#esl language course

[blossomhill-languagearts]

We are providing online English service for elementary school aged children. We provide them phonics, reading comprehension, writing, grammar and vocabularies. Our workbooks and curriculum follow the public school in the U.S. We teach them with fun activities.

[englisheducationlab]

English language courses for international students

English language courses for international students are designed to help learners improve their fluency, confidence, and communication skills. At English Education Lab, we offer personalized online lessons tailored to your goals, whether you need help with business English, exam preparation, or everyday conversation

[the-tenth-arcanum]

I hate it when job ads are like "this role involves copywriting so you must be an English native speaker" girl give me a chance

[ruhua-langblr]

Duolingo Sucks, Now What?: A Guide

Now that the quality of Duolingo has fallen (even more) due to AI and people are more willing to make the jump here are just some alternative apps and what languages they have:

"I just want an identical experience to DL"

Busuu (Languages: Spanish, Japanese, French, English, German, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Polish, Turkish, Russian, Arabic, Korean)

"I want a good audio-based app"

Language Transfer (Languages: French, Swahili, Italian, Greek, German, Turkish, Arabic, Spanish, English for Spanish Speakers)

"I want a good audio-based app and money's no object"

Pimsleur (Literally so many languages)

Glossika (Also a lot of languages, but minority languages are free)

*anecdote: I borrowed my brother's Japanese Pimsleur CD as a kid and I still remember how to say the weather is nice over a decade later. You can find the CDs at libraries and "other" places I'm sure.

"I have a pretty neat library card"

Mango (Languages: So many and the endangered/Indigenous courses are free even if you don't have a library that has a partnership with Mango)

Transparent Language: (Languages: THE MOST! Also the one that has the widest variety of African languages! Perhaps the most diverse in ESL and learning a foreign language not in English)

"I want SRS flashcards and have an android"

AnkiDroid: (Theoretically all languages, pre-made decks can be found easily)

"I want SRS flashcards and I have an iphone"

AnkiApp: It's almost as good as AnkiDroid and free compared to the official Anki app for iphone

"I don't mind ads and just want to learn Korean"

lingory

"I want an app made for Mandarin that's BETTER than DL and has multiple languages to learn Mandarin in"

ChineseSkill (You can use their older version of the course for free)

"I don't like any of these apps you mentioned already, give me one more"

Bunpo: (Languages: Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Korean, and Mandarin)

[hoorayezenglish]

100 American English Sight Words - List 4

[smartstudy-24x7]

English Reading and Writing Programs for Kids: Fun English Learning and Online Classes in Australia

In today’s fast-paced, globalized world, proficiency in English has become essential for children to succeed academically and socially. Whether it's developing reading skills or mastering writing techniques, parents are constantly seeking the best ways to enhance their kids' language capabilities. For families in Australia, English Classes for Kids in Australia have gained significant attention due to the growing demand for flexible and effective learning methods.

In this blog, we'll explore the variety of English reading and writing programs for kids, discuss the benefits of fun English learning for kids, and look into online English lessons for kids with a spotlight on Kiya Learning, a platform that provides top-tier educational resources for children in Australia.

Why English Proficiency is Important for Kids

The ability to communicate effectively in English not only helps children excel in school but also opens doors to future opportunities. Mastery in reading and writing can significantly boost a child’s overall cognitive development. Moreover, learning English early allows kids to:

Expand their vocabulary and enhance comprehension skills.

Improve cognitive abilities, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Increase opportunities for future careers, both in Australia and internationally.

Understanding this, parents are focusing on engaging their children in reading and writing programs that promote strong foundational skills in English.

English Reading and Writing Programs for Kids

When considering English reading and writing programs for kids, it’s essential to find structured, well-rounded programs that engage children while meeting curriculum standards. Such programs help children develop skills in areas such as:

Phonics: Learning the connection between letters and sounds.

Grammar and Vocabulary: Building proper sentence structures and expanding word knowledge.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting text.

Creative Writing: Encouraging self-expression and storytelling.

How Kiya Learning Helps in English Reading and Writing

Kiya Learning offers specialized English reading and writing programs for kids that combine interactive content, certified instructors, and personalized lesson plans. The focus is on making the learning process enjoyable while adhering to Australian curriculum standards.

