Understanding Humor and Slang: What Every Foreigner Should Know

Hi there, my dear English learners! Robby here from English Harmony, and today we’re going to talk about two fascinating aspects of English that can leave even the most confident speakers scratching their heads: humor and slang. If you’ve ever struggled to understand a joke or felt lost in a conversation filled with slang, don’t worry—you’re not alone! These cultural nuances are tricky but mastering them will boost your expat communication skills and help you connect with English speakers on a deeper level. Let’s break it down with this essential English slang guide and cultural language tips to help you decode humor and slang like a pro. Why Humor and Slang Matter Humor and slang are more than just language—they’re windows into a culture’s identity and values. Being able to understand and use them appropriately can: Help you bond with native speakersMake you feel more included in social settingsBoost your confidence in casual conversations But here’s the thing: humor and slang vary across English-speaking countries and even regions. So, let’s explore how to navigate these tricky yet rewarding aspects of the language. Understanding English Humor English humor often relies on wordplay, sarcasm, and cultural references. Here are some key tips to get you started: 1. Learn Common Types of Humor Sarcasm: Saying the opposite of what you mean, often to be funny or ironic. Example: “Oh great, another rainy day. Just what we needed!”Puns: Wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a word. Example: “I’m reading a book on anti-gravity—it’s impossible to put down!”Dry Humor: A subtle, deadpan style where jokes are delivered without emotion. Tip: Watch English comedies like Friends (U.S.) or The Office (U.K.) to get a feel for different humor styles. 2. Context Is Key Sometimes jokes rely on cultural references or shared experiences. If you don’t get a joke, ask someone to explain it. Most people will be happy to help. 3. Don’t Force It If humor doesn’t come naturally to you, that’s okay! Focus on understanding first before trying to crack jokes yourself. Navigating English Slang Slang is informal language that’s often unique to a specific group, region, or age demographic. It’s constantly evolving, which makes it both fun and challenging to learn. 1. Start with Universal Slang Here are a few commonly used slang terms across English-speaking countries: Cool: Great or impressive. Example: “That movie was so cool!”Hang out: Spend time with someone. Example: “Let’s hang out this weekend.”Bummer: Something disappointing. Example: “It’s a bummer that the party got canceled.” 2. Learn Regional Differences Slang varies greatly between countries: U.S.: “Dude” (guy), “Awesome” (amazing)U.K.: “Mate” (friend), “Knackered” (exhausted)Australia: “Arvo” (afternoon), “No worries” (it’s okay) Tip: If you’re moving to a specific region, focus on learning the local slang to fit in better. 3. Stay Updated Slang evolves quickly, especially among younger generations. Social media, TV shows, and music are great ways to stay current. 4. Practice with Locals Don’t be afraid to ask locals about the slang they use. They’ll appreciate your curiosity and may even teach you phrases you wouldn’t find in a dictionary. Balancing Formal and Informal Language One challenge foreigners face is knowing when to use slang or humor. Here are some tips: Professional Settings: Avoid slang unless your workplace has a very casual culture.Social Settings: Feel free to experiment, but keep it respectful.New People: Start with neutral language until you gauge their style. Final Thoughts Understanding humor and slang is like unlocking a secret door to deeper connections and cultural insight. It takes time, practice, and a bit of trial and error, but it’s worth the effort. Use these cultural language tips and expat communication skills to navigate conversations with ease and confidence. Remember, my friends, don’t stress about getting it perfect. The journey of learning is as rewarding as the destination. So go out there, crack a joke, try some slang, and most importantly, have fun with it! Until next time, happy learning and happy chatting! Cheers, Robby from English Harmony

