Hello, English Speeches community!

Welcome to the 38th edition of our newsletter, your go-to resource for diving deep into the English language and its cultural intricacies. This week, we're embarking on a global journey from the vibrant celebrations of the Lunar New Year to the historical roots of everyday words, and from mastering the art of idioms to drawing inspiration from influential speeches.

• English with News celebrates the Lunar New Year, introducing traditions and vocabulary like "Lunar New Year," "Dragon," and "Red Envelopes."
  

• Did You Know? explores the origin of "shampoo" from Hindi to English, highlighting language evolution and cultural exchange.
  

• Article of the Week tackles English idioms, offering insights to help learners understand and use them effectively.
  

• English Speeches presents Sudha Murty's speech on "Discipline and Success," sharing wisdom on education and personal growth through stories and insights.

Each segment of our newsletter is crafted to enhance your understanding of English and its global context, from cultural festivities and historical etymologies to idiomatic expressions and motivational speeches. Join us in celebrating the diversity and richness of the English language as we explore its many facets together.

ENGLISH WITH NEWS

Lunar New Year: Embracing the Year of the Dragon

This week, we highlight the Lunar New Year, a cherished Chinese tradition celebrated globally, ushering in the Year of the Dragon. This festival, deeply rooted in Chinese culture, brings together over a billion people in festivities that symbolize renewal, strength, and prosperity.

Key Words:

• Lunar New Year: A major Chinese festival marking the start of the new year according to the lunar calendar.
  

• Dragon: The zodiac animal for 2024, representing power, success, and good fortune in Chinese culture.
  

• Red Envelopes ("Hong Bao"): Gifts of money in red envelopes, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
  

• Firecrackers: Used to ward off evil spirits, a practice integral to the New Year celebrations.
  

• Festivities: Include family gatherings, cultural performances, and the exchange of good wishes and gifts.

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of renewal and hope. It's celebrated with various customs, including wearing red for good fortune, exchanging gifts, and enjoying special foods that symbolize prosperity and longevity. This year's focus on the dragon brings attention to qualities like leadership and ambition, encouraging communities to embrace these traits for success.

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DID YOU KNOW?

"Shampoo": A Journey from India to the English Lexicon

Did you know the word "shampoo" comes from the Hindi word "chāmpo" (चाँपो)? Introduced to the English language in the 18th century, it originally referred to the practice of massaging or kneading the muscles. Over time, its meaning shifted in English to denote the act of washing the hair.

This linguistic journey not only reflects the history of cultural exchange between India and Britain but also illustrates how English incorporates words from around the world, adapting their meanings to fit new contexts and uses.

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

Mastering English Idioms: A Guide to Speaking Like a Native

Dive into the vibrant world of English idioms with our latest exploration. Idioms are not just linguistic embellishments; they are essential for anyone looking to master the English language, offering a peek into its cultural depths and historical richness.

Key Insights:

• What Are Idioms? Idioms are expressions whose meanings cannot be inferred from the individual words they contain. They add color and context to the language, reflecting its cultural and historical nuances.
  

• Common Challenges: For learners, idioms present a unique challenge due to their figurative nature and cultural references. Understanding and using them correctly is crucial for effective communication within English-speaking contexts.
  

• Examples to Know: Get acquainted with idioms like "ball is in your court" (it's your turn to decide or act), "bite the bullet" (bravely face a difficult situation), and "once in a blue moon" (a very rare event), among others.

This guide aims to make your English learning journey not only more comprehensive but also culturally enriched. For more insights and tips, ensure to read the full article.

ENGLISH RESOURCES

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ENGLISH SPEECHES

Sudha Murty: Discipline and Success

In this inspiring session, Sudha Murty, renowned author and philanthropist, shares her profound insights on discipline, education, and the pursuit of knowledge, delivered at the Jamnabai Narsee Campus in 2017. Through her personal journey and anecdotes, Mrs. Murty highlights the importance of hard work, the charm of curiosity, and the pivotal role of discipline in achieving success. Her speech serves as a beacon of wisdom for students, educators, and parents, advocating for a lifelong commitment to learning and ethical conduct.

