Canguro English
Canguro English is a podcast for language learners, focusing on the English language. The host discusses language learning strategies, grammar, and cultural insights to help listeners improve their English skills. Episodes are designed to be accessible and engaging for learners at various levels.
Episodes
Canguro in the Wild 001
Join Christian and Matt as they rank the top five adjectives, verbs, and phrasal verbs from a famous Steve Jobs speech.
Word Routes 002
Join Christian and Matt on an exciting journey through English vocabulary from horse to helicopter.
Word Routes 001
Join Christian and Matt on an exciting journey through English vocabulary from mouse to chef.
The podcast is back!
The Canguro English podcast is back! In this episode you will learn about why the podcast stopped, why it's returning, and what you can expect in the future. See you in class!
Accent and identity (with Erik Singer)
If you know me and my work then you know that I talk a lot about identity, and especially how your accent is a big part of your identity: your accent tells the story of your life.
But if you do want to change your accent, or improve your pronunciation, how do you do it?
Recently I had the pleasure of talking to someone with expert answers to that question: Erik Singer, a dialect coach who helps fi
The state of modern linguistics | The Story of Language | Bonus episode
Welcome to The Story of Language: an original podcast series about language, linguistics, cognition, and culture. In this bonus episode we talk about the state of modern linguistics, including the effects of the replication crisis, scientific fraud, Anglocentrism, and how the underappreciated work of Charles Sanders Peirce might offer a universal theory of how language works.
Embodied cognition | The Story of Language | Episode 12
Welcome to The Story of Language: an original podcast series about language, linguistics, cognition, and culture. In this episode we discuss embodied cognition and the uncontroversial fact that the brain is an organ of the body, which then leads to the very controversial conclusion that our brain is no more important than our skin, and that imagining the world as if you had eyes in your toes can l
Dark matter of the mind | The Story of Language | Episode 11
Welcome to The Story of Language: an original podcast series about language, linguistics, cognition, and culture. In this episode we discuss the content of Dan’s book Dark Matter of the Mind, which lays out Dan’s theory of culture. The book contains bold statements as ‘brains do not learn’ and ‘science is NOT pure rational thought’, but after this conversation you might change your mind about the
The cognitive revolution | The Story of Language | Episode 10
Welcome to The Story of Language: an original podcast series about language, linguistics, cognition, and culture. In this episode we talk about the cognitive revolution, and whether the revolution really exists at all. We discuss the beginnings and the state of the art of the study of cognition and show why it’s important to celebrate all discoveries as progress, even if they are doomed to failure
Endangered languages | The Story of Language | Episode 9
Welcome to The Story of Language: an original podcast series about language, linguistics, cognition, and culture. In this episode we talk about endangered languages. I ask why languages are important, what is lost when a language disappears, the cultural and economic factors behind language loss, and the truth about the best way to stop languages from disappearing.
Language acquisition | The Story of Language | Episode 8
Welcome to The Story of Language: an original podcast series about language, linguistics, cognition, and culture. In this episode we talk about the big questions in language acquisition. Is there a Language Acquisition Device? Is language learned or innate? How does child learning differ from adult learning? Should syntax be the basis for language analysis? And are humans really the only things on
Metaphor in language | The Story of Language | Episode 7
Welcome to The Story of Language: an original podcast series about language, linguistics, cognition, and culture. In this episode we talk about the fundamental role of metaphor in language, from its involvement in the creation and evolution of language to its role in the modern understanding of language through the work of Lakoff and Johnson, and the study of semiotics.
Learn English with a dictionary (with Peter Sokolowski)
People are passionate about language, especially language change, and words matter. And nobody knows this better Peter Sokolowski, who is an editor at the Merriam-Webster dictionary, one of the most famous and most trusted dictionaries in the world. Peter has spent his life immersed in words and their meanings, and all the complications that come along with that work. In this interview we ta
1 powerful mind trick to get fluency
In this podcast you will learn how Pygmalion and the Wizard of Oz can teach you the secret to fluency in English that has been causing controversy for more than 50 years.
Destroying language myths (with Shana Poplack)
It’s an unfortunate fact that many people don’t know the truth about how language works outside of their grammar books, in the real world, but recently I spoke to someone who is trying to change that. Shana Poplack and her sociolinguistics laboratory at the University of Ottawa are known as the mythbusters, because they destroy damaging myths about language and language change. They don’t look at
Where words come from and how to remember them (with Mark Forsyth)
There are few people in the world who know as much about where words come from as Mark Forsyth. His first book, The Etymologicon, was a journey through the origins of many common words and their connections, and he has since written various other books about words, language, and writing. In this interview Mark tells fascinating and entertaining stories about where words come from, how to remember
Grammar based on the unfamiliar (with Robert Van Valin)
It’s an unfortunate fact that most of linguistic theory is based on a few major European languages, especially English, which actually damages our understanding of how the thousands of languages in the world might work. But there is one man who has spent his career trying to correct the balance. Robert Van Valin is one of the developers of Role and Reference Grammar or RRG which aims to explain la
How to speak English faster
In this podcast you will learn the connection between Pixar, red triangles, information, thought, and fluency. Enjoy!
The weight of expectation
In this podcast I talk about the positive and negative effects of the weight of expectation, and how living the in past or the future might be stopping you from getting fluency in English.
Touch wood
In this episode you'll learn why touching wood, throwing salt, and car accidents can help you to see the truth about learning a language.
How many holes does a straw have?
In this episode you'll learn why culture connects London taxi drivers, donuts, smiling Japanese people, and Australian shop assistants.
Immersion is a state of mind
In this episode you'll learn the hard lessons of my army father-in-law, who failed to learn a language after 14 years of 'immersion'.
Question everything to get fluency
In this episode you will learn about the differences and similarities between humans and animals, and why you shouldn't take everything you know about language learning for granted.
Why you need to learn slowly to get fluency
In this episode I talk about what mathematics really means, why Mathematicians asked schools to stop teaching calculus, and the parallels between maths and language. In this episode you might be surprised to learn that the secret to fluency is to slow down.
Construction grammar and language learning (with Remi van Trijp)
Recently I had the pleasure of talking to Remi van Trijp, head of the Language Research Unit and the Sony Computer Science Laboratories in Paris, and one of the main developers of Fluid Construction Grammar. His team is trying to answer some of the most profound questions in linguistics by combining techniques from computational linguistics, artificial intelligence and robotics. It’s complicated a
How Language Began | The Story of Language | Episode 6
Welcome to The Story of Language: an original podcast series about language, linguistics, cognition, and culture. In this episode we talk about how language began, including language evolution vs language change, how animal and human communication are similar and different, and the evidence for why language is probably millions of years old, not thousands.
How language works (with Ted Gibson)
Recently I had the pleasure of talking to Ted Gibson from his eponymous TedLab at MIT which researches why human languages are the way they are, how people learn and process language, and the relationship between language and culture. In this interview we talk about his work with numbers, colours, word order, and information theory across various languages and his search for simplicity in explaini
You are STUPID and LAZY (how to speak English PERFECTLY)
Are you stupid and lazy? Do you want to speak English perfectly? Then this podcast is for you! We are going to take a journey through the light and dark of the human mind to discover why you are so bad at English and the secret to speaking perfect English.
How to study english well (with Paul Nation)
There is no doubt that this is the best time in history to learn a language, especially English. We are surrounded by content in English, English language learning apps, English teachers, English courses, information. But one very important question remains: what do we do with all this information? HOW do we study? HOW do we learn a language. One man who knows the answer to this question is Paul N
The theory and practice of field linguistics | The Story of Language | Episode 5
Welcome to The Story of Language: an original podcast series about language, linguistics, cognition, and culture. In this episode we talk about the theory and the practice of field linguistics, including how to survive in the field, what to take, and what to bring back.
Should I learn British or American English? | How are they different?
Students ask me all the time if they should learn British English or American English, and in this video you'll discover the real differences between UK and US English and how it's not about language rules, it's about culture. You will discover how they are different and if you should study British or American English.
