Episode #011 - English Learning for Curious MindsThe Book That Made Christmas, Christmas****Today we take a look at the book that is fundamental to our modern understanding of what makes Christmas, Christmas. No, it's not the Bible. It was written in Victorian London, and tells the story of an old miser who discovers the Christmas spirit.In today's episode we cover:
The publication of A Christmas Carol
When and why the British stopped celebrating Christmas
Summary of the story of A Christmas Carol
Dickens' moral tale about the importance of Christmas
The cultural importance of A Christmas Carol
The linguistic importance of A Christmas Carol
How the Christmas card was invented
Merry Christmas
Key vocabulary: Dare say, Tables may be turned, Instrumental, Enduring, Further afield, Consensus, Puritanical, Sabbath, Headed off, Inherently, Sinful, Degenerate, Reluctant, Wholeheartedly, Underlying, Vivid, Seized upon, Recap, Squeezing, Wrenching, Grasping, Scraping, Clutching, Covetous, Sinner, Self-serving, Fate, Befallen, Paralysed, Infamous, Alter, Resonated, Utterly, Horrific, Rallying call, Stamped, Crippled, Vulnerable, Smash hit, Inexorably, Frantically, Civil servant, Caught on, (give) a shot, Deed****Full transcript and key vocabulary available on the website www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/the-book-that-made-christmas-christmasWant tips, resources, and tricks on how to learn English with podcasts? www.leonardoenglish.com/blogJoin the conversation:
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****More about Leonardo English and the English for Curious Minds podcastLearning English shouldn't be boring. It should open your mind.English Learning for Curious Minds is a podcast aimed at intermediate level English speakers and above, where listeners learn fascinating things about the world while learning English.There's no small-talk, no boring grammar exercises or vocabulary drills.You'll learn English by listening, by hearing real conversations and real English, spoken by native speakers, and at a speed you can understand.Listeners can subscribe to Leonardo English to get a copy of the transcript and key vocabulary for every podcast.It's English learning, but for curious minds.