Learning Languages Through Social Media

Social Media. It is so in fashion to consider it the greatest evil these days. But you like it. You still use it and when your boss/partner/coworker turns the other side you quickly check the updates. OK, that second part, of using it at work is definitely a no-no. But if you are really addicted, or simply don't want to resign of using it, there are also good points of having an account on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. Yes, you got it right: you can improve your language skills ;)

Let me present you with a list of 5 best accounts/pages for each of these media if you want to learn English.

Facebook:

1. The Guardian
   Two-in-one. You can read an English text, learn some new vocabulary and get the news. The language is modern, but correct. The opinions are rather balanced and objective. It's definitely the most accessible newspaper for those, who are still learning with a huge variety of topics.
2. Cork English Teacher
   A great teacher who likes vlogging and explains the mysteries of English pronunciation. Funny and handsome. Students love to follow him.
3. English is Fun
   They used to post lots of graphs, diagrams and tables explaining all the possible grammar problems. Recently they have added a bit more gifs and pictures with slogans on it, which I am less crazy about, but they still put the original materials - reason I've followed them for.
4. Strategies for Cambridge Advanced English exam
   An English teacher sharing her tricks to pass CAE. You couldn't ask for better advice. You must follow her if you are thinking about Cambridge Advanced English Exam.
5. Inspire Lang
   Of course you should follow us! We try to find all the interesting resources and webs and share it with you. From time to time we drop something for French and German students too.

Twitter:

1. Lonely Planet
   Is there a better motivation to learn languages than to see all the wonderful places to visit? They post regularly and the subjects they choose are not monotonous at all!
2. NASA
   Almost like travelling. But a bit farther ;) No, seriously, their posts are always interesting and educational.
3. Maria Popova
   A reader and writer, creator of brainpickings.org. If there is something new in culture, or something long forgotten, but worth remembering, she will write about it.
4. Al Jazeera English
   News is not only BBC and CNN. Al Jazeera English (AJE) is an international state-funded 24-hour English-language news and current affairs TV channel owned and operated by Al Jazeera Media Network, which is headquartered in Doha, Qatar. Instead of being run under one central command, news management rotates between broadcasting centres in Doha and London.
5. Open Culture
   They describe themselves as “ a thought-provoking blog” and often offer free audiobooks and free eboks.

Instagram

1. english_vocabulary
   One word a day. In reality they more often focus on phrases, not single words. Interesting and worth following.
2. grammar_tips
   Tables and graphs. Visually very friendly, which makes memorizing things much easier!
3. learnenglish_easily
   Looks like an online picture dictionary. The difference is, you never know which topic will be posted next.
4. english.notes
   A bit of everything. Nice pictures, easy to remember. Grammar, vocabulary, expressions...
5. colorful_english
   Daily updates for B2 and C1 level students. Mostly videos and vocabulary.

Pinterest:

1. Grammar Check
   Grammar- and writing-related infographics. One of the best I've seen
2. The English Student
   Lots of vocabulary and some recommendations of online resources. Visually very attractive.
3. Latest Infographics
   It's not an account, just browse the expression and you'll get hundreds of results
   of an online collection of latest infographics, covering the topics of Marketing, Business, Education, Finance, Entertainment, Technology, Economy, Travel, SEO, Science, Health, Celebrity, Food, Social Media.... You learn two things at the same time: the topic that interests you and English.
4. ESL at Chesapeake College Adult Education Program
   A wonderful resource to prepare for any test. Videos, infographics, pictures. All focused on what we usually hate most: grammar.
5. Woodward English
   Grammar notes, vocabulary lists, interactive games, reading material and worksheets both for teachers and students.

I hope the above list will help you a bit. Please share with us in the comments ay online resources you are using!

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Board Games - a Great Way to Reconnect with Your Friends!

Have you noticed how present is technology in our lives? Recently, I've been thinking about it a lot. We meet our friends or family members, to have dinner together or in a bar, but we are never really alone with them, never fully dedicated to the moment. The mobiles. Ever-present intruders are there with us. If not phone calls, then whatsapps, line or whatever other fancy app we are using, don't stop bombarding us during that “quality time” with friends or family. Of course not everyone is always connected. We might be lucky enough to have one or two people in our circles, who draw a clear line, who set the border and know when not to be available. But the rest always has some reason to “be available”.

I can't say I blame them. In fact, I understand. More than once I had my mobile with me, knowing it would be irresponsible to turn it off, to disappear, even if just for an hour or so. Work is the main reason, something we often can't avoid. But I'm not talking here about these moments that we have no influence over. No, I think about when we go out to spend time with people who are truly important to us, but we whatsapp with other group of friends, or we browse the internet, show each other stupid/funny memes, check facebook/twitter/whatever is fancy at the moment. I'm talking about not being capable to spend time talking face to face. I really think many people are oblivious to the simple pleasure of chit-chatting with someone next to us, without using emoticons. I believe some of us have already lost the capability or reading real faces, recognizing sarcasm etc. It even looks like mobiles gained "an official space" on the table: on the right side of the plate, just next to the fork! Does that sound familiar? If so, I guess you might like my idea of how to avoid it.

Some time ago, I rediscovered the pleasure of board games. But I was surprised to notice that the world has moved ahead a lot. It's not only Scrabble and Monopoly anymore. You can literally find any board game on any subject you can imagine. You like travelling and trains? Try Ticket to Ride. You're a foodie? Choose Sushi-Go. You dream of an old world of colonies and its merchants? Mombasa. Zombies? Dead of Winter. Vikings? Blood Rage. Running a hotel? Grand Austria Hotel... I could go on like this forever!

Believe it or not, it's a great way to reconnect with those who up to now were too absorbed by technology to fully focus on your meetings! Most of the games are so entertaining and need all your attention if you don't want to lose. Lots of fun guaranteed! It will help you to relax, enjoy yourself and who knows,maybe learn a thing or two!

There is also one more thing that you could actually use board games for: learn the language. Of course, all of the games I mentioned, have their Spanish versions (some under slightly different title), but why don't you try them out in English? Maybe you could even encourage your friends to use not only instructions in English, but play in that language to practice? Invite some foreigners? You like the idea, but seriously doubt you could convince your friends? In most cities there are groups that meet regularly to play. Join one! Check the local libraries, cultural houses, google them. I promise: you won't regret it!