Dive into a conversation with a Norwegian guest as he shares his journey in learning English through gaming and online friendships. Discover unique vocabulary related to video games, like 'roguelike', and the nostalgic charm of pen pals. Explore how Norwegians are introduced to English early in school and the diverse accents that emerge from it. Uncover how gaming fosters language acquisition and creativity in aspiring developers. This engaging dialogue blends culture, personal stories, and tips for mastering English.
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Meeting Alina
Mikael met Alina through Slowly, a pen pal app mimicking letter writing with delivery times based on distance.
They remained anonymous for years, sharing only what they wrote, before becoming online friends.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Slowly App Usage
Mikael used Slowly primarily for social connection, not language learning, though some do.
He made two lasting online friends, Alina and someone from the Philippines.
question_answer ANECDOTE
English Learning Journey
Mikael learned English through immersion, starting with early English education in Norway.
He improved dramatically by playing online games, particularly text-based ones like early Pokémon.
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Join Andrew as he talks with Mikael, a special guest from Norway. Mikael shares how he learned English and got interested in programming and making video games. He also tells the story of how he met Culips team member Alina through a pen pal app years ago. If you want to know Mikael’s tips for learning English and learn some cool video game vocabulary, this episode is perfect for you!
How this episode will improve your English:
Build your vocabulary: Learn useful gaming and tech words like “roguelike” and everyday phrases like “head bashing against the wall.”
Improve your pronunciation: Listen to clear and natural English from native and non-native speakers to sound more fluent.
Learn about culture: Discover how Norwegians learn English and how gaming connects people worldwide.
Sharpen your listening skills: Understand real-life English by listening to a fun, engaging conversation.
Practice speaking: Join the speaking classes about this episode (schedule below) to build confidence and improve your conversation skills.
The best way to learn with this lesson:
Culips members get an interactive transcript, helpful study guide, quiz, ad-free audio, and more for this episode. Take your English to the next level by becoming a Culips member.
Sign up and become a Culips member now!
Members can access the ad-free version here: Click here.
Join our Discord community to connect with other learners and get more English practice. Click here to join.
Speaking classes with this episode:
We’ll be discussing this episode in the following small-group conversation classes. To join the classes, you must be a Culips member.
February 22nd, 2025 with Alina at 11:00 AM Ireland time (GMT +0)
February 27th, 2025 with Andrew at 8:00 PM Korea time (GMT +9)
March 4th, 2025 with Indiana at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard time (GMT-5)
All classes happen on Zoom and last for one hour. To see the schedule in your time zone and learn how to join the classes, click here:
Culips Everyday English Podcast