How to write business English (with Ellen Jovin)
When you think about improving your writing in English, especially business writing, you probably think about studying lots of rules, and memorising specific phrases, and complicated vocabulary. But recently I spoke to Ellen Jovin who’s been writing professionally and teaching professionals how to write for more than 20 years, and in this interview you’ll discover that good business writing isn’t
Do you want to speak English like a native? (with Heather Hansen)
It’s a sad fact that the English that millions of people learn in classrooms all over the world, often doesn’t match the reality of English outside the classroom. One person who knows the reality of English as a global language is Heather Hansen. She teaches professionals from the world’s biggest companies how to communicate in English all over the world. And the secret to successful global commun
Linguistic Relativity | The Story of Language | Episode 4
Welcome to The Story of Language: an original podcast series about language, linguistics, cognition, and culture. In this episode we talk about linguistic relativity: the idea that the language we speak can change the way we think.
How languages are learned (with Patsy Lightbown)
In the world of language there are few people as experienced, or as respected, as Patsy Lightbown, Distinguished Professor Emerita at Concordia University in Canada. She has been working in the field of language teaching and language learning for more than 40 years as a researcher, writer, editor, and consultant and she literally wrote the book on how languages are learned. In this interview we ta
What is culture? | The Story of Language | Episode 3
Welcome to The Story of Language: an original podcast series about language, linguistics, cognition, and culture. In this episode we talk about culture: we discuss exactly what it is, how it exists on a macro and micro level, how it affects our language and our cognition, and how without it, we would die.
Get fluent English in 2020 | 9 tips to help you learn English
Do you want to really succeed at learning English in 2020? It doesn't matter if this is the first or the tenth time you have tried to get fluency in English, these 9 simple steps will help you to succeed at your English learning goals.
The Piraha Language | The Story of Language | Episode 2
Welcome to The Story of Language: an original podcast series about language, linguistics, cognition, and culture. In this episode we talk about the Piraha language, and what it tells us about the intersection of language and culture. We also talk about the practice of the science of linguistics, animal vs human communication, universal translation, and what unites and what divides us as humans.
Meet Dan Everett | The Story of Language | Episode 1
Welcome to The Story of Language: an original podcast series about language, linguistics, cognition, and culture.
My name is Christian Saunders and I am an English teacher, and throughout this series I will be in discussion with Dan Everett: linguist, anthropologist, philosopher, and author.
In this episode you will meet Dan, and we will talk about the story of his life, including his upbringing
Task-based English learning (with Geoff Jordan)
In the world of English language teaching there are few people as controversial and divisive as Geoff Jordan. He is not afraid of promoting what he calls a radical approach to the problems in the ELT industry, how to fix them, and how to improve student learning outcomes in the classroom. And that’s why I had to talk to him, and in this interview we talk about all that, and more. I hope you enjoy
Daily Digest 06/11/19 | The secret to fluency in English
Today's daily digest answers a question I get asked every day: How can I get fluent in English? To answer this question we have to travel back in time to 1931, learn about chimpanzees and Klingons, and what that tells us about the secret to fluency in English.
Plurilingualism and culture (with Angelica Galante)
Recently I had the pleasure of talking to Angelica Galante from McGill University in Canada. Originally from Brazil, Angelica’s work focuses on social justice, inclusive education, and critical sociolinguistics. In this interview we talk about plurilingualism, language and culture, and how teachers and students can take advantage of their existing language resources to learn new languages better.
Daily Digest 24/10/19 | Why can't I speak fluent English?
Today's daily digest is a rant about why you might be part of the problem, and not the solution to good language learning (and teaching).
Improve your English IMMEDIATELY (with Pete from Aussie English)
In this podcast I talk to Pete from Aussie English about how to improve your English IMMEDIATELY, without learning anything new. We also talk about our personal experiences learning languages, and the history and evolution of swearing. CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE.