Kiya Learning’s programs for kids are designed to be:

Engaging and interactive, ensuring children enjoy the process of reading and writing.

Tailored to individual needs, offering different levels based on the student’s current ability.

Incorporating fun and creativity, using storytelling, games, and digital tools to develop language skills.

Parents can choose from various reading and writing modules that target areas where their children need improvement or additional practice, ensuring a well-rounded grasp of the English language.

Fun English Learning for Kids

The phrase fun English learning for kids highlights the growing emphasis on teaching methods that prioritize engagement and enjoyment. While traditional methods of rote memorization and textbook-heavy learning can sometimes turn children off, modern approaches to language learning focus on:

Gamification: Using games and interactive activities to teach language concepts.

Storytelling: Encouraging children to create and share their stories to spark creativity.

Visual Learning: Using videos, images, and multimedia to reinforce learning points.

Why Fun Learning Matters

When children enjoy learning, they retain information more effectively. Fun learning not only helps in keeping the child engaged but also creates positive associations with education, making them more enthusiastic about school and homework. In Australia, many institutions and platforms like Kiya Learning have embraced these modern, fun-based approaches to help children learn English.

How Kiya Learning Creates Fun Experiences

At Kiya Learning, every program is designed to be interactive and engaging. The curriculum incorporates:

Educational games that reinforce vocabulary and grammar lessons.

Interactive storytelling exercises where kids can create their narratives, helping improve both reading and writing skills.

Creative challenges like writing poems, making comics, and more, which help foster imagination alongside language development.

This approach helps children see English not just as a subject but as a fun, creative outlet for expression.

Online English Lessons for Kids

In a post-pandemic world, online English lessons for kids have surged in popularity, offering a flexible and accessible alternative to traditional classroom settings. The online learning environment allows for a customized approach to education, and parents in Australia are increasingly embracing it.

Benefits of Online English Lessons for Kids

Flexibility: One of the key advantages of online learning is its flexibility. Kids can access lessons at times that are convenient for them and their families. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for parents with busy schedules.

Personalized learning: Many online platforms, including Kiya Learning, offer personalized lessons that cater to the unique strengths and weaknesses of each student. Whether a child needs to focus on reading comprehension or improve their writing skills, online lessons can be adapted to meet those specific needs.

Interactive Tools: Online lessons leverage technology to keep kids engaged. With tools like virtual whiteboards, digital quizzes, and multimedia resources, children can participate in interactive activities that make learning fun.

Access to Expert Tutors: Platforms like Kiya Learning offer access to highly qualified tutors who specialize in English for kids. These professionals are trained to keep kids engaged while helping them make substantial progress in their reading and writing skills.

Why Kiya Learning for Online English Lessons in Australia?

When it comes to English classes for kids in Australia, Kiya Learning

 is a standout platform for several reasons:

Expert Instructors: Kiya Learning connects students with experienced, certified English tutors who understand the unique needs of young learners.

Interactive Learning Modules: The platform offers interactive modules that make online learning fun and engaging for kids, ensuring that they remain interested and motivated.

Tailored Programs: With programs designed for varying skill levels, Kiya Learning ensures that every child is taught at their pace, whether they’re beginners or more advanced learners.

Flexible Scheduling: Kiya Learning offers flexible class schedules, perfect for busy families and kids with extracurricular commitments.

Supportive Learning Environment: Kids are encouraged to ask questions and participate actively in class, fostering a supportive atmosphere where they feel comfortable exploring new ideas.

Kiya Learning’s online English lessons for kids are accessible across Australia, making it easier than ever for parents to enroll their children in high-quality English programs from the comfort of home.

English Classes for Kids in Australia

Australia offers a variety of English classes for kids, but finding the right one that balances academic rigor with fun learning experiences can be a challenge. Whether you’re looking for in-person lessons or online classes, key factors to consider include:

Class Size: Small class sizes allow for more personalized attention.

Qualified Teachers: Instructors should be well-trained in working with children and possess relevant teaching certifications.

Curriculum Alignment: The program should align with Australia’s educational standards, ensuring that children are learning relevant content.

Engagement: Fun and interactive elements are crucial to keeping kids motivated to learn.

Why Parents Choose Kiya Learning in Australia

With the rise of online English lessons for kids, Kiya Learning stands out for its comprehensive approach. Parents choose Kiya Learning for its combination of:

Highly qualified tutors: All instructors are well-trained and equipped to teach kids effectively.

Engaging content: Kiya Learning incorporates multimedia, storytelling, and games to make English lessons enjoyable.

Flexible learning models: Whether you prefer group classes or one-on-one sessions, Kiya Learning offers flexibility in choosing what works best for your child.

As a trusted provider of English reading and writing programs for kids across Australia, Kiya Learning is paving the way for the future of language education with its innovative approach to teaching.

Conclusion: Why Kiya Learning is the Right Choice

If you’re looking for fun English learning for kids or structured online English lessons for kids in Australia, Kiya Learning offers the perfect blend of innovation and quality. With a focus on creating engaging, interactive lessons that foster creativity while adhering to educational standards, Kiya Learning ensures that every child can excel in reading, writing, and beyond.

English Classes for Kids in Australia should be more than just a classroom experience—they should inspire children to love learning and develop the skills they need to succeed. Kiya Learning achieves this by offering tailored programs that are fun, engaging, and designed with young learners in mind. Whether your child is looking to improve their reading, writing, or overall language skills, Kiya Learning offers the resources and expertise needed to make a lasting impact.

Let your child embark on a fun and educational journey with Kiya Learning today!

This blog provides a comprehensive look at various aspects of English classes for kids in Australia, emphasizing the role of Kiya Learning in offering engaging, flexible, and effective programs.

CONTACT  US  - 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kiyalearning/                                

Website URL - https://kiyalearning.com/             

Business Email - contact@kiyalearning.com

  Whataap Link -   

[tionitro]

Break Down | O que significa este phrasal verb? | TEACHER ÉRIKA - MELHORE SEU INGLÊS

Você sabe como usar BREAK DOWN? Como verbo isolado, “break” significa “quebrar”. Então, é natural que “break down” tenha o sentido de desmontar algo em partes menores. No entanto, break down vai além disso, podendo significar também “falhar” no sentido mecânico, “desmoronar” emocionalmente, ou até “analisar detalhadamente” algo complexo. Vamos explorar mais a fundo o significado e uso de break…

[what-even-is-thiss]

Some free or inexpensive comprehensible input, audio and video lessons, and listening practice stuff for popular languages because idk I felt like googling some stuff today

Arabic: Yale k-16 interactive reading, Arabic Comprehensible, Egyptic

Bengali: Bangla Shekho, Bengali Fairy Tales

Chinese (Mandarin): Comprehensible Chinese, hackingchinese.com, Acquire Mandarin, Comprehensible Mandarin, Blabla Chinese, Easy Mandarin, Mandarin Click

English: English Comprehensible input for ESL beginners, Dreaming English, EnglishClass101, British Council LearnEnglish, News in Slow English

French: French Comprehensible Input, alice ayel, Easy French, innerfrench.com, Little Talk in Slow French, Francais Authentique

German: DW Learn German, Naturlich German, Comprehensible German, Easy German, Löwenzahn, Deutsch Direkt, Learn German With Falk

Greek (modern): Natural Languages TRPS Greek, Helinka, Hellinic American Union, Easy Greek, Greekpod101

Greek (ancient): Easy Latin (Greek Course), Alpha With Angela (biblical [Kione] Greek), Chihon Teaches, Ancient Greek in Action, Athenaze

Hebrew: The Hebrew Adventure, Free Hebrew (Biblical Hebrew), Hebrew Time, thehebrewcafe.com

Hindi: Comprehensible Hindi, HindiPod101, Hindi TV, Easy Hindi

Hungarian: FluentBox, Magyar Hungarian, Speak Hungarian With Angie, Easy Hungarian,

Icelandic: Icelandic For Foreigners, icelandiconline.com, Ylhyra, Viltu laera islensku,

Italian: Italian For Americans, Easy Italian, Learn Italian With Lucrezia, teacherstefano.com

Japanese: Comprehensible Japanese, DailyJapanese, Akane Japanese Class, iroironanihongo, Japanese Immersion With Asami, Speak Japanese Naturally, Learn Japanese with Tanaka san,

Korean: Comprehensible Input Korean, Korean Patch, Immersion in Korean, Intuit Korean, Learn Korean in Korean, Hello Jadoo, MAVOCA, Storytime in Korean, Talk to Me in 100% Korean

