The 28th APPI Conference

I will be attending the 28th Conference APPI for the next three days at the Sheraton Hotel in O'Porto. This year's conference is entitled 'Language & Culture - encourage, engage, empower'. In three days, delegates can make the most of the presentations and the socializing bit by participating in the conference dinner party. In addition, two pedagogical theatre shows may prove inspiring to planning our teaching, I'm so eager to listen to the speakers and meet so many fellow workers from across the country that I only get in touch with in venues like these! I'm sure it will be a great conference! See you in a couple of days!

Image via APPI

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Multimedia English

MULTIMEDIA-ENGLISH is a video-tube website designed to help you learn real English while having fun and offers good quality resources for teachers too. It uses authentic material to show you how real English is, mostly videos with transcriptions and explanations. This site offers video pages for all levels, from beginners to advanced, including a section for kids and also for absolute beginners. Don't just sit to study English, get into life through real English and enjoy it all the way.

INTERACTIVITY

Everyone can have access to this website and all its sections for free, but if you register (also for free) you will have extra features and become an active part of the site. You will be able to post comments, rate videos, dedicate songs, create your own video pages and more [see more info]. Additionaly, you can also get into our Facebook page to practise your English with other students or teachers (no matter what your level is).

THE LANGUAGE

When people go to an English-speaking country to learn, they are surrounded by real English and they slowly pick it up. This website provides you with a natural environment to do just so, pick the language up slowly and naturally, preparing you for what you are going to find when you meet English speaking people. The multimedia medium makes the material more real, more accessible and more fun. This is not a place to study, it is a place to relax, enjoy and let the language slowly get into you.  

AUTHENTIC ENGLISH

Most of the language used here is authentic English not adapted to any specific level and taken from real sources. The material on this site comes from different countries, especially the UK and the USA; there are even some non-native speakers too. That way, you train yourself to use and understand English as it is, the English used by natives (not the simplified, artificial language nobody uses in real life) and also by foreigners as an international lingua franca. 

ACTIVITIES

The activities and videos are usually loaded with lots of help and explanations in case you need it. If your level is low, understanding the general idea is more than enough, or sometimes trying to understand a few things here and there will help you progress. If your level is advanced, then you should be able to focus on more difficult aims. Here follows an example of what you can find in this website: Questions. And remember, the more you listen and read, the more you will understand.

Source: Multimedia English (abridged)

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Which one do you prefer? The British or the American accent? Most of my students would definitely say 'The American accent!!!' And whenever - pronunce it 'wheneva' - I talk to them with the British accent, those same students will show their disapproval, by grimacing, and say: 'It's strange! Never heard that word!' However - pronunce it 'howeva' - some, not many, just a few, want to learn it, as they like to talk posh!...                               

The following is a very interesting video about... (sorry, guys) the British accent:

This is a topic I particularly like, as it directs the students' attention for their 'speaking skills', whether  (pronunce it wetha) they like the British accent, or not! It makes them become more aware of their language knowledge and the importance of the correct pronunciation of words, as well as of the English language different accents, which should not be shortened to the British and the American... Let's not forget the Irish, the Scottish, the Australian accents and so many others...

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