10 Common Mistakes Foreigners Make When Adapting to English-Speaking Cultures

Hi there, my dear English learners! It’s Robby here from English Harmony, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s as fascinating as it is important: adapting to English-speaking cultures. If you’ve ever felt out of place or unsure of how to navigate a new cultural environment, this article is for you. We’ll explore the most common mistakes expats make, share cultural adaptation tips, and arm you with practical advice for thriving in English-speaking countries. Let’s get started! 1. Underestimating the Importance of Small Talk In many English-speaking cultures, small talk is a vital part of social interactions. Avoiding it can make you seem aloof or unfriendly. Tip: Practice common small talk topics like the weather, sports, or weekend plans. Even a simple “How’s your day going?” can open the door to meaningful conversations. 2. Misinterpreting Politeness English-speaking cultures often use indirect language to sound polite. This can confuse foreigners who take words literally. Example: When someone says, “That’s an interesting idea,” they might mean they don’t agree but don’t want to offend you. Tip: Pay attention to tone and context. If unsure, ask for clarification politely. 3. Neglecting Social Norms Each culture has unwritten rules, like queuing etiquette or saying “please” and “thank you.” Ignoring these can cause awkward situations. Tip: Observe how locals behave and follow their lead. Politeness goes a long way! 4. Overusing Formal Language While formal language is useful, speaking too stiffly can create distance in casual settings. Example: Saying, “I would be most grateful if you could pass the salt” during dinner might come off as overly formal. Tip: Learn casual phrases and contractions like “Can you pass the salt?” to blend in more naturally. 5. Failing to Adapt Humor Humor varies widely across cultures. What’s funny in your home country might not translate well. Tip: Take your time to understand local humor by watching comedies or listening to locals joke. Avoid making jokes until you’re confident they’ll land well. 6. Ignoring Idioms and Phrasal Verbs Native English speakers love idioms and phrasal verbs, and not knowing them can make conversations challenging. Tip: Study common idioms like “costs an arm and a leg” or phrasal verbs like “figure out” to enrich your vocabulary and understand everyday speech. 7. Assuming All English Cultures Are the Same The English-speaking world is diverse. What’s normal in the U.S. might be different in the U.K., Australia, or Canada. Tip: Research specific cultural practices for the country you’re moving to. A little preparation can save you from cultural faux pas. 8. Not Asking for Help Many foreigners shy away from asking questions for fear of embarrassment. However, most people are happy to help. Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask locals about language, customs, or even directions. It shows you’re eager to learn and adapt. 9. Being Too Direct Directness is valued differently across cultures. In many English-speaking countries, being too blunt can seem rude. Tip: Use softer language like “I was wondering if…” or “Would it be possible to…” when making requests or giving opinions. 10. Failing to Celebrate Cultural Differences Trying to fit in is important, but ignoring your own culture can make you feel disconnected. Tip: Share your traditions and be open to learning about others. Cultural exchange enriches everyone’s experience. Final Thoughts Adapting to an English-speaking culture takes time, patience, and practice. By avoiding these common expat mistakes and following these cultural adaptation tips, you’ll feel more confident navigating your new environment. Remember, my friends, it’s all about finding balance—embracing the new while staying true to yourself. Until next time, keep learning, keep adapting, and as always, happy English learning! Cheers, Robby from English Harmony

