie, but you will get there later.

First, try something easier: animated films, family movies, or 30-minute sitcom episodes are perfect because the story is typically simpler and the language is usually clearer. You’ll be surprised at how much you understand at first.

It’s completely fine to use subtitles in your native language, but here’s the trick: don’t let your eyes focus on the subtitles the whole time. Try listening first and only look down at the [00:04:00] corresponding translation if you really need to. And I know what you’re thinking: “If I don’t read the subtitles, I feel like I miss everything.” That’s normal at the beginning, even for intermediate-level English learners. The important thing is training your ears little by little. When you are ready, switch to English subtitles. This is a big step and it can feel intimidating.

You might be wondering what happens if you don’t understand the words on screen. Remember, that’s not a problem. You’re still learning. In fact, this is one of the best ways to connect what you hear with what you see.

Try watching a short scene with English subtitles and then watch the same scene again without them. Don’t focus on the whole movie. Each time you’ll notice more, and your confidence will [00:05:00] grow. When you repeat, you’ll start to know what’s happening and your brain relaxes. You’ll stop worrying about the story and start listening to the spoken English. 

And here’s something very important: You will not understand every single word. That’s okay! Language learners often feel like they’re failing if they don’t understand everything. But think about it—even native speakers sometimes don’t catch every line in a movie. Maybe the music is too loud, or the actor mumbles or there’s slang.

What matters is that you follow the story, the emotions, and the big picture. Then, one day without even planning it, you’ll notice that you’ve understood a whole scene with no subtitles. That’s a great moment, and you should celebrate it! It means your ears are stronger, your brain is faster, and your English [00:06:00] is really improving—and this will continue to happen!

Finally, don’t forget the most important thing. Make it fun. Some learners treat this like serious homework, and then they lose motivation. But if you watch movies you really enjoy, whether it’s action, romance, comedy, or even cartoons, you’ll actually want to come back and practice more.

So remember, start small. Use your native subtitles as support. Switch to English. When you’re ready. Focus on short scenes. Don’t worry about every word, and most of all, enjoy the process. That’s how you’ll move step-by-step toward watching movies with no subtitles at all.

Now, choose a good movie, get some popcorn, and enjoy the adventure!

Again, I’m Christopher and I want to invite you to join me in future [00:07:00] episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics, all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, and let’s continue this adventure together in clear, understandable English.

And please, if you enjoy the podcast and would like to support it, visit coff.ee/englishplease. It’s a simple way to help me cover the costs of making the podcast. No pressure, but I appreciate anything, no matter how small.

Sincere thanks, as always, for listening.

See you soon!

Episode 45: Why Americans Argue About Columbus Day

[00:00:00] Welcome to English, please, the podcast where we explore interesting topics in under 10 minutes in clear, intermediate English. I’m your host Christopher. I live in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about languages and how we learn them. Whether you’re listening on your way to work or while cooking dinner at home, this show is designed to help you with your English listening and comprehension skills.

First of all, thanks for listening. As I’ve said in the past few episodes, I’m sending occasional newsletters to help you on your journey to fluency. I am working to make the newsletters more and more useful as we get further into Season 3. If you’re interested, you can sign up at the link and the show notes.[00:01:00] 

If you enjoy this podcast and would like to support it, you can send a small donation through a site called Buy Me a Coffee at coff.ee/englishplease. It’s an easy way to help me cover the costs of making the podcast. I appreciate anything, no matter how small. There’s also a link in the show notes.

 Okay, let’s get started!

When people in Europe think about American holidays, they often imagine Thanksgiving, Independence Day with fireworks, or Halloween with costumes. But there are other holidays in the United States that are less well known abroad, but still very important. One of these is Columbus Day, celebrated each October.

This holiday remembers the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492. For a long time, it was seen as a celebration of exploration and of European roots in the new world. In recent years, however, it has become one of the most debated holidays in the United States. Many people in the US now see this holiday very differently. In fact, many states and cities have stopped celebrating Columbus Day and instead celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which honors the native peoples who lived in the Americas long before Columbus arrived.

For people outside the US this might be surprising. Columbus himself was from Italy and worked for Spain. Why then is the United States so deeply connected to him, and why has this holiday become so controversial?

Christopher Columbus was an Italian sailor from Genoa, Italy. In 1492, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean with the support of Spain. Instead of reaching Asia, as he had hoped, he landed in the Caribbean islands. His voyages opened the door to European exploration, settlement, and colonization of the Americas.

