english matters

One of the great things about modern day technology is the ability to store things such as music, films and books electronically. As well as freeing up tons of space in your home, it makes transporting them much easier (remember having to lug around a ‘Discman’ in your pocket just to listen to your favourite tunes on a bus?) But there are still plenty of people who enjoy the aspect of collecting physical copies of their music and the annual ‘Record Store Day’ is there to help them celebrate. Founded in 2007 and…Czytaj dalej …

One of the great things about visiting foreign countries is learning a bit of the lingo beforehand in order to communicate with the locals. However, despite the fact English is spoken right around the globe, visitors to the British Isles may well notice signs written in an array of different languages - one of the most interesting being Scottish Gaelic. Although not an officially recognised EU language, a recent census showed that 87,000 people in the country over the age of three had at least a grasp of Gaelic, and 57,000 were actually…Czytaj dalej …
Spring is comming

Spring is comming

It’s fair to say that the winter has been and gone and wasn’t it a disappointing one? No opportunity to build snowmen or have a snowball fight and the sledge remained locked up in the garage. So, springtime is upon us and very soon it will be time to dust down your favourite shorts and T-shirt and stick a pair of sunglasses on your head. But hold your horses... we’re not quite there yet. Just as it was getting to the point where we could leave our jackets at home, the heavens decide…Czytaj dalej …
To indulge or not to Indulge….

To indulge or not to Indulge….

Never has there been a more difficult question! Lent is one of the most testing times, a time of year when people decide to give up something they love. It could be anything; chocolate, fast food, alcohol, sugar, even swearing. An annual Christian tradition which comes before Easter, Lent falls on different dates each year. For many, the day begins on Ash Wednesday and is a way to repent and wash away sins. There are many different theories and beliefs behind the origins and the dates of Lent - one popular belief is…Czytaj dalej …
International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays around the globe - a day when the fairer sex receive gifts such as flowers and chocolates and even the occasional kiss. Nowadays ‘Women’s Day’ falls on March 8 but the first recorded event dates back to February 1909 in New York - a day set up by the Socialist Party of America which was introduced in order to pay homage to the ‘International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union’ strike which took place the year previous. The day has always been prominent in central…Czytaj dalej …
Poetry with English Matters: If–, Rudyard Kipling

Poetry with English Matters: If–, Rudyard Kipling

Welcome to a new cycle of posts about great English poems. We will kick off with one of this author's favourites, If–, by Nobel Laureate Rudyard Kipling (1865 – 1936). Kipling said that he was inspired to write the poem following news of the failed Jameson Raid in what is now known as South Africa. The poem, written as advice to the poet's son is a symbol of the “British virtues of a 'stiff upper lip' and stoicism in the face of adversity,” wrote one scholar.   If– If you can keep your head when…Czytaj dalej …
Song lyrics: The Sound of Silence, Simon & Garfunkel

Song lyrics: The Sound of Silence, Simon & Garfunkel

The Sound of Silence by folk group Simon & Garfunkel is one of the best established songs in the genre. Interestingly the song did not get much airtime when it was first released, but a remix soon started climbing the charts in 1965. The two musicians have played the song countless times at their converts and remains one of the band's most beloved singles. The haunting lyrics of the song are perfect for autumn evenings sitting next to a fireplace! Watch the video and read the lyrics. Hello darkness, my old friend I've…Czytaj dalej …

Where Does English Come From?

English language as we know it today has a long and winding history. It is considered a West Germanic language as it has links to the German spoken by the first settlers of Great Britain. Therefore as a descendant of the German language, it has cousins in the European continent, such as Dutch, Swedish and even Yiddish. Designer Minna Sundberg has taken inspiration from the language tress used by linguists to produce a visually inspiring design showing the different families of Old-World languages. The branches are the main families, while the size of…Czytaj dalej …
Things You Didn’t Know About: Halloween

Things You Didn’t Know About: Halloween

It is the end of October, and tonight children will be trick or treating around the world. Although the holiday is considered to be a US holiday – it is celebrated there more than anywhere else – the tradition originated in Ireland. There it was called Hallowe'en, and celebrated on All Saints Eve. The origins are a blend of pagan and Christian and honour the dead with festivities linking to departed loved ones. The iconic Jack-o'-lantern which today brightens the path of many revellers was originally a carved turnip. Eyes and a mouth…Czytaj dalej …

Video Comprehension – The Wonders of Gold

Gold is one of the world's most sought after elements. It has been the symbol of luxury for millennia, and to this day it is still an important factor in world economics. The metal's bling factor makes it something which is yearned for by everyone from criminal despots to rap stars, to royalty. James Bond author Ian Fleming used the metal as a thematic element in a number of his bestselling novels, including “The Man with the Golden Gun,” and “Goldfinger.” In fact Fleming was so obsessed with the element that he wrote…Czytaj dalej …
← Newer Posts
Older Posts →