Enrich Your Writing: Elegant Phrases and Their Usage

Hi there, my dear English learners! Robby here from English Harmony, and today I’ve got something truly exciting to share with you. If you’ve ever wanted to take your writing to the next level, this post is for you. We’re going to explore elegant writing tips, advanced English phrases, and how to use them effectively to enrich your writing. Whether you’re working on a professional report, an academic essay, or even an email, these phrases will help your words stand out! Why Elegant Phrases Matter Using advanced English phrases in your writing shows not only your proficiency but also your attention to detail and professionalism. It’s about adding that extra polish to your work that makes readers think, Wow, this person really knows their stuff! Elegant writing is not about overloading your text with complicated words; it’s about choosing phrases that fit naturally while adding sophistication and clarity. Advanced English Phrases to Enrich Your Writing Here’s a curated list of phrases and expressions that can instantly elevate your writing. I’ve included examples to show you how to use them effectively in different contexts. 1. "In light of..." Meaning: Considering or because of something.Example: In light of recent developments, we have decided to revise our strategy.Usage: Perfect for professional reports and emails when you’re explaining a decision or action. 2. "To that end..." Meaning: As a means to achieve something.Example: We aim to improve customer satisfaction; to that end, we’re launching a new feedback system.Usage: Great for connecting ideas logically in reports or essays. 3. "It is worth noting that..." Meaning: Drawing attention to an important point.Example: It is worth noting that this solution is both cost-effective and sustainable.Usage: Use this in academic or professional writing to emphasize a key detail. 4. "A case in point is..." Meaning: An example that supports the statement.Example: A case in point is the recent success of our marketing campaign.Usage: Excellent for illustrating points in essays, reports, or presentations. 5. "By the same token..." Meaning: For the same reason or in the same way.Example: The policy benefits employees; by the same token, it improves company morale.Usage: Ideal for drawing parallels in your arguments. 6. "On the other hand..." Meaning: Introducing a contrasting idea.Example: The initiative is costly; on the other hand, it offers significant long-term benefits.Usage: A classic phrase for balancing arguments in professional or academic writing. 7. "This underscores the importance of..." Meaning: Highlights or emphasizes something.Example: This underscores the importance of thorough planning in project management.Usage: Use it to draw attention to critical takeaways. 8. "To put it succinctly..." Meaning: Summarizing a point briefly.Example: To put it succinctly, the project’s success relies on teamwork and dedication.Usage: Handy for concluding sections or summarizing key points. Elegant Writing Tips Here are a few practical tips to make these phrases work seamlessly in your writing: Keep Context in Mind: Use phrases that fit the tone and purpose of your writing. A professional report calls for formal expressions, while an informal blog post might need simpler language. Avoid Overloading: Elegant phrases are like spices – a little goes a long way. Don’t overcrowd your sentences; aim for balance. Practice Regularly: Like any skill, writing improves with practice. Try incorporating one or two phrases into your next piece of writing. Read Widely: Reading professional articles, essays, and reports will expose you to more advanced English phrases and help you understand how they’re used naturally. Final Thoughts My friends, enriching your writing doesn’t have to be daunting. By using these advanced English phrases thoughtfully and following these elegant writing tips, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in your writing style. Remember, it’s not just about impressing others but also about communicating your ideas with clarity and confidence. Until next time, keep practicing, keep improving, and as always, happy English learning! Cheers, Robby from English Harmony

