Learning English with Stephen

What can artificial intelligence tell us about how to learn languages? Let's ask it and find out!

What is a pronoun? How do you use them? How can they change? In this episode, we look at how we can use pronouns in English.

It can be difficult to know when we are progressing with a language. This is why it is important to celebrate your achievements. You will increase your motivation to continue learning and recognise how much you have already accomplished.

A deep dive into the words 'bear' and 'bare'.

Our journey into the history of English takes a slight detour today as we look at how the alphabet was developed. It's a journey that takes us from Ancient Egypt through the Romans (of course) to most modern European languages and more.

Previously, I have talked about how I hate language exams. But if we don't have exams, what are the alternatives? Well, one alternative is self-assessment. Find out all about self-assessment in this latest episode and discover its power to make you a better learner.

Egypt is one of the oldest civilisations in the world and has influenced all areas of human life. In this episode, we discover some of the words in modern English that come from Ancient Egypt.

How did a small tribe from modern-day Ukraine influence the languages of 50% of the languages in the world today? In this episode I look at how language can spread with conquest.

In today's episode, we are talking about English language assessment. Specifically, we are going to talk about why I hate English exams!

Many people try, and fail, to speak English with the people they live with. In this episode, I look at some strategies and tips you can use to make the most of this valuable opportunity.

Listen to discover the origin of the Halloween festval and also find out what the word means.

The people who spoke the language that evolved into English developed a secret weapon: they became lactose tolerant. Find out how this affected the spread of their language around the world.

One of the best ways to learn, is to teach. You don't need to be a teacher to teach. Find out how you can teach to learn in this latest episode.

Mandarin is the most common language, but why is it called Mandarin and why are there many other things with the same name?

In the search for the origins we of English, we are going all the way back to the end of the last ice age.

Discover the surprising origin of the word "sabotage" and some of the coincidental ways it has been used.

Lots of English learners have problems with double negatives in English. Discover the advice I give students on this subject.

An introduction to a new series on the origins of English.

Learn all about the word "wash" and how it can be used in phrase like "whitewash" and "sportswash". 

Learn why you shouldn't sweat if you are having problems focussing on learning English.