Daily Digest 17/10/19 | Speak English without fear
Today's daily digest explains why you are afraid of speaking English, and having conversations, and how you can overcome your fear and use your English in public confidently. I use evidence from clinical psychology and computer science to show you what really works, and why clowns are great role models.
Language and the brain (with Ev Fedorenko)
Recently I had the pleasure of speaking to cognitive neuroscientist Ev Fedorenko. She is head of EvLab, her own language lab at MIT, and their mission is to discover how minds and brains create language.
In this interview we speak about the language architecture of the brain, adult language learning, and the difference between thought and language. I hope you enjoy it!
9/10/19 | The advantages of speaking bad English
Today's daily digest shows why having a low level of English, and a foreign accent, and only knowing a few key concepts, are all advantages when you first start learning a language. I hope you feel super motivated to get out there are USE your English after this!
Daily Digest 07/10/19 | Language is universal
Today's daily digest shows what Hindustani music, cave drawings, and Japanese psychology can teach us about linguistic universals, learning a language from zero, and what it means to be human.
Daily Digest 19/9/19 | Language and sexism
Today's daily digest talks about gendered languages, sexism, culture, and some common myths and misconceptions about the effect that language has on the way we think.
Input vs output in language learning (with Adele Goldberg)
In the world of linguistics, there are very few people with a resume as impressive as Adele Goldberg. She has had a major influence on the way we understand and study language. In this very special interview we talk about vocabulary learning, input vs output, and her language acquisition research.
Daily Digest 17/9/19 | Does language affect the way you think?
Today's daily digest shows how your brain is only interested in content, not language, and why it's so important to have something to say. It also shows how your culture can affect the way you think, and why you need to learn culture to get fluent in English.
Daily Digest 16/9/19 | An alien language with no verbs
Today's daily digest is a philosophical journey into the meaning of language, what it means to be human, how we could understand and speak alien languages, how we can talk to animals, and what all of that tells us about how to get fluent in English.
Practice and immersion (with Josh Hartshorne)
I always talk about how important patience is when you’re learning a language, because it’s really hard, and it takes a really long time, and recently I spoke to someone who knows that better than anyone: cognitive scientist Josh Hartshorne. In this interview we talk about the critical period, language acquisition, and the importance of immersion
The truth about non-native English teachers (with Marek Kiczkowiak)
In the world of English language learning and teaching there is an obsession with the native speaker. Recently I spoke to someone who explains exactly why that has to end: Marek Kiczkowiak from TEFL Equity Advocates. This class is essential viewing for anyone learning English, but especially non-native English teachers.
Daily Digest 30/8/19 | Learn with a flying penis
Today's daily digest shows how you can learn and especially teach language not with grammar and textbooks, but with ideas, concepts, discussion, and deep knowledge. And flying penises.
Daily Digest 29/8/19 | How to test your fluency
Today's daily digest is all about fluency. What is fluency? How can you test your fluency? How can you get fluency? You might be surprised at the answers to some of these questions.
The shape of language (with Peter Gärdenfors)
Unfortunately, most people view language as grammar, and rules, and concrete concepts. But we need to think about language differently. In this interview I speak to Peter Gärdenfors, professor of cognitive science at Lund University in Sweden. His interest in language spans human cognition, philosophy, evolution, and conceptual spaces. We talk about some of the more abstract elements of language a
Daily Digest 26/8/19 | Native language interference
Today's daily digest shows how things are hidden in language, and how your hidden native language structures interfere with your ability to be like a native speaker in English.
Daily Digest 23/8/19 | The TRUTH about language
Today's daily digest starts with a joke about politicians and then explains how they make us believe lies, what it tells us about the way our brains work, and the truth about language learning.
The myth of the native speaker (with David Crystal)
In this interview I talk to David Crystal: a legend in the world of the English language. He is a linguist, lecturer, and broadcaster, and he has written or edited over 100 books about language including the Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English language. We talk about language change, the myth of the native speaker, and why learning languages is part of being human. I hope you enjoy it!
