Listening resources for advanced learners of English: 6 Oct 2006

Posted on October 7, 2006
Filed under Advanced, Learning resources, Quick links | 2 Comments

When researching new content for Better at English, I come across a lot of great listening material on the net. Unfortunately, a lot of it is impossible to use for podcasts here because of copyright issues. But that doesn’t stop me linking to these listening resources so that you can listen on your own. So each week I will summarize the interesting links that I come across.

Note that these audio files will be most suitable for upper-intermediate to advanced learners, because transcripts and vocabulary lists, and other supported learning material are usually not included.

OMG: IM Slang Is Invading Everyday English

This is an interesting article discussing how Instant Messaging (IM) slang is spreading to other contexts. It features some interview quotes with David Crystal, and interviews with native speakers on what they think about people using IM slang.

English as a Global Language

Hear David Crystal discussing his book, English as a Global Language. It’s from a few years ago, but the topic still highly relevant to many visitors here at Better at English. And David Crystal (one of my favorite authors on language) is always interesting.

Orwell on Writing: ‘Clarity Is the Remedy’

From the NPR series, You Must Read This. Hear author Lawrence Wright singing the praises of Orwell’s classic essay, “Politics and the English Language.”

2 Comments

Comments

2 Responses to “Listening resources for advanced learners of English: 6 Oct 2006”

  1. Junior says:
    March 19, 2009 at 16:54

    Hi, Lori and Michael

    My name’s Junior from Dominican Republic, I’ve got to thank to you and Michael, because thanks to your podcasts I’ve improved a lot. if I wasn’t an umployed guy I’d liked to donate some bucks once in a while.

    Well, let’s get down to business, speaking for me the most difficult to me is the changes of vowels, in my language,spanish, each has just one sound but in the case of English, each one of them has more than one sound, so if you both can talk about it, it’d be great… Have a great day.

  2. Keyla Hendrik says:
    August 19, 2010 at 05:05

    I like this kind of listening material. In my country,
    listening is the most difficult skill students often avoid
    in the class.