Even though Columbus never reached the land that is today the United States, his journey became a powerful symbol .For many Europeans in the centuries that followed, Columbus represented courage, discovery, and progress. And for Americans in later generations, he came to symbolize the “start” of their history.

The first big celebration of Columbus in the United States happened in 1792 on the 300th anniversary of his first voyage, but the holiday became much more important in the 19th century, especially for Italian immigrants.

At that time, Italians were moving to the US in large numbers, and many faced discrimination. Columbus, as a famous Italian Catholic, became a symbol of pride for them. Celebrating him was a way to say, “We belong here, too. We are part of American history.”

By the 20th century, parades and community [00:05:00] events had become common. In 1937, president Franklin Roosevelt made Columbus Day a national holiday. It was celebrated on October 12th until 1971, when the government moved it to the second Monday of each October, in order to create a long weekend.

In cities with many Italian-Americans like New York, Boston, and Chicago. Columbus Day became a day for parades, marching bands, decorated floats, and community groups filled the streets. Italian flags waved next to American ones, and the holiday felt like a mix of cultural pride and national celebration.

For schools. Columbus Day was often a time to tell stories about Christopher Columbus. Many children learned simplified [00:06:00] versions of his journey, sometimes with myths—for example, that he “proved” the earth was round.

For many decades, the holiday was positive and without controversy, but that changed in the late 20th century. As historians studied Columbus more closely, a darker picture appeared. Columbus’s expeditions were not only about discovery, but also about violence, slavery, and exploitation when he arrived in the Caribbean. He forced the Indigenous people there into hard labor and punished them brutally if they refused. He also brought new diseases, which killed large numbers of native people.

For many Native Americans, Columbus is not a hero at all. His arrival marks the beginning of many centuries of colonization, [00:07:00] the taking of lands, and the destruction of cultures.

By the 1990s protests against Columbus Day had become common. People asked, “Why celebrate a man whose actions caused so much suffering?”

 In 1992, the city of Berkeley, California became the first city in the US to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Instead of honoring Columbus, they wanted the day to celebrate native peoples, their cultures, and their survival.

At first, this idea spread slowly. But in the 2000s, more states and cities joined in. Today, more than half of US states recognized Indigenous Peoples day In some way. In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first US President to officially declare Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the national level, even as Columbus Day is still legally a federal holiday.

[08:00:00] This change is about more than names. It shows a shift in how Americans think about their history and whose voices should be heard. For native communities, the recognition brings dignity and a chance to, and a chance to tell their side of the story.

Of course, not everyone agrees with changing Columbus Day. Italian-American organizations often continue to defend it. For them, Columbus is not only about the past, but also about the struggles of immigrants who found acceptance in America. Removing the holiday can feel like erasing their story.

On the other hand, critics argue that celebrating [00:09:00] Columbus glorifies colonialism. They say it is better to choose another day to celebrate Italian-American heritage, and to use October to honor Indigenous peoples instead.

In the middle, some suggest a compromise keeping Columbus Day, but teaching a more complete history, or celebrating both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day together.

The way the holiday is marked today depends on where in the US you are. In New York and Chicago. Columbus Day parades are still large events, especially in Italian neighborhoods. In places like Seattle, Minneapolis, or many cities in California, the day is now called Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Celebrations there include cultural performances, storytelling, and ceremonies led by Native American [00:10:00] communities. For many people, especially outside big cities, the holiday is simply a day off (though not all employers give it to their employees as a paid holiday).

Columbus is remembered in other parts of the world, as well. In Spain, October 12th is the National Day of Spain. In Latin America, the same day has a few different names, but all of these versions generally celebrate the mixing of European and Indigenous cultures.

In Italy, Columbus is sometimes remembered as one of the country’s great explorers. This international context helps explain why the US holiday is not just about the US, but about wider connections between Europe and the Americas.

Whether people here in the US spend the second Monday in October at a parade, at a cultural festival, or simply [00:11:00] enjoying a day off, the holiday is a reminder of the complex meeting of Europe and the Americas. It’s also a reminder that each generation decides how to remember history.

Again, I’m Christopher and I want to invite you to join me in future episodes of English, please to hear about a variety of topics, all focused on helping you with your English. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And please, if you enjoy this podcast and would like to support it, visit coff.ee/englishplease. It’s just a simple way to help me cover the costs of making the podcast. No pressure, but I appreciate anything, no matter how small.

Sincere thanks as always for listening.

See you soon!