Voice 1
Welcome to Spotlight's Listