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American English Podcast

American English Podcast

Shana Thompson

The American English Podcast teaches the language and culture of the United States. Through common expressions, pronunciation tips and interesting cultural snippets or stories, I hope to keep this fun, useful and interesting! All bonus material can be accessed at http://americanenglishpodcast.com/

181 - 161 - 10 Words a Day: Handy-Dandy Reduplications
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  • 181 - 161 - 10 Words a Day: Handy-Dandy Reduplications

    I know, I know, 99% of you are saying what in the world is that? What in the world is a reduplication? 

    Well I just told you one: Handy-dandy. Handy by itself means useful or practical, in American English you can add dandy for emphasis, intensification and to give it a playful and poetic effect. Handy-dandy is a reduplication. 

    In English, you’ll hear reduplications in songs and casual conversation! Many times it just involves repeating the first word and changing one consonant or one vowel, like handy dandy, flip flop or chit chat. Sometimes you’ll actually hear the exact same word repeated, like boo-boo or yo-yo. Sometimes reduplications rhyme, but not always. Yet, there is always a certain rhythmic nature to them.

    And let’s be honest, who doesn’t like rhythm!? If you want to add some spice and flavor to the way you talk in English, keep listening! Today, we’ll go through 10 Common Reduplications and how to use them in everyday contexts.

    Premium Content: 

    Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file.All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150)My Favorite English ResourcesSupport the show
    Sun, 17 Mar 2024
  • 180 - 160.2 - How Cereal Became The Number One Breakfast Food in the U.S.

    You've seen it, right? The long cereal aisles in a U.S. supermarket? Crammed from top to bottom with colorful boxes? I bet you have.

    Cereal arouses a sense of nostalgia in a lot of the Americans that I know; it brings about memories of childhood, simpler times, family breakfasts. It's a wonderful topic of conversation that you can have with native speakers. Ask them: What was your favorite cereal when you were a child? You'll see their eyes light up. Then maybe you can share something that you learned in today's lesson!

    Premium Content: 

    Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file.All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150)

    Raisin Bran Muffins:

    1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola)2 cups buttermilk (I use low-fat)2 eggs2 cups flour4 cups Raisin Bran cereal1 cup sugar1.5 teaspoons baking soda1 teaspoon salt1/2 cup raisins 2 teaspoons cinnamon1 teaspoon all spice

    Optional Topping:

    1/2 cup chopped pecans (small)
      Heat oven to 400 degrees.Mix all of the muffin ingredients in order.  Let mixture sit for 10 minutes, so that the cereal softens.Bake in a muffin tin at 400 degrees for 14-18 minutes (depending on the color and size of your muffin tin.) I like the pecans to develop a very toasty flavor, so I generally cook them closer to 18 minutes.Let cool at least 10 minutes. Top with butter and/or honey.

    Each batch makes about 18 muffins. My family doubles it and it makes 36 at a time! We freeze them. Then, in the morning, we microwave each muffin for 40 seconds, slice in half and spread a bit of butter on each side. :) 

    Enjoy!

    Support the show
    Sun, 03 Mar 2024
  • 179 - 160 - Expression: Gimme Some Sugar!

    You're sitting on the couch and your significant other is too far from you. Want them to cuddle up next to you? Say: "Gimme some sugar!"

    "Gimme some sugar" is a common American English expression used to express desire for physical affection, whether that be some cuddles, a hug, a kiss or even a fist pump! It's a playful idiom, and today, you'll learn its origin and hear a number of examples so that you can hear how native speakers would use it in various contexts.

    The second part of this lesson will answer the questions: "How cereal became a popular breakfast food in the U.S." Stay tuned, the story is short, sweet and relevant!

    Premium Content: 

    Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file.All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150)Support the show
    Thu, 22 Feb 2024
  • 178 - 159 - 5-Minute English: Home Renovation

    Last month, my family and I moved into a new home. In English, it's what we'd call a fixer upper; it's a home that needs updates, it needs renovation, it needs to be remodeled in various ways. We are in the process of fixing our house up, and today you'll hear a true story about the process. 

    In this 5-minute English episode, you'll learn how to talk about home renovations and repairs in English. This is a topic-specific lesson, so it's jam-packed with vocabulary you will need if this topic arises in conversation.

    If you sign up to premium content, or just the 5-minute English courses, you will receive an image sheet with pictures of all of the key vocabulary discussed, you'll see a video with those images and shadowing exercises to work on your pronunciation, as well as many exercises and quizzes to help you retain the words you hear. You also have an annotated transcript! Believe me, as a language learner myself, this is incredibly helpful for understanding a text.

    Premium Content + Courses

    Season 4 (Premium Content for Episodes 151-200)5-Minute English Bundle (5-Minute English Course 1 + 2)  

    Mentioned in Episode 

    Magnolia Tableby Joanna Gaines (this book is fantastic if you want to give someone a gift!)Support the show
    Thu, 08 Feb 2024
  • 177 - 158 - Moving Across the U.S. with Lucas

    Moving across the United States is a significant event that brings with it a mix of excitement and challenges. Just last month, Lucas made the cross-country road trip from California to North Carolina, and today he's here to talk about the experience.

    This is a casual and fun conversation with lots to take away, even if you're not relocating!  We talk about the change of scenery from the West to East Coast, the vast and diverse landscape of the U.S., and how the culture differs as you travel. Learn how to make the most of a cross-country roadtrip from the careful planning to the unique cuisine. Hopefully at some point you also get the chance to take a roadtrip! :)

    Premium Content: 

    Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Includes quiz, transcript with definitions and mp3.All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150)Support the show
    Thu, 25 Jan 2024
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