Reading this poem, you immediately find yourself in a wintery nature setting. What T. W. Higginson describes is just a fleeting moment: a wonderful snapshot captured in words.
Learning English through opera: Purcell’s ‘Dido and Aeneas’
Over the years Iโve given my students different pieces of advice on how they can improve their vocabulary and listening skills. Some of the more conventional ones Iโve already posted here on the blog, but in this post Iโll share another - somewhat unusual - idea on that subject: listen to opera! Before you roll your …
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‘Alone’ by Edgar Allan Poe
The poem presented in this post is unlikely to chase your winter blues, to be honest, but it's an excellent one! Penned by Edgar Allan Poe, โAloneโ is a deeply personal and intimate reflection on what is now commonly described as chronic depression. This mental health condition was the troubled poetโs lifelong companion, as attested …
English words of the year 2023
If you recall, some of the words of the year 2022, chosen by the leading English language lexicographers, were โwomanโ, โpermacrisisโ, and โgaslightingโ. (And if you donโt recall, you can refresh your memory). Letโs now do a quick roundup of the words of the year 2023! The Collins word of the previous year is โAIโ, defined …
