TV Shows and Movies to Learn English: From Friends to La Casa de Papel

Watching TV shows and movies is one of the most fun and effective ways to learn English. Not only do you improve your listening skills, but you also get to know cultural references, slang, and everyday expressions. Here are some great recommendations, from classic sitcoms to popular series with a cultural twist!

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1. Friends

Why watch:
This iconic American sitcom is perfect for learning casual, everyday English. The characters’ conversations cover friendship, dating, work, and humor — all in a simple, clear way. Plus, many phrases from Friends have become part of popular culture!

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2. Stranger Things

Why watch:
This thrilling sci-fi show mixes 80s nostalgia with modern slang. It’s great for teens because it features young characters and realistic dialogues. It also introduces American pop culture references and idioms.

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3. The Crown

Why watch:
Interested in British English and history? The Crown offers clear British accents, formal and informal conversations, plus insight into British culture and the monarchy.

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4. La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)

Why watch:
Though primarily in Spanish, this global hit connects with English learners through subtitles and fan communities. Watching it in English or with English subtitles helps learners improve comprehension and learn crime-thriller vocabulary. Plus, it’s a cultural phenomenon connecting Spanish and English-speaking fans worldwide.

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5. Harry Potter Series (Movies)

Why watch:
The beloved Harry Potter films are fantastic for learners at all levels. The magical world is captivating, and the language grows with the characters, starting simpler and becoming more complex, which helps build vocabulary gradually.

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6. The Simpsons

Why watch:
This animated series is packed with humor, social commentary, and everyday language. It’s a great way to hear different American accents and slang, plus cultural jokes and parodies.

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Tips to Get the Most Out of Watching:

• Use subtitles smartly: Start with English subtitles, then try without them as you improve.

• Pause and repeat: Don’t hesitate to rewind and repeat scenes to catch new words or phrases.

• Take notes: Write down new expressions or slang and try to use them later.

• Discuss with friends: Talk about the episodes in English — it helps reinforce what you learned!

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What’s your favorite show or movie to learn English? Share your picks!

#LearnEnglish #TVShowsForEnglish #MoviesAndLanguage #CulturalLearning #EnglishPractice 

The Power of English in Social Media: How to Sound Natural and Cool

English is everywhere on social media — from TikTok to Instagram and Twitter. Using English well can help you connect with friends worldwide, express your personality, and even get more followers. But how do you sound natural and cool instead of robotic or awkward? Here are some simple tips to level up your English online!

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1. Keep It Casual and Friendly

Avoid super formal words or grammar. Use contractions like I’m, don’t, can’t — just like you talk to friends.
Example: Instead of “I am very excited about this,” say “I’m so excited about this!”

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2. Use Slang and Idioms (But Don’t Overdo It)

Throw in some popular slang like lit, fam, or vibes to sound up-to-date. But don’t use slang you don’t fully understand — it can sound fake.
Example: “That party was lit!” means it was awesome or fun.

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3. Emojis Are Your Friends

Emojis add emotion and personality. Use them to show happiness 😄, surprise 😲, or love ❤️. But keep a balance — too many can be distracting.
Example: “Can’t wait for the weekend! 😎🎉”

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4. Short Sentences and Hashtags

Keep sentences short and punchy. Hashtags help people find your posts — but use relevant and popular ones.
Example: “Feeling happy today! #GoodVibes #WeekendMood”

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5. Be Yourself

The coolest English on social media is the one that reflects your personality. Share what you love, your opinions, and your humor — that’s what makes your posts stand out.

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Bonus Tip: Watch and Learn

Follow popular English-speaking influencers or creators you like. Pay attention to how they speak, the phrases they use, and how they interact with followers. Then, practice using those patterns in your own style.

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Ready to shine on social media in English? Start small, have fun, and watch your confidence grow!

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What’s your favorite English slang or phrase to use online? Share below!

#SocialMediaTips #EnglishForTeens #SoundNatural #SpeakLikeANative #LearnEnglish

Famous English Poems and What Teens Can Learn From Them

Poetry might seem old-fashioned, but it talks about feelings and experiences that never go out of style. Many famous English poems explore themes like friendship, identity, and emotions — things every teen can relate to. Let’s look at some short poems and see what lessons they have for you.

