Benefits of Slowness
One of the first things you’ll notice when learning a language is the speed at which natives speak. Even if you understand words written on the page, when you hear them spoken at full speed by a native speaker you can feel like you’re listening to a confusing collection of random sounds.
Living While Dying
Think about this question: What would you do if you knew you were going to die soon? Would that change how you lived? Would you stop working? Would you travel? Would you just give up?
Where There is Life
"A question brought me to the point of ending my life when I was 50 years old. My question was the most simple one that lies in every person... It is the question without which life is impossible: Why do I live? Why do I wish for anything, or do anything?... Is there anything in my life that will not be destroyed by my death?"
The Importance of Translation
Books are a special form of communication. Writers write books to communicate ideas about things like love, faith, culture, and even politics. Books are a great way to exchange ideas between cultures. However, without translation, this exchange could never happen.
Thirteen Healthy Habits
Sometimes it may seem difficult for people to improve their health. We are either too busy, too tired or we simply have no desire! The first step is good health habits - actions we do every day, without thinking. Anyone can add these thirteen habits to their lives.
The Global Future of English
Almost 850 million people speak English as their first language. And over 500 million people speak English as a second language. English is the most popular foreign language to learn. It is the language that many people use for doing international business. It is also a common language for education. But English as global language has a long and complex history.
Having Good Conversations
Have you ever had this kind of conversation? Some people think that conversations can change the world. But the world itself is also changing. People spend less time talking to each other and more time using technology to communicate. And this affects the way that we have conversations. Is it still important to spend time in face- to- face conversation with each other? What are some ways to do that? Today’s Spotlight is on having good conversations.
Cleaning the World Together
Some countries produce more garbage. Some produce less. But every day each person in the world creates garbage. There is so much garbage that people do not know where to put it. Sometimes they put it in the wrong place. This is usually against the law. This illegal garbage causes problems for the environment.
Being Shy
Susan Cain was a shy girl. She felt very uncomfortable in social situations. When she met new people she felt her heart beat faster. Like many shy people, Susan did not want other people looking at her. She liked to be quiet and watch other people.
Saying Sorry
Have you ever agreed to meet a friend for a meal? Imagine this. You arrived early and got a good table. You waited. And waited. Now she is almost 30 minutes late. You begin to worry. What if something happened? What if she is hurt and needs help? You send her a message asking if everything is ok. She says that everything is fine. You ask if she is going to be there soon. She messages back, “I forgot!”
All About the Smile
In many places, people smile when they have their picture taken. They are smiling purposefully, to look happy. A smile is a worldwide expression. It is a way that all people show emotion on their faces. All humans know how to smile. But why do we smile? Are there different kinds of smiles? And can a smile mean something different for a man than for a woman? Does a person’s culture affect how much they smile?