The speaker isn't advocating for dismissing of Standard English or pronunciation rules. She repetitively uses the word 'global' on purpose in order to highlight the global character of the English language in which non-native English users outnumber natives by 5 to 1, and to question conventional English teaching practices that don't serve the international communicative purpose of otherwise decent English speakers. She raises awareness of the necessity of adaptability and good listening skills which are crucial in global contexts, unlike the mere conformity to native standards.

It's a bold and unconventional yet very much needed talk for all those who come in contact with people of different countries.

Ой, я не любитель фильмов и сериалов, поэтому когда в компании начинают про них говорить, мне остаётся только молчать и надеяться, что кто-то скоро поменяет тему, так как я не привыкла перебивать, особенно двоих или нескольких человек сразу.

Кстати, когда я писала свой магистерский диплом, у меня было постоянно ощущение, что я переливаю из пустого в порожнее, потому что мне нужно было написать много слов и часто приходилось писать одну и ту же идею разными словами чтобы вышло больше текста.

Hola Mayra,

Creo que la eficacia de las clases depende del profesor y menos de la plataforma, puesto que aquí somos todos independientes, pues no dependemos de ningún método único que nos require utilizar la plataforma, cada profesor es libre de enseñar de una manera u otra.

Si eres principiante en inglés, te recomiendo buscar a un/a profesor/a que sepa hablar tu lengua materna y dar clases de prueba con tales profes.

Suerte!

I agree with Jabir, you need to establish your own measures of ‘enoughness’, so to say. What exactly do you want to be able to do in Spanish? In what contexts, with what people?

I also think bringing more Spanish into your life by doing different tasks/things in it, like reading and engaging in social media in Spanish, journaling, taking part in meetups, international conferences, volunteer groups/workcamps, hosting foreigners through couchsurfing/airbnb, showing visitors your city/town (All these offline activities might not be appropriate right now though because of the pandemic), doing an online (free) course on coursera, udemy, futurelearn, plus watching/listening to movies, podcasts, programs--all these activities will likely boost your motivation and progress because you will be doing things of your interest in the language while learning and practicing it.

Hope that helps. Suerte!

I did more or less a half of it—started in Moscow and got off in Krasnoyarsk. I took that trip alone, in the 3rd class (platskart in Russian) which are open space, without doors between compartments. I think for foreigners 3rd class long distance Russian trains are not only the most budget-friendly but are also a fantastic way to observe and interact with Russians of different ages and backgrounds.

Krasnoyarsk, the city where I got off the train which is about a 3 day train ride away from Moscow, is worth stopping in as it is surrounded by national parks, forests, mountains. As Natalia mentioned it, Baykal is definitely worth exploring as it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations of the country which can offer a lot, though I’ve never been there but it’s on my bucket list.

I can’t help but mention those Americans, both the customers and the coworkers I met on my way while working one summer at a Dunkin Donuts in New Hampshire. My English at that time wasn’t really fluent, I lacked some everyday and work-related vocabulary but in all the 3,5 months that I worked there, never did I get any harsh comment or mockery about my English skills. People would just explain me the meaning of words, or show the relevant object without being nasty or looking at me as if I was stupid. To tell the truth, I never really understood why they were so patient and helpful with me, especially given the fact that that part of the country and the state hardly has any foreigners. Normally you’d expect locals to be more tolerant to foreigners if they’re used to living side by side with them. I don’t know. that experience gave me a huge boost of confidence in myself and my English skills which impacted greatly the way I’ve perceived English.

That’s right, joy is very important when learning something, otherwise it’d feel like more of a torture, and negative feelings and emotions impede learning.

That's why I believe it’s important to connect your interests/hobbies with learning and practicing English. Follow, leave replies and comments to those social media accounts, podcasts, blogs that talk about something you like. Do an interesting online course on FutureLearn, Coursera, Udemy, etc.—one that will motivate you a lot. Such activities will bring back joy into your language learning because you will be doing relevant things in the language while learning and practicing it.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

I have a few plants at home but I’m still learning how to keep them alive. Those types with dark green leaves are my favorite—they make me feel closer to nature and even looking up info on plant care makes me sort of relaxed. From what I’ve read, most indoor plants come from a similar climate you’re in—humid and warm, except for succulents and cactuses that prefer drier conditions. I’ve read pothos is one of the most common indoor plants and easy to take care of. This will be my next plant, I really like the way it looks. Another popular sturdy plant is chamaedorea, I’ve been having one for a few months now and so far so good. Anyway, I recommend you look up a particular plant care information in more detail as although they all seem to like warmth and humidity, there are a lot of specific characteristics needed for every plant.

Hope that helps.