The Power of Idioms: Sophisticated Expressions Explained

Hello, English Harmony readers! Robby here, and today we’re diving into one of my favorite aspects of the English language: idioms. These colorful expressions can elevate your communication, making your speech and writing more engaging and nuanced. Idioms are like the secret sauce of English—they’re not always obvious, but once you understand and use them, your language skills will shine. Let’s unpack the power of idioms and learn how to incorporate them into your daily conversations. What Are Idioms? An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning, which often differs from its literal meaning. For example: "Break the ice" doesn’t mean shattering actual ice but starting a conversation in a relaxed way."Bite the bullet" means to face a difficult situation with courage, not literally chewing on ammunition! By using idioms, you add flair to your language and connect better with native speakers. Why Use Idioms? Mastering idioms can: Enhance your fluency: They’re an integral part of everyday English.Express complex ideas succinctly: Idioms pack meaning into a few words.Sound more natural: Native speakers use idioms frequently, and incorporating them helps you blend in. Advanced Idioms for Expressive Language To elevate your communication further, let’s explore some advanced idioms that will add sophistication to your English: "The ball is in your court": It’s your turn to take action or make a decision."Burn the midnight oil": To work late into the night."Cut to the chase": Get to the main point without unnecessary details."Throw in the towel": To give up or admit defeat."A blessing in disguise": Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good."Hit the nail on the head": To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem."Pull out all the stops": To do everything possible to achieve something."Let the cat out of the bag": To reveal a secret. Using Idioms for Advanced Learners If you’re an advanced learner, idioms are a great way to challenge yourself and add depth to your vocabulary. Here’s how to approach learning idioms effectively: Context is Key: Understanding the context in which an idiom is used is crucial. Pay attention to idioms in movies, books, or conversations.Practice Actively: Try using new idioms in your writing or speaking. Start with familiar contexts and expand as you grow more confident.Group Idioms by Themes: Learn idioms related to specific themes like work, relationships, or emotions. For example, idioms like “get the ball rolling” and “push the envelope” are great for workplace conversations.Avoid Overusing Idioms: Too many idioms can overwhelm your message. Use them sparingly to add emphasis or express something vividly. Idioms in Everyday Life To see how idioms can enhance your everyday conversations, here are a few scenarios: At Work:Instead of saying, “We need to work harder,” say, “Let’s pull out all the stops to meet our deadline.”Instead of, “It’s your decision,” say, “The ball is in your court now.”With Friends:Replace, “I’m so tired from staying up late,” with, “I burned the midnight oil last night.”Instead of, “That was a lucky outcome,” say, “That was a blessing in disguise.” Practice Makes Perfect Here’s a quick exercise for you: Take the following plain sentences and rewrite them using idioms from this article: It’s time for you to take charge of this situation.I accidentally revealed the surprise.We should start the project soon. (Answers: “The ball is in your court,” “I let the cat out of the bag,” “Let’s get the ball rolling.”) Unlock Your Idiomatic Potential Idioms are the key to unlocking expressive and impactful language. By gradually incorporating them into your daily interactions, you’ll notice a significant boost in your fluency and confidence. Remember, mastering idioms is not about memorizing endless lists but about understanding their meaning and using them naturally. For more advanced idioms, expressive language tips, and practical exercises, grab a copy of our Free Ebook! It’s packed with resources to help you become a more fluent and confident English speaker. Until next time, keep practicing and embracing the beauty of idiomatic expressions! Yours sincerely, Robby Kukurs

Advanced Vocabulary for Professional Emails

Hello, my dear English Harmony readers! Robby here, your trusty English language tutor. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of professional email vocabulary and uncovering the secret sauce to writing impeccable emails that leave lasting impressions. Let’s face it: professional email writing can be tricky. Whether you’re sending emails to clients, colleagues, or managers, you need to strike the perfect balance between professionalism and clarity. That’s why mastering formal phrases for emails is essential. Why Advanced Vocabulary Matters Using advanced vocabulary doesn’t mean stuffing your emails with fancy words to sound impressive. It’s about being precise, professional, and polite. Strong email communication skills can: Showcase your professionalism.Improve clarity and tone.Build better relationships with your readers. Formal Phrases for Emails Here are some advanced email phrases to elevate your writing: Opening Lines:“I hope this email finds you well.”“I’m writing to follow up on our previous conversation.”Making Requests:“Could you kindly provide more details regarding…”“I would appreciate it if you could…”Providing Information:“Please be informed that…”“I am pleased to share that…”Expressing Gratitude:“Thank you for bringing this to my attention.”“I appreciate your prompt response.”Closing Statements:“Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.”“Looking forward to your reply.” Tips for Advanced Email Writing To truly master advanced email writing, keep these tips in mind: Keep it concise: Long emails can lose the reader’s attention. Stick to the point.Proofread thoroughly: Typos and grammatical errors can undermine your professionalism.Use the right tone: Match your tone to the recipient and the purpose of the email.Structure matters: Break your email into clear paragraphs with distinct sections for introduction, body, and conclusion. Unlock Your Email Communication Potential Mastering professional emails is a step toward becoming a confident and effective communicator. If you’re ready to take your English skills to the next level, I’ve got a treat for you! Download our Free Ebook, packed with tips, tricks, and practical examples to supercharge your English fluency and confidence in all areas of communication. Happy emailing, and as always, keep improving! Yours sincerely, Robby Kukurs