Latin: Easy Latin, ScorpioMartianus, Quomodo Dicitur?, Found In Antiquity, The London Latin Course

Portuguese: Teach Yourself Portuguese, The Sounds of Portuguese, Portuguese With Leo, Easy Portuguese

Russian: Comprehensible Russian, Easy Russian, About Russian in Russian, Russian With Max, Russian from Russia, Real Russian Club

Spanish: Dreaming Spanish, Teacher Catalina. Hola Spanish, Easy Spanish,

[dreamdolldeveloper]

back to basics

mostly free resources to help you learn the basics that i've gathered for myself so far that i think are cool

everyday

gcfglobal - about the internet, online safety and for kids, life skills like applying for jobs, career planning, resume writing, online learning, today's skills like 3d printing, photoshop, smartphone basics, microsoft office apps, and mac friendly. they have core skills like reading, math, science, language learning - some topics are sparse so hopefully they keep adding things on. great site to start off on learning.

handsonbanking - learn about finances. after highschool, credit, banking, investing, money management, debt, goal setting, loans, cars, small businesses, military, insurance, retirement, etc.

bbc - learning for all ages. primary to adult. arts, history, science, math, reading, english, french, all the way to functional and vocational skills for adults as well, great site!

education.ket - workplace essential skills

general education

mathsgenie - GCSE revision, grade 1-9, math stages 1-14, provides more resources! completely free.

khan academy - pre-k to college, life skills, test prep (sats, mcat, etc), get ready courses, AP, partner courses like NASA, etc. so much more!

aleks - k-12 + higher ed learning program. adapts to each student.

biology4kids - learn biology

cosmos4kids - learn astronomy basics

chem4kids - learn chemistry

physics4kids - learn physics

numbernut - math basics (arithmetic, fractions and decimals, roots and exponents, prealgebra)

education.ket - primary to adult. includes highschool equivalent test prep, the core skills. they have a free resource library and they sell workbooks. they have one on work-life essentials (high demand career sectors + soft skills)

youtube channels

the organic chemistry tutor

khanacademy

crashcourse

tabletclassmath

2minmaths

kevinmathscience

professor leonard

greenemath

mathantics

3blue1brown

literacy

readworks - reading comprehension, build background knowledge, grow your vocabulary, strengthen strategic reading

chompchomp - grammar knowledge

tutors

not the "free resource" part of this post but sometimes we forget we can be tutored especially as an adult. just because we don't have formal education does not mean we can't get 1:1 teaching! please do you research and don't be afraid to try out different tutors. and remember you're not dumb just because someone's teaching style doesn't match up with your learning style.

cambridge coaching - medical school, mba and business, law school, graduate, college academics, high school and college process, middle school and high school admissions

preply - language tutoring. affordable!

revolutionprep - math, science, english, history, computer science (ap, html/css, java, python c++), foreign languages (german, korean, french, italian, spanish, japanese, chinese, esl)

varsity tutors - k-5 subjects, ap, test prep, languages, math, science & engineering, coding, homeschool, college essays, essay editing, etc

chegg - biology, business, engineering/computer science, math, homework help, textbook support, rent and buying books

learn to be - k-12 subjects

for languages

lingq - app. created by steve kaufmann, a polygot (fluent in 20+ languages) an amazing language learning platform that compiles content in 20+ languages like podcasts, graded readers, story times, vlogs, radio, books, the feature to put in your own books! immersion, comprehensible input.

flexiclasses - option to study abroad, resources to learn, mandarin, cantonese, japanese, vietnamese, korean, italian, russian, taiwanese hokkien, shanghainese.

fluentin3months - bootcamp, consultation available, languages: spanish, french, korean, german, chinese, japanese, russian, italian.

fluenz - spanish immersion both online and in person - intensive.

pimsleur - not tutoring** online learning using apps and their method. up to 50 languages, free trial available.

incase time has passed since i last posted this, check on the original post (not the reblogs) to see if i updated link or added new resources. i think i want to add laguage resources at some point too but until then, happy learning!!

[olderthannetfic]

I'm fucking howling. You see (of course you do, this blog had this conversation days ago) how some people over fandom say they, not exactly hate, more like "do not prefer" even if the reasons for "not prefering" are weak as fuck, first person narration. Well, (general) you just need to go to booktok and see how many people "cannot read" books in third person because Potato. It's just so fucking funny. The person (because there's a person wating to be attached to the most laughable thing, they need to) who made the TikTok made an exaggerated face like they don't understand the POV and close the book looking utterly disappointed, completing the acting with a smack in the forehead. But the comments are the best of the best because there's only like a whole of three users saying "third person is the worst" and the others are like "you can't be serious, right".

But the comments that got me thinking were two:

"I really can't understand 3rd person books 😭 I feel lost and confused from the beginning to the end" How? How is third person more "confusing"? Some people said that was a "English not being my first language" but, um... No, I don't think so. Like, my ass is ESL. Unless your school and-or your self-learning had been horrendously bad with the structure of how to learn the English language, this doesn't make sense. (Also, I bet in many schools you have to read third person in many texts when you're learning your own language.) The issue seems to be other one completely.

"If it's not in first person, I can't connect with the character 😭." Aha! Now this is a skill issue, lol. Like, TV shows and movies are not in "first person" either and people still connect with the characters just fine? For what I have seen, is not that these people "can't connect" with the character, is because they can't project into the character. The main protag is not a character, is supposed to be you, and in third person you can't do it, supposedly. The protag is no longer, well, a tool to move the story foward, is you. And if it's in third person then isn't you anymore. Which, yeah, I fall this under the "skill issue" category.

TBH seeing this was truly fascinating after so many "I can't stand first person in fanfic!", kinda refreshing.

--

[adulthumanproblem]

February 17th, I finished my third book!

This one is a bit of a cheat to be honest, since I don't really remember anything I particularly liked as a kid, so I picked one I read as a teen

Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None

We actually read that in school in (ESL) English class, and it made me fall in love with mystery and detective novels as a whole. I devoured Christie after this

Me being stupid, I didn't remember all that much about this book, which makes re-reading it actually a lot more fun!

It's a fantastic book, maybe even one of her best works. It's extremely clever and intriguing, paced phenomenally well and keeps you guessing until the very end. Literally the epilogue. About 30% through I thought I knew who the culprit was, I was so sure of it! But I was wrong, and I think it was a deliberate red herring (fun fact: this is were I learned what a red herring was)

It was written in 1939 and is absolutely a product of its time, but if you pay attention, you can find that a lot of the casual bigotry is on purpose. None of these people are good people after all, and a lot of the sexism is quickly shown wrong.

It still, of course, holds some bigotries as was common in Britain in 1939, and I think it's actually very good and necessary to still read books like this. You can't just read books with "the perfect language and the perfect morals", that doesn't work and won't teach you anything. You need to be able to take something for what it is and still find joy in it

(It's also really fun to find the original meanings of "gay" "queer" "straight" just strewn about. "He was a queer fellow, he wasn't straight." "I loved my wife, she was so gay." Had me giggling a few times, ngl)

Anyway, this book is still absolutely one of my favorites. It's so good and highly recommended! (Close second is The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, which shocked me to my core. Christie was an extraordinary writer)

I still haven't decided what to read next. I had a whole plan, but just today I picked up a book about conspiracies and the psychology behind them and I'm very tempted to read that

@batmanisagatewaydrug Thank you for getting me to read more again! I've already read more books this year than the last few years combined! (I think a quest is exactly what my ADHD needs)

[englisheducationlab]

Boost your English skills online with expert ESL courses

Take your English to the next level with ESL courses online! Get expert instruction, flexible learning, and practical lessons to boost your fluency and confidence.

[lafiametta]

Something I love about Ani and Igor in those scenes is that both their points are understandable.

Like of course Ani is scared of getting assaulted, she tries to fight off who she believes is an attacker and is overpowered. The positioning of that scene is very deliberate, reminding Ani (and us) not just of the immediate possible danger, but the reality of how powerless she is, as a working class women and sex worker). She has everything she (thinks) she wants taken from her without her say and she's hurt, angry and humiliated. From her point of view, he's making fun of her fear (bless his clueless heart I think he thought they were bantering a bit), so of course she wants to lash out in response.

But we are also shown clearly that Igor is not at all prepared for the situation that goes from 0 to 100 in seconds, from his POV she physically attacks him unprovoked (and honestly while it's completely understandable that she felt threatened, she is the one who escalated it to violence) and he tries every other option before tying her up (not very well but still). Its clear he does this because he knows she'll run (immediately proven right) and he knows that means more trouble. I also don't think he really gets that she was scared when he tied her up. He knows she's angry and he knows it wasn't right, that's why he looks so disturbed on the couch and tries to apologise in the car. But because he cant see her face, he cant see what she's actually feeling (good set up for the final scene). Also, since he's ESL, he's probably taking certain phrases literally and her saying he WOULD'VE raped her instead of she was SCARED that he would just confuses him even more.

Again, great writing, great actors.

Great points, Anon! And I think that's why the home invasion scene is so good: on different levels it's terrifying and hilarious and sometimes it's both at the same time. Ani is just a “little girl” (at least according to Toros), but she draws first blood and bites a guy in the shoulder. Igor's a big scary henchman who also says “please” when he pleads with her to stop trying to run. And, yeah, he doesn't see how really scared she is for much of that scene because he can't see her face. It's only when Toros shows up and orders Igor to let her go that it becomes more clear to him and he starts looking much more abashed. (But part of the miscommunication in the scene when they're talking in front of the TV also stems from Igor's inability, because of his perspective as a man, to see that threat of sexual violence as an actual harm. He would never have thought of doing it, and so, at least at first, he can't imagine that she would have had that particular fear. And of course the language barrier just complicates things even further.)

But, yeah, he totally thought they were bantering. She's talking to him, at least, and for Igor, that probably felt like a massive victory.

Ani: Would you shut the fuck up, you psycho rapist? Igor: *mentally composing the stories he's going to tell their grandchildren about how they met*

[monstrousproductions]

You probably won't see this, but I really wanted to thank you for your Travelling Light podcast. English is not my first language, and I've had trouble trying to understand actual conversations because they were too fast for me, but since I've started listening to your podcast in November or December I made great progress, and now can fluently understand people! To be completely honest I didn't expect to like your podcast, and actually started listening to it because I wanted to learn, but I ended up enjoying it SO much that I die of impatience every week waiting for the episode. And also I really like your voice. Thank you

Hello friend, thank you so much for sending this lovely message! I certainly don't get enough messages that I could miss one, and I'm so glad because this absolutely made my day.

I used to work at a peace centre with a lot of international volunteers, many of whom were speaking English as a second language, and one of the highest compliments I received while I was there was that my speech was pretty easy for ESL folk to understand 😂 Of course, this was in Northern Ireland where the local accent can be difficult even for native English speakers... But still! I'll take it!

Really glad you're enjoying the podcast beyond its linguistic side, too! Keep up the hard work and wishing you many wonderful conversations with people from all over the world in your future xxx

[hoorayezenglish]

American English Sight Words - List 2

[arthurn9]

Opal, Byroden, And a Sense of Mexican/Latino Culture in Exandria

Aimee Carrero is a treasure for bringing Opal to life. She's absolutely my favorite character in EXU, and it's not even close. (That is to say, I love them all, but Opal is just...she's everything. Charismatic, fun to talk to, friendly, a little ditzy and naive, full of herself, show-offy...I could only dream of making PCs like her (and I have tried lol).) And while the character is amazing in and of herself, what she represents actually means so much more to me.

A little backstory. Breaking kayfabe a little here, don't worry, it can still be real to you, damn it, but I am not, in fact, a blue-skinned tiefling with sky blue hair and a silly tail in what some would call "the real world". I'm of Latino descent, specifically Mexican-American, first generation. My parents are from Chihuahua and Durango, Mexico, respectively, and came to the US to make a better life for themselves, finding each other and bringing me into this world in the process. Spanish was my first language, and although it's long since been supplanted by English as my default language, I still speak it enthusiastically when with my family.

I grew up going to fiestas, celebrated several quinceañeras for various cousins and my own sister, went to misa (church service) every Sunday as a good Catholic boy, and took several trips to Mexico over the years to visit grandparents and family.

And at some point, I kind of grew ashamed of that.

Apparently, it's not entirely that uncommon, and kind of understandable. For me, it's hard to say what caused this change in my mentality. It might have been because all around me, everyone spoke English and lived the culture of America (which is a paradox in its own right, considering the hodgepodge of culture that is America). Maybe it was leftover resentment from being put into basic ESL courses in 1st and 2nd grade despite being one of the fastest-learning readers of English in Kindergarten. (I won the limo-pizza party prize from Dominos for reading so many books, damn it!)

Whatever the case, by 6th grade, I was almost exclusively speaking English everywhere, only begrudgingly speaking Spanish when talking to my parents because that's basically all they spoke. I rolled my eyes at things like Pinatas at birthday parties and going to Church (though that might have just been my growing agnosticism). Hell, even my name changed; Arthur is just the Anglicized version of my real name. I'll let you figure that out. And in high school it got really bad. I basically had to take Spanish classes to get back some semblance of speaking the language, and even then I wasn't super happy doing it.

Since then, after maturing a fair amount, I've recovered most of my Spanish speaking ability and patched things up, largely, with my parents. Turns out moving out is all I needed to get the ball rolling! How about that.

Part of that recovery journey has been connecting a bit more over time with my Latino roots. Movies like Coco and Encanto helped recover my interest in a lot of those roots, and I started to more and more gain confidence in those roots. Slowly but surely I started to weave those Mexican roots back into my own storytelling. My favorite Original Characters, Rhys and Uniqua Plateado (from a RWBY AU called AXUR I made with my best friend that I may talk about some day) were deeply entrenched in Mexican/Spanish roots (or the Remnant equivalent of same), with Uniqua in particular deriving her battle style/armor design from both Spanish Flamenco and Mexican Jarabe. More and more of my writing was influenced by the culture of Mexico and the American Southwest.

And then the bomb that is Opal dropped.

To quote Aimee Carrero: "My first question when creating Opal was: 'What’s the Exandria equivalent of Laredo, TX?'"

It turns out that through talking to Matt Mercer, Aabria Iyengar, and creative down at Whitestone Towers (yes I did just make another wrestling joke What Of It), Aimee had created a hub of Exandrian-flavored Mexican culture. Before, Byroden was just a town in the twins' backstory, the site of tragic loss. Now, it was a lively community filled with wonderful cuture, debutant balls, and so much potential.

Because of that inspiration, I was able to finally fill in the gaps for my most beloved player characters' backstories. I was able to find a home for the Cena family, now officially retconned to be their true form: Ex-icans! (please don't shoot me it's a bad name but it's got spirit)

I was able to integrate its culture into my own campaigns. Several prominent Latino wizarding/magic families now live there in my campaigns' version of Exandria. Spanish flows there, and you can visit La Purisima Panaderia for a sweet treat (definitely named for a wonderful Panaderia in my local area that popped one of my players, another Latino native to the area). My main OC family, the Cena's, has a set of triplets among then, two of them (the bitchy, bratty ones) named after two characters from a legendary meme-worthy telenovela (and yes, this was mostly to have one of them spout the funny catchphrase). The third was named for my most beloved Aunt Leticia, who resides in my soul even 13 years after her passing. (Also apparently also named for the protagonist of said telenovela but that was actually a complete accident. Also the elder sister was named for an alias the protagonist of that telenovela takes at one point you know what I'm just gonna say I'm the 6th remake of Betty La Fea and be done with it.)

I was even able to put some of my own mother's heritage in my games! In my version of Byroden, a family owns a toy shop (that has all sorts of cool arcane toys and gadgets). However, its biggest attraction is an arcane doll that supposedly was a human woman at one point...and she sits dormant, celebrated every year by the people of Byroden around the point of Harvest's End. This was inspired by a similar story of a mannequin supposedly created by an embalmed bride-to-be, a legend in Chihuahua.

While I could definitely have done this on my own in some way, having that inspiration come when it did, when my own journey to recover that identity was at its peak, did so much to help show me how cool it could be to integrate that into my storytelling. I'm more excited than ever to implement my roots into my storytelling, and it's all thanks to one cute girl with white hair, a pink jacket, and a penchant for tying good knots. So thank you, Aimee Carrero. Now please bring my girl home, spider mommy is scawy and I don't wanna say goodbye to my giiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrlllllllllll

also on another note though it's never been properly discussed Vax and Vex are a bit brown canonically and are from Byroden so um....maybeIheadcanonthatWeClaimThemokaybye