Tag Archives: American culture
Hat’s Off to English Speakers! Posted by Gary Locke on Jun 22, 2017
English speakers wear several unique hats, all created within a few years of each other in the 19th century. You can tell a lot about a person by the hat they wear. In many cases, a hat will tell you where someone is from, what team they root for, their hobbies, interests, and even how…
Summer in the USA Posted by sasha on Jun 21, 2017
Summer is officially upon us. Final exams are finished, and students are now off on their long summer holiday. Adults are still stuck at work, but the nice weather means more chances for fun outdoors in the evenings and on weekends. There’s a lot going on during this season. Let’s learn more by taking a…
The American Barbecue Posted by Gary Locke on Jun 1, 2017
It is smoke and sizzle. It is wood and fire and meat. It may be a pit or a drum or a homemade kettle, but it is where the magic happens. Carolina, Kansas City, Texas, or beyond, it’s barbecue American-style. Let’s get something out of the way immediately. I am not talking about grilling. I…
DARE to Learn American English Posted by Gary Locke on May 25, 2017
What if I told you that American English is so diversified that there are different words and phrases for the same thing not only from region-to-region, but even from neighborhood-to-neighborhood? Let me introduce you to one of the most remarkable dictionaries of the English Language. The Dictionary of American Regional English, or DARE, documents and…
Memorial Day History and Traditions Posted by sasha on May 23, 2017
The last Monday in May is a federal holiday in the US. It’s called Memorial Day, and it’s meant to honor those who died while serving in the armed forces. Let’s learn more about this important American holiday with some Memorial Day history and traditions. History This holiday was started after the American Civil War…
This is JEOPARDY!® Posted by Gary Locke on May 18, 2017
In the history of American television there has never been anything quite like the continuing phenomenon that is Jeopardy®. This brainy, yet seemingly simple game show is a cultural institution in the United States. It is also a marvelous way for students of English to test themselves. The show began as the brainchild of entertainer…
It’s Tea Time! Posted by Gary Locke on May 12, 2017
Tea is the beverage most closely associated with the English, so it is no surprise that the English language is filled with idioms and terms related to the humble, delicious brew. Let’s explore the curious case of tea and English speakers. I am a tea drinker. I rarely drink coffee, never drink sodas (or, as…