Daily News Lesson Collection: Languages Around the World
Although we teach American English at Engoo, our Daily News materials have featured many lessons about a variety of languages, from those spoken by millions to others that are disappearing.
In this collection of Daily News lessons, improve your English through 10 unique stories about languages. We recommend studying them with an Engoo tutor!
Engoo Daily News Lessons About World Languages
Italian Named the World’s Most Attractive Accent
Level 5: Intermediate
Many students try to learn "perfect" English without any accent from their native language. However, lots of people actually enjoy listening to English that has a distinct style — some people even find it attractive.
And according to a 2024 survey, Italian is the new king of attractive accents. But what makes it so popular? Read to find out!
Why Scandinavians Have the Best English Skills
Level 6: Intermediate
Visitors to Norway, Sweden and Denmark might be surprised to learn that many people who live there speak English at a near-native level.
But what is it about these countries that makes them so good at speaking a non-native language? Well, there's more than one reason...
More UK Students Studying Chinese, Japanese, Korean
Level 6: Intermediate
You might think that English speakers who want to learn a new language would choose Spanish, French or other languages from Western countries.
That might have been true in the past, but in recent years, languages from Asian countries have been growing in popularity — and experts have a good idea about why this is happening.
One of the Most Beautiful Words in English
Level 6: Intermediate
Is there an English word that you especially like the sound of? Does it have a meaning that you like as well?
This lesson focuses on one particular word — how it sounds, what it means and how it developed over time. Do you agree with the author's opinion that it's a beautiful word?
This lesson could be especially fun to do with an Engoo tutor!
First English Handbook of the Ainu Language Published
Level 6: Intermediate
Did you know that Japanese isn't the only language spoken in Japan?
Unfortunately, very few people speak the other now, and the language is close to extinction. However, the book featured in this lesson is part of an effort to bring more attention to this language and to help it survive into the future.
Saving a Critically Endangered Language in Australia
Level 6: Intermediate
If you imagine languages spoken in Australia, you probably only think of English. But in fact, many languages were spoken there before the arrival of Europeans.
Unfortunately, many of those languages have disappeared over the years. But they're not all gone; read about how some people are working to save their community's historical language.
If you'd like to read more about indigenous people, check out this article about two different American holidays that are celebrated on the same day.
Violent Language in Movies Has Increased, Study Finds
Level 7: Advanced
This lesson isn't about an entire language but instead about the kind of words and expressions used within a language.
Does a film's level of violence or strong language affect your interest in seeing it?
If you're concerned about movies' mature or violent content, we've written an article about the meaning of movie ratings that you can find here.
Why Sign Languages Vary Around the World
Level 7: Advanced
If you thought sign language was the same in every country, you were wrong.
Just like spoken languages, local history and culture have a big influence on the way sign languages develop. And if you want to speak to someone from a different part of the world, you'll probably have to learn a completely new system!
This lesson deals with the history of sign language as well as the people who created the standard systems used today.
World’s First Braille Phone Trial Begins in Australia
Level 8: Advanced
Braille is a system that allows blind people to read by feeling bumps arranged into special patterns.
But if Braille requires a surface that readers must touch, how is it possible to communicate in Braille over a phone? You'll have to read the lesson to find out!
Online Blog Sheds Light on 'Untranslatable' Words
Level 8: Advanced
Some words are trickier than others to translate from one language to another. In fact, a single word in Language A might require a full phrase to explain in Language B!
If you're interested in these kinds of linguistic connections, you may enjoy visiting a blog that was created to highlight them.
Wrap-up
Engoo's Daily News materials have even more lessons on languages, as well as thousands on many other topics. If you've enjoyed this list, we've also made others on sports and even pets.
Finally, don't forget to book a lesson with an Engoo tutor, who can help you unlock the full potential of these Daily News materials.