Daily Digest 20/8/19 | Understand native speakers easily
Today's daily digest shows the magic of eye contact and how a trick from the internet might help you to understand native speakers quickly and easily.
Daily Digest 16/8/19 | Why do native speakers talk so fast?
Today's daily digest explains why people from some languages appear to speak faster than others, and why syllables are not the same as information.
Daily Digest 15/8/19 | How to remember vocabulary
Today's daily digest talks about the science of vocabulary learning and why you are more likely to remember magicians and dogs, than newspapers and belts.
How to teach English (with Scott Thornbury)
Recently I had the pleasure of talking to Scott Thornbury, a giant in the world of English language teaching.
He is a teacher, teacher trainer, award-winning author, and speaker, and he has been pushing for change in the way we teach languages for more than 20 years.
We spoke about many different aspects of language teaching and learning, especially what teachers can do differently in the classroo
Daily Digest 13/8/19 | Get patience to learn English
Today's daily digest talks about the real meaning of patience, where patience comes from, how to get patience, and why you need it if you want to get fluent in English.
Daily Digest 9/8/19 | How to get motivated to learn English
Today's daily digest talks about how motivation is a quality, not a quantity, and the important effect that can have on your language learning.
Daily Digest 8/8/19 | Language is a tool
Today's daily digest starts with a joke about an Englishman and then explains why language is as deeply human as food, water, and shelter.
How polyglots learn languages (with Steve Kaufmann)
In this interview I speak to Steve Kaufmann, a well-known polyglot who at the age of 73 has learnt 20 different languages. We talk about language learning, making mistakes, and why you should do the hard work to learn English.
Daily Digest 6/8/19 | Why you should learn English
Today's daily digest tells the story of a prison debate team and what it shows us about the power of education to change lives, and why it should motivate you to learn English.
Daily Digest 5/8/19 | More pronunciation practice
Today's daily digest continues with a joke about janitors and some pronunciation practice activities for Russian and Greek speakers.
Free education (with Mihalis from Language Transfer)
In the world of language teaching there are people who teach, and then there are others who go beyond simply teaching, and into real learning, and today I am talking to one of those people: Mihalis Eleftheriou, the creator of Language Transfer.
Since 2011 he has been creating language courses in an incredible array of languages, including English, Greek, Arabic, and Swahili, and they are all comp
Daily Digest 2/8/19 | Pronunciation practice activities
Today's daily digest moves from pronunciation theory to practice. I am going to show you how Arabic, German, and Spanish speakers can improve their English pronunciation with some simple physical changes.
Daily Digest 1/8/19 | Babies and accents
Today's daily digest show the amazing accent abilities of 11-month-old babies, and what that tells us about the difference between accent and pronunciation.
Daily Digest 31/7/19 | Meatballs and pronunciation
Today's daily digest explains why most people practice pronunciation in the wrong way, how our human instruments are not perfect, and how Spanish meatballs and Polish faces tell us why we need to practice sounds together, not in isolation.
Daily Digest 30/7/19 | How to pronounce English
Today's daily digest shows what Thai and Arabic can teach us about the English alphabet, and why consonants are the only things that matter in pronunciation.
Daily Digest 29/7/19 | How do you feel lettuce?
Today's daily digest shows how some strange science involving gasoline, hydrogen, and lettuce might explain why we learn some words better than others.
Language and computing (with Steven Piantadosi)
In this interview I speak to Steven Piantadosi, assistant professor of the computation and language lab at UC Berkeley. We talk about language acquisition, how children learn vocabulary, and the future of translation tools. See you in class!
Daily Digest 25/7/19 | Subtitles or no subtitles?
Today's daily digest answers the question of whether you should watch English films and series with subtitles or no subtitles. And the answer might surprise you.
Daily Digest 24/7/19 | How do I learn English?
Today's daily digest answers a question that I get asked every day: "How do I learn English?". The answer involves elephants, bees, and children playing with toys.
Daily Digest 23/7/19 | Illusions and language learning
Today's daily digest explains what audio and video illusions can tell us about how our brains work, and the best way to prepare ourselves for fluent English.
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