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1. “A Poison Tree” by William Blake

Theme: Handling Anger and Forgiveness

I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.

This poem shows how keeping anger inside can make problems worse. For teens, it’s a reminder to talk about feelings instead of hiding them — communication helps heal friendships.

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2. “Hope is the thing with feathers” by Emily Dickinson

Theme: Hope and Resilience

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all.

When life gets tough, hope is like a bird singing inside you. This poem encourages teens to hold on to hope, even when things feel hard or uncertain.

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3. “If—” by Rudyard Kipling (Excerpt)

Theme: Identity and Strength

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you...

This classic teaches the importance of staying calm, confident, and true to yourself — essential advice for anyone figuring out who they are.

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4. “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth

Theme: Joy and Connection with Nature

A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

In a busy world, sometimes nature reminds us to slow down and find happiness in simple moments — a great message for teens stressed by school or social pressures.

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Why Read These Poems?

Because they show that feelings like friendship, hope, and identity are universal — and talking about them can make life easier. Poetry gives words to emotions you might not always know how to express.

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Which poem speaks to you the most? Share your favorite lines or feelings in the comments!

#TeenPoetry #EnglishPoems #FeelingsAndWords #YouthVoices #LearnEnglish

https://ingliterature.blogspot.com

English Slang vs. Latin Slang: What Teens Really Say

Slang is the secret code teens use to sound cool, express themselves, and connect with their friends. But slang is different everywhere! Let’s check out some popular expressions that young people use in English-speaking countries versus Latin America — you might be surprised how different (or similar!) they are.

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1. Saying “Cool”

English Slang	Latin Slang	Meaning
Lit	Chévere / Bacán	Something awesome or fun
Dope	Paja (Chile), Chido (México)	Very cool or impressive
Sick	Brutal / De puta madre	Amazing or great

2. Saying “Friend”

English Slang	Latin Slang	Meaning
Squad	La banda / El parche	Group of close friends
Homie	Carnal / Pana	Close friend or buddy
Bestie	Mejor amiga/o (but teens also say) Bff	Best friend

3. Expressing Surprise

English Slang	Latin Slang	Meaning
No way!	¡No manches! (México) / ¡Qué fuerte!	No lo puedo creer
OMG	¡Dios mío! / ¡Qué loco!	Oh my God / That’s crazy

4. Saying “A Lot”

English Slang	Latin Slang	Meaning
A ton	Un chorro (México) / Un montón	Much / a lot
Heaps	Caleta (Chile)	Loads / lots

5. Telling Someone to Relax or Calm Down

English Slang	Latin Slang	Meaning
Chill	Tranquilo/a / Relájate	Calm down
Cool down	Bájale (México)	Calm down / take it easy

Bonus: Popular Slang That Crosses Borders

• Selfie – Everyone uses it!

• Crush – That special person you like.

• Ghosting – When someone suddenly stops replying.

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Why Learn Slang?

Slang helps you understand how teens really talk — and it’s a fun way to connect and make friends in English or Spanish. But remember, slang changes fast, so stay curious and keep learning!

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Which slang word do you use the most? Or want to know more about? Write it in the comments!

#TeenSlang #EnglishVsSpanish #CoolExpressions #LearnEnglish #YouthCulture

The Power of English in Social Media: How to Sound Natural and Cool

English is everywhere on social media — Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and more. Using English well can help you connect with people around the world, sound trendy, and even build your personal brand. But how do you avoid sounding like a robot or a textbook? Here are some tips to help you sound natural, cool, and totally authentic in English online!

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1. Keep It Casual and Simple

No need for super formal words. Use everyday language like you would with friends:

• Instead of “I am very happy to share…”, try “So excited to share…” or “Can’t wait to show you…”

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2. Use Common Slang and Expressions (Carefully!)

Words like “lit,” “chill,” “squad,” or “lowkey” make your posts feel fresh. But don’t overdo it—use what feels natural and fits your personality.
Example: “That party was lit!” or “Just chilling with my squad.”