Key Points for English Learners:

• Rich Vocabulary and Expressions: The speech is a treasure trove of expressions and vocabulary related to education, discipline, and personal development, perfect for learners aiming to enrich their English.
  

• Narrative Techniques: Mrs. Murty's use of personal stories and anecdotes provides a unique opportunity to study narrative structures and storytelling in English.
  

• Cultural Insights: The speech offers a glimpse into Indian culture, education, and values, enhancing learners' understanding of English in diverse cultural contexts.

🤔 SPEECH RECAP QUIZ

Let's test your understanding of English grammar and the key points in the speech above:

1. "I told her to eat a banana because it's considered a good fruit in ________."

   A. our culture

   B. their culture
   C. the culture
   

2. "Every generation feels the next generation is ________ than ours."

   A. less

   B. lesser

   C. least
   

3. "Discipline, like coming up in a proper way, ________ helps a long way in your life."

   A. talking

   B. to talk

   C. talked

Check your understanding and see if you've grasped the key points of the speech. The correct answers are waiting for you further down—keep reading to see how you did!

📝 VOCABULARY SPOTLIGHT

This edition focuses on the words 'discipline' and 'curiosity' from the speech.

Discipline: This noun refers to the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience. In the context of the speech, it emphasizes the importance of self-control and orderly conduct for success.

• Example in a sentence: "Sudha Murty stressed the significance of discipline in shaping one's future, highlighting its role in achieving success."

Curiosity: A noun that describes the desire to learn or know about anything; inquisitiveness. Mrs. Murty celebrates the beauty of innocent curiosity in her speech, encouraging its role in the pursuit of knowledge.

• Example in a sentence: "The beauty of innocent curiosity, as highlighted by Sudha Murty, plays a critical role in the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth."

🗣️ SPEAK LIKE A NATIVE

"Pay a Heavy Price"

In this segment, we explore the phrase "pay a heavy price," used by Sudha Murty to emphasize the consequences of lacking discipline in one's early years.

"Pay a heavy price" means to suffer severe consequences or disadvantages as the result of one's actions. It's often used to highlight the importance of making wise choices.

• Example in a sentence: "Sudha Murty warned that those who neglect discipline in their youth may pay a heavy price in their later life, underscoring the long-term benefits of disciplined living."

ENGLISH RESOURCES

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Together, these resources promise a holistic learning experience, ensuring you communicate effectively and confidently. Don't miss out on this limited-time offer to elevate your English proficiency!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

When it comes to mastering English, remember, there's no shortcut or magic solution. The real progress lies in your dedication to work and maintain discipline in your studies.

Every new word you learn, every grammatical structure you understand, and every conversation you engage in requires effort and consistency. It's these daily, disciplined actions that build your language skills over time.

So, embrace the work. Set regular study times, practice speaking as often as you can, and immerse yourself in the language through reading and listening. The solutions to the challenges you face in learning English are found in your commitment and disciplined approach.

Keep pushing forward with your work and discipline, and you'll find that your proficiency in English will grow stronger with each passing day.

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Are you on the lookout for something intriguing and enriching? Dive into our specially selected collection of newsletters. We've scoured various topics to bring you the best, ensuring there's something for everyone. 🌍✨

From the latest trends to timeless wisdom, our recommendations are a gateway to a world of knowledge and discovery. Whether it's for learning, inspiration, or just a good read, you're sure to find something that piques your interest.

English Quiz Answers: 1.a | 2.a | 3.a

We're grateful for your continued companionship on this language-learning voyage. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts, ideas, or inquiries. Together, we'll keep exploring, expanding, and expressing ourselves with confidence in the English language!

Keep learning and thriving,

Ricardo
Founder, English Speeches YouTube Channel

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