📏If you're tuning in from outside the U.S., you're likely comfortable with the metric system. But for many Americans, it’s a source of frustration. Almost every person in the world is familiar with the metric system. Almost every country in the world uses it for their system of measurement, its the official units of science and medicine, and has a universal understanding. However, the key word in these sentences is "almost". 🌍Not every country uses the metric system, and the United States is one of those countries. Not only do Americans not use the metric system, they have a hard time understanding what the units mean. Why is this? Why do American struggle to use a system that's known the world over? Why hasn't the United States adopted the metric system yet? And why do Americans love their customary units so much? 🎧In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, we discuss this weird part of American culture - the use of the customary units and the reasons why the United States has not fully adopted the metric system. We'll explore the cultural ties, industrialization, and the influence of tradition on the American way of measuring. Learn about what is stopping the United States from switching, why everything from infrastructure to education would have to change, and why Americans might not want to pay for that change after all.🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website: Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/ Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod 📝 Vocabulary List:1) customary units: a system of measurement used in the United States, based on British imperial units.2) graduate degree: a degree earned after completing a college or university program.3) consensus: a general agreement.4) Straightforward: Easy to understand or simple; not complicated.5) Legislation: Laws or legal regulations enacted by a governing body.6) Incentive: Something that motivates or encourages someone to take a specific action.7) Discomfort: A state of unease or lack of comfort; feeling awkward or uncomfortable in a situation.8) Monetary: Related to money or currency; often used in the context of costs or financial considerations.9) Point of reference: A basis for comparison or understanding.10) off the top of my head: without thinking about it carefully.11) to get the hang of something: to learn how to do something.12) Take into consideration: To think about or include something in your thought process.

💬In this episode of the Learn English podcast, we talk all about the word "dude". American's use a lot of informal language with each other. We can't help it, it's in our nature. One of the most common slang words used between American's is "dude" because its just so universal. From disbelief and astonishment to skepticism and amusement, "dude" can be used to express almost any emotion.🏄‍♂️So how can you use it correctly and speak like a native? When should you use it and when shouldn't you? When someone calls you "dude", is that a good or a bad thing? And how did we all start using this word anyways?🗣️Learn about the history of the word, when to use the word "dude", and the multiple meanings of the phrase, "dude seriously?!?". Learn how to incorporate "dude" seamlessly into your conversations, how to pronounce it in different ways to express different emotions, and how to sound like a native speaker when you use it! Understand the subtle variations in intonation and context so you can master this American slang term. Whether you're aiming for a casual chat with friends, wanting to vent your frustration, or even trying to show your appreciation or surprise, we've got you covered. Master the nuances to sound like a native speaker in any scenario!🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod📝 Vocabulary List:1) per se: in itself, by itself2) dude: a casual term used to address a male or female3) well-dressed: wearing stylish and fashionable clothes4) rugged: strong and sturdy, and usually more rural5) ranch: a large farm, especially one used for raising livestock6) Vernacular: the everyday language spoken by a particular group of people7) Ubiquitous: present, appearing, or found everywhere8) derogatory: insulting or disrespectful9) inflection: the rise and fall of the voice in speech10) cut off: to interrupt someone or something

💼There's a stereotype that Americans are always working, but is that really true? Do American workers ever take a vacation? And if not, why?📅In today's episode of the Learn English Podcast, we explore this key aspect of American life - work culture and unused vacation days. Taking time off work is necessary to help prevent burnt out and improve mental health. However, American's receive less vacation days than most other employees in developed countries. Even though they receive less time off, most Americans do not use all of the vacation days every year.🎧But why do so many Americans refuse to use their vacation time? In this episode, we discuss American work culture and learn why it can be hard for Americans to take time off even if they want to. We’ll look at the idea of “living to work” instead of “working to live” and how this affects our everyday lives. Whether you’re learning English, curious about American life, or want to understand workplace issues, this episode is for you!🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website:Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod📝Vocabulary List:1) stereotype: a simplified and often negative image or idea of a particular type of person or thing2) work culture: the shared beliefs and practices of a company or industry related to work3) paid time off: time away from work for which an employee is still paid4) to live to work instead of working to live: to prioritize work over personal life5) Contract worker: An employee hired for a specific task or period, usually without long-term employment benefits.6) Promotion: the action of raising someone to a higher office or rank.7) Falling behind: to fail to keep up with others or with what is expected.8) Burnout: physical or emotional exhaustion, typically resulting from intense or prolonged stress or frustration.9) Counterintuitive: Contrary to what one would intuitively expect; surprising.10) Great Resignation: a term used to describe the large number of people who quit their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.📜SOURCESBBC: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20211209-why-its-so-hard-for-some-workers-to-ask-for-time-offBloomberg News: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-30/less-than-half-of-us-workers-use-all-their-vacation-days#xj4y7vzkg

☀️If "summer" in the northern hemisphere is from June to September, why is back to school shopping done in July? What is the normal school year schedule like for most students and when is summer break? And why are more schools joining this trend to start the school year so early? 🏫In this episode of the Learn English Podcast, will explain how the U.S. school calendar has changed over time. You’ll learn why schools used to start in September but now begin in August, even though it’s still very hot in many parts of the country. Learn about how school funding, the timing of holidays, and the growing pressure of standardized tests is impacting school start dates across the country. 🎧If you’re learning English and want to know more about American life, this episode is perfect for you. It’s a great way to practice your listening skills while learning about the U.S. school system and this important part of American culture. 🔔 Follow us on social media @LearnEnglishPod and visit our website: Podcast website: https://learnenglishpod.com/ Follow us on social Media: https://linktr.ee/learnenglishpod 📝 Vocabulary List: 1) public school: a school that is funded by the government 2) trend: a general direction in which something is developing 3) line up with: to agree with or match something 4) Labor Day: a holiday celebrated in the United States on the first Monday of September 5) school district: a group of schools that are administered by the same governing board 6) federal regulation: a rule or law that is made by the federal government 7) standardized test: a test that is given in the same way to students in many different schools or places 8) semester: one of two periods into which an academic year is divided 9) summer break: a period when schools are closed during the summer 10) back to school time: the time when schools reopen after summer break 11) dead time: time that is wasted or not used productively 12) Fahrenheit: a temperature scale used in the United States