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3. Emojis Are Your Friends

Emojis add emotion and fun to your messages. They help show tone (happy, funny, surprised) when words alone don’t cut it.
Example: “Can’t believe it’s Friday! 🎉😎”

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4. Use Contractions

Shorten words to sound more relaxed:

• “I’m” instead of “I am”

• “Don’t” instead of “do not”

• “Gonna” instead of “going to” (used in informal chats)

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5. Ask Questions and Invite Interaction

People love to comment when you ask something interesting or fun:

• “What’s your favorite song right now?”

• “Anyone else obsessed with this show? 🙋‍♀️”

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6. Use Hashtags Wisely

Hashtags help more people find your posts but keep them relevant. Use popular ones and add a few unique ones to your style.
Example: #WeekendVibes #ChillTime #GoodMood

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Final Tip: Be Yourself!

The coolest posts are the ones that feel real. Don’t try to copy someone else exactly — use English to express your own ideas, feelings, and humor.

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Try these tips in your next post! What’s your favorite way to sound natural in English online? Drop a comment below!

#EnglishOnSocialMedia #SpeakLikeANative #SocialMediaTips #LearnEnglish #StayAuthentic

How English Grammar Rules Can Confuse Spanish Speakers (And How to Avoid Mistakes)

How English Grammar Rules Can Confuse Spanish Speakers (And How to Avoid Mistakes)

Learning English grammar can be tricky, especially for Spanish speakers. Some rules are very different, and it’s easy to make mistakes that can confuse others or change the meaning of what you say. But don’t worry — here are some common errors and tips to help you avoid them!

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1. False Friends: “Actually” vs. “Actualmente”

• Mistake: Saying “Actually I live in Madrid” thinking it means “Actualmente vivo en Madrid” (Currently I live in Madrid).

• Tip: Actually means “de hecho” or “en realidad” (in fact). For “currently,” use “at the moment” or “right now.”

• Correct: I’m currently living in Madrid.

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2. Using the Present Perfect vs. Past Simple

• Mistake: Saying “I have visited Paris last year.”

• Tip: Use Past Simple with specific past times (last year, yesterday). Use Present Perfect for experiences without a specific time or actions that affect the present.

• Correct: I visited Paris last year. / I have visited Paris several times.

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3. Omitting the Subject Pronoun

• Mistake: Saying “Is raining” or “Want coffee” like in Spanish where the subject is often dropped.

• Tip: English sentences usually need a subject (I, you, he, she, it, we, they).

• Correct: It is raining. / I want coffee.

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4. Word Order in Questions

• Mistake: Saying “You are going to the party?” instead of “Are you going to the party?”

• Tip: In English questions, the auxiliary verb (do/does, are/is) comes before the subject.

• Correct: Are you going to the party?

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5. Confusing “Make” and “Do”

• Mistake: Saying “I make my homework.”

• Tip: Use “do” for tasks, homework, and general activities; “make” for creating or producing something.

• Correct: I do my homework. / I make a cake.

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Bonus Tip: Practice Makes Perfect!

Try to notice these mistakes in conversations, movies, or songs and practice the correct forms. Using apps, reading, and speaking with native speakers can help a lot.

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Do you want more tips like this? Share your biggest English grammar doubts in the comments!

#EnglishGrammar #SpanishSpeakers #LearnEnglish #CommonMistakes #EnglishTips

Common English Idioms and Their Meaning in Different Cultures

Idioms are expressions that don’t always make literal sense but have a special meaning in everyday English. They add color and personality to the language — but sometimes, they confuse people from other cultures!

Let’s look at some popular English idioms and how they might be understood (or misunderstood) in Latin cultures:

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1. “It’s raining cats and dogs”

Meaning: It’s raining very heavily.
Literal translation: Llueve gatos y perros.
How it’s understood: If you translate this literally, it sounds very strange! In Latin cultures, people usually say “Está lloviendo a cántaros” (It’s raining pitchers), which also means heavy rain but makes more sense visually.

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2. “Break a leg”

Meaning: Good luck! (Usually said before a performance.)
Literal translation: Rompe una pierna.
How it’s understood: Latin speakers might think this is a bad wish! But in English-speaking theater, it’s a positive phrase. In Spanish, we say “¡Mucha mierda!” (literally “lots of shit”), which is a weird but lucky phrase for actors.

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3. “Piece of cake”

Meaning: Something very easy.
Literal translation: Pedazo de pastel.
How it’s understood: It might sound delicious but confusing if taken literally. In Spanish, we say “Está chupado” (It’s sucked) or “Es pan comido” (It’s eaten bread) to mean the same thing.

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4. “Kick the bucket”

Meaning: To die.
Literal translation: Patear el cubo.
How it’s understood: Without context, it sounds silly or violent! In Spanish, “estirar la pata” (stretch the leg) is the equivalent idiom for dying.

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Why Are Idioms So Tricky?

Idioms come from culture, history, and sometimes old stories. They don’t translate word-for-word. That’s why learning idioms is important — to understand real conversations and sound more natural!

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Try It Yourself!

Can you think of a Spanish idiom that sounds funny or confusing when translated literally into English? Share it in the comments!

#EnglishIdioms #LearnEnglish #CulturalDifferences #LanguageFun #IdiomsExplained

How Body Language Changes Between English and Latin Cultures

Body language is a powerful way we communicate without words. But did you know that gestures, personal space, and eye contact can mean very different things in English-speaking countries compared to Latin cultures? Understanding these differences can help you avoid misunderstandings and connect better with others.

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1. Personal Space: More or Less?

• English-speaking cultures: People usually prefer more personal space when talking or standing in line. Standing too close might feel uncomfortable or intrusive.

• Latin cultures: People tend to stand closer when talking, even with strangers, as a sign of warmth and friendliness.

Example: In the UK or USA, keeping about an arm’s length distance is normal, but in Spain or Mexico, standing closer is common and natural.

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2. Eye Contact: Direct or Avoided?

• English-speaking cultures: Good eye contact shows confidence and honesty. Avoiding eyes can seem suspicious or shy.

• Latin cultures: Strong eye contact is also important, but sometimes it’s more intense or used to show emotion. In some situations, people may look away out of respect or modesty.

Example: In a business meeting in the US, steady eye contact is expected. In some Latin countries, it’s polite to lower your gaze briefly with elders or authority figures.

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3. Gestures: What Do They Mean?

• English-speaking cultures: Nodding usually means agreement, and a thumbs-up is a positive sign. However, some gestures like the “OK” sign might be confusing or offensive in other cultures.

• Latin cultures: People use more hand gestures to express emotions and emphasize what they say. For example, waving the hand or snapping fingers can be common.

Example: A simple “thumbs-up” in the UK means “good job,” but in some Latin countries, it might be seen as rude if done aggressively.

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4. Smiling: When and Why?

• English-speaking cultures: Smiling often expresses friendliness, even with strangers.

• Latin cultures: Smiling is also common but might be reserved for close friends or family in formal situations.

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Why Does This Matter?

Knowing these differences helps you communicate better and avoid awkward moments. When you travel or meet people from other cultures, observe their body language and adapt naturally.

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What differences have you noticed between English and Latin body language? Share your experiences!

#BodyLanguage #CulturalDifferences #LearnEnglish #EnglishVsSpanish #CommunicationTips

Celebrating Around the English-Speaking World 🎉🌍

Festivals and holidays are a great way to discover culture — and in English-speaking countries, the traditions may share a language, but they often look very different!

Let’s explore how people celebrate festivities across a few English-speaking countries:

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🎄 Christmas

• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Families enjoy a big dinner on December 25th with roast turkey, Christmas crackers, and watch the Queen’s (now King’s) speech.

• 🇺🇸 USA: Similar food, but Santa arrives in a sleigh, and many people decorate their houses with colorful lights.

• 🇦🇺 Australia: It’s summer! Many celebrate with BBQs on the beach and outdoor concerts.

🦃 Thanksgiving (mostly in the USA & Canada)

• 🇺🇸 USA: Celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November, with turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.

• 🇨🇦 Canada: Celebrated earlier — on the second Monday of October — with similar food and traditions.

• Other countries don’t celebrate it, but many know it through films and series!

🎆 New Year’s Eve

• 🇬🇧 London: Big fireworks by the River Thames and the sound of Big Ben at midnight.

• 🇺🇸 New York: The famous ball drop in Times Square watched by millions!

• 🇿🇦 South Africa: Celebrated with music festivals, dancing, and fireworks all over the country.

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day

• 🇮🇪 Ireland: A national holiday on March 17th, with parades, green clothes, music, and cultural pride.

• 🇺🇸 USA: Big celebrations especially in cities with Irish roots (like Boston or Chicago, where they even dye the river green!).

• 🇦🇺 Australia: Pubs and Irish communities organize events too — it’s celebrated worldwide!

🎃 Halloween

• 🇺🇸 USA: One of the biggest holidays — costumes, trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and pumpkin carving.

• 🇬🇧 UK: Similar traditions, but often less intense.

• 🇨🇦 Canada: Very popular, especially among kids and teenagers.

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🌍 Why It Matters:
Understanding how the same holiday is celebrated in different places helps us see how culture shapes language, food, customs, and values.

💬 Your turn!
Have you ever celebrated a holiday in a different country?
Do you know a unique tradition from your region?

🎯 Share your experience in the comments! Let’s learn from each other and explore global traditions together.

See you at the next celebration!

False Friends – Don’t Let Them Trick You! 🚫👬

 Welcome to our first post!

Let’s start with something that often causes confusion (and sometimes funny mistakes!): false friends.

A false friend is a word that looks or sounds similar in two languages but has a different meaning.
For example:

• “Actually” in English doesn’t mean “actualmente” – it means “de hecho”.

• “Sensible” in English means “sensible”, not “sensato”!

These tricky words can be confusing for Spanish speakers, but once you know them, you’ll never forget them.

🎯 In this blog, we’ll collect and explain some of the most common false friends between Spanish and English – and we need your help!

👉 Do you know any false friends that have confused you or your classmates?
👉 Have you seen funny examples in real life, on signs, menus, or social media?

💬 Share them in the comments or send us your examples! We’ll include the best ones in this Padlet — with credit, of course 😉

Let’s build a great collection together and help each other avoid these classic mistakes.

Learning is better when we do it together.

See you in the next post,

Inglis TICh@

Different Ways to Say Hello Around the English-Speaking World 🌍👋

 Hello, hi, hey there!

Did you know that English greetings can change depending on the country or even the region?

Let’s take a little trip around the English-speaking world to see how people greet each other in different places:

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🇬🇧 United Kingdom

• “Hello” – classic and formal.

• “Hiya!” – casual and friendly (very common in the North of England).

• “Alright?” – used like “How are you?”, but often doesn’t expect a full answer!

🇺🇸 United States

• “Hey” – super common and casual.

• “What’s up?” / “Sup?” – informal way of saying hello.

• “Howdy!” – used in the South and Texas (yes, people really say it!).

🇨🇦 Canada

• “Hi” / “Hello” – very standard.

• “Hey, how’s it going?” – friendly and informal.

• Canadians are known for being polite, so don’t forget a smile! 😊

🇦🇺 Australia

• “G’day!” – the famous Aussie greeting.

• “How ya going?” – means “How are you?” (not about where you're going!).

🇮🇪 Ireland

• “Hiya!” or “How’s things?” – informal and friendly.

• “What’s the craic?” – (pronounced “crack”) means “What’s up?” or “What’s going on?”
  (Craic = fun/chat in Irish slang)

🇿🇦 South Africa

• “Howzit?” – a mix of “How is it going?”

• “Hello” / “Hi” – also common, but “Howzit?” feels more local.

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🌟 Language Tip:
Greetings are not just words — they show culture, attitude, and social distance. Being aware of different greetings makes you sound more natural and respectful.

👥 Your turn!
Have you ever heard an English greeting that surprised you?
Know any local greetings in other languages?

💬 Share them in the comments — let’s collect greetings from around the world!

See you soon!

Welcome to the Club!

 Welcome to this blog made for the English language lovers.

https://inglistudies.blogspot.com

I'm so excited to launch this space where we can explore the wonderful world of the English language together. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your skills, you're in the right place!

Here, you'll find useful tips, grammar explanations, vocabulary builders, pronunciation guides, cultural insights, and fun activities to help you grow more confident in English — step by step.

My goal is to make learning English practical, enjoyable, and meaningful. I believe that language is not just about rules and words, but about connecting with people, discovering new perspectives, and having fun along the way.

So grab a cup of tea (or coffee ☕), and let’s begin this journey together!

Don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and share your thoughts — I’d love to hear from you!

Let’s learn, laugh, and grow in English!

See you in the next post,

Inglis TICh@