How to Improve Your English Vocabulary with Word Families

Hey there, my fellow English learners! In today's article, I want to talk to you about a powerful method for expanding your English vocabulary: word families. A word family is a group of words that are derived from the same root word, meaning they share a common origin and often have similar meanings. By learning word families, you can quickly and easily expand your vocabulary, as well as improve your understanding of English words and their relationships. The Benefits of Learning Word Families Learning word families can help you improve your vocabulary in several ways. First, it allows you to learn multiple words at once, which is more efficient than trying to memorize individual words. For example, if you learn the word "happy," you can easily expand your vocabulary by learning related words like "happiness," "unhappy," and "happily." These words share a common root, so you can quickly learn and remember them together. Another benefit of learning word families is that it can help you understand the meanings of unfamiliar words. For example, if you come across the word "dysfunctional," you might not know its exact meaning. However, if you know the base word "function," you can make an educated guess that "dysfunctional" means "not functioning correctly." By understanding the meaning of the base word, you can better understand the meaning of the new word. Finally, learning word families can help you recognize patterns in English vocabulary, making it easier to learn new words in the future. For example, many English words have Latin or Greek roots, so if you learn these roots, you can quickly recognize and understand many new words. Similarly, by studying word families, you can learn common prefixes and suffixes, which can help you understand the meaning of new words. How to Incorporate Word Families into Your Vocabulary Learning Now that we understand the benefits of learning word families, let's explore some practical tips for incorporating them into your language learning routine. Start with a base word: Begin by choosing a base word that interests you. This could be a word that you use frequently or a word that you've always wanted to learn. For example, let's say you choose the word "love" as your base word.Identify related words: Next, identify words that are related to your base word. In the case of "love," related words might include "loving," "lover," "lovable," "unloved," and "beloved."Learn the meanings of each word: Take the time to learn the meanings of each word in your word family. You can use a dictionary or online resources to help you. Make note of any prefixes or suffixes that are common to multiple words in the family.Practice using the words: Once you've learned the words, practice using them in context. You can write sentences or paragraphs that use the words, or you can try to incorporate them into conversations with native English speakers.Repeat with new base words: Once you've mastered one word family, choose a new base word and repeat the process. Over time, you'll develop a deeper understanding of English vocabulary and be able to learn new words more quickly. Conclusion Learning word families is an effective way to expand your English vocabulary. By focusing on groups of related words, you can quickly learn multiple new words at once, understand the meanings of unfamiliar words, and recognize patterns in English vocabulary. By incorporating word families into your language learning routine, you can improve your English proficiency and achieve fluency in the language.

How to Use a Thesaurus to Improve Your English Vocabulary

As an English learner, you know that building a strong vocabulary is essential for improving your English skills. One tool that can be incredibly helpful in this process is a thesaurus. A thesaurus is a reference book or online tool that provides synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings) for a given word. Here are some tips on how to use a thesaurus to improve your English vocabulary: Start with a Word You Know To begin using a thesaurus, start with a word you already know. Look it up in the thesaurus and see what synonyms and antonyms are listed. By doing this, you can expand your vocabulary by learning new words that have similar or opposite meanings to the one you already know. Look Up Words You Encounter in Reading When you come across a new word while reading, use a thesaurus to look up synonyms and antonyms. This will help you better understand the word's meaning and how it is used in different contexts. Use Thesaurus to Improve Your Writing When you're writing in English, using a thesaurus can help you improve the quality of your writing. Instead of using the same words repeatedly, you can find synonyms that add variety and nuance to your writing. Learn Contextual Usage When you look up a word in a thesaurus, pay attention to the different contexts in which it can be used. This will help you understand not just the meaning of the word but also how to use it correctly in different situations. Use Online Thesaurus Tools There are many online thesaurus tools available that can help you improve your vocabulary. Some popular ones include Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, Thesaurus.com, and Power Thesaurus. These tools are often more convenient and faster than using a printed thesaurus. In conclusion, a thesaurus can be an incredibly helpful tool for improving your English vocabulary. By looking up words you know, using it to understand new words, improving your writing skills, and paying attention to contextual usage, you can expand your vocabulary and better understand the English language. So, pick up a thesaurus today and start exploring!

5 Proven Strategies for Improving Your English Fluency

Do you want to improve your English fluency, but don't know where to start? Are you tired of feeling anxious and insecure when speaking English, and want to feel more confident and fluent? If so, you're not alone! Many non-native English speakers struggle with fluency, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can overcome these challenges and become a more confident and effective communicator in English. In this article, I will share five proven strategies for improving your English fluency, based on my experience as a language coach and blogger at English Harmony. These strategies have helped thousands of learners like you to overcome their fears and doubts, and to speak English with more clarity, confidence, and ease. Focus on Speaking, Not Grammar One of the biggest mistakes that many learners make when trying to improve their English fluency is to focus too much on grammar and syntax. While grammar is important for clear communication, it is not the most important factor in fluency. In fact, many native English speakers make grammar mistakes all the time, and still manage to communicate effectively! Instead of obsessing over grammar rules and verb tenses, focus on speaking as much as possible. Practice speaking English with native speakers or other learners, and don't worry too much about making mistakes. The more you practice speaking, the more natural and fluent your speech will become, and the more confident you will feel in your ability to communicate in English. Learn Vocabulary in Context Another key to improving your English fluency is to learn vocabulary in context, rather than simply memorizing lists of words. When you learn new vocabulary in context, you can see how the words are used in real-life situations, and you can remember them more easily. For example, instead of memorizing the word "happy", learn the phrase "I'm so happy to see you!". This way, you can see how the word is used in a sentence, and you can remember it more easily when you need to use it yourself. Use Phrases, Not Just Words In addition to learning vocabulary in context, it's also important to learn common phrases and expressions that are used in everyday conversation. Using phrases instead of just words can help you sound more natural and fluent, and can help you understand native speakers better. For example, instead of saying "I don't understand", say "Could you repeat that, please?" or "Could you explain that in more detail?". These phrases are more natural and polite, and they will help you to communicate more effectively in English. Listen to English Every Day One of the best ways to improve your English fluency is to listen to English every day. This can be in the form of podcasts, news broadcasts, TV shows, or movies. When you listen to English on a regular basis, you can improve your listening comprehension, and you can start to pick up new vocabulary and phrases without even realizing it. Try to listen to English for at least 15-30 minutes every day, and make sure to choose content that is interesting and engaging to you. This will help you stay motivated and focused, and it will make the learning process more enjoyable. Practice, Practice, Practice! Finally, the key to improving your English fluency is to practice, practice, practice! The more you practice speaking, listening, and using English in real-life situations, the more confident and fluent you will become. Try to practice your English in different situations and with different people, such as at work, with friends, or in a language exchange group.

10 Steps to Become Fluent in English

How to become fluent in English? Learn how to become fluent in English. English can be learned like any other language – by immersing yourself in the language and speaking it. The more you do that, the more fluent you become. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving fluency in English, with tips and tricks. (more…)

English Speech: The Harsh Reality About Improving Spoken English

Dear English speaker! I want to tell you about a really annoying English speech problem that was troubling me for years! Now I’ve successfully overcome it but until just a couple of years ago I felt devastated when I had to speak English at certain times. Does this sound familiar to you – you KNOW that you can speak English normally but when you have to do it – you just CAN’T? :evil: Yes, the problem we’re talking about here is the sudden inability to speak English properly that prevents you from fully enjoying the social life, move up the carrier ladder and most importantly – it damages your self-confidence. And the funniest thing about this issue is – it happens only SOMETIMES! :???: The previous day you had a chat with your boss and you could speak just about everything – but today you just can’t tell the simplest thing to your English speaking work-mate without hesitating, forgetting words and making stupid grammar mistakes! At the very beginning – when I became fully aware of this strange inability to speak English fluently only on some occasions – I thought I had to focus on improving spoken English. Well – I guess you’re quite familiar with what they say you have to do to improve spoken English and English fluency in general. Read a lot, study grammar a lot and practice English in real life as much as possible. Do you think I didn’t do all this and even more? As I happen to live in an English speaking country – namely, Ireland, English was all around me! At work, on the street, in shops – everywhere! But apart from the majority of foreigners who spent little time on improving their English speaking skills I literally immersed myself in English studies! I was constantly reading English fiction, newspapers, magazines, I learnt hundreds upon hundreds of new English words – my hand-written vocabulary was always with me! All these things improved my general English fluency a great deal, that’s true. However, there would always be days when I just couldn’t speak normally! Blushing, confusion – I just felt like a total looser! :oops: Ultimately I came to understand that fluent spoken English has little to do with how hard you study. Of course – you need to have a solid vocabulary not to mention grammar and practicing. But I think you got the point – no matter how fluent my English was, I’d still experience this stupid issue – inability to speak normal English on certain days… Are you now curious enough to find out HOW exactly I overcame this mind-boggling problem and started enjoying life in an English speaking society at its full? Then read on – I’ll give you plenty of advice! Robby P.S. Are you ready to get on the fast track to spoken English fluency? Check out my English Harmony System HERE!

How to Develop Your Ability to THINK in English

RELATED ARTICLE: Don't Try JUST to Think in English - Speak It Out Loud! We all speak our native languages fluently, quite naturally. The speech formation happens instantaneously and we don’t actually differentiate between a number of subsequent processes taking place when we speak. If I asked you to draw a simple scheme of a speech process when you speak your native language, you’d probably come up with something like this: By and large it’s quite correct – we think in our native language and after a short while we produce speech in the process. If you think that it’s not true and you’re capable of producing speech at the exact time of thinking – read this article. You’ll find out that it actually takes 600 milliseconds for our speech producing organs to catch up with our brain! It’s not a huge lag, and in real life we all have an impression we can think out loud. Anyway, the scheme above represents what goes on when you say something in your native language, and thinking and speaking are two separate processes. But now comes the tricky part of the process. I think that we’re missing a link right before the thinking stage… Are you slightly confused? Are you thinking “What is Robby talking about? What other process takes place in my brain before I think? Surely thinking comes first and everything else follows it!” Well, I haven’t got any proof that my theory is correct, but I believe that an ABSTRACT CONCEPT comes first :!: It’s not verbalized. It’s an idea. It’s something that you kind of FEEL even before you start having actual thoughts in your language. It’s not easy to explain, but I’ll try to provide an example so that can understand what exactly I mean by this abstract concept. (more…)

Don’t Analyze Your English – Part 2: Why Questions Beginning With WHY Are the Worst!

Don’t Study English Hard in the New Year – Practice the Easy Way Instead!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH01zIPMj2c

English phrases for daily use – Small Talk Phrases

MY NAME IS ROBBY, and I'm the author of the English Harmony System - Read About My 5 Year Long Journey to English Fluency HERE! Hi my foreign English speaking friends! Here I’ve created a list of the most important English small talk phrases so that you never have situations when you get stuck when bumping into someone on the street or greeting your colleagues in the morning! Here you’ll also find a good number of English phrases you can use to respond to typical greetings. And even more – some of the phrases below will help you add more substance to what you’re saying to your chat partner and also help you take time and think over the question. At the end of the list you’ll find typical good-bye phrases and you’ll definitely find them handy when finishing off a conversation or even if you want to get rid of the person you’re chatting with! :-) There's also industry small talk phrases - and they're definitely going to come in handy in work-related situations. Whenever you want to ask your work colleague to cover you for a couple of hours and tell them you're going to keep a low profile because you went out the night before - all this is covered in the industry small talk section! So, click on the links below and they'll take you to the respective section of English small talk phrases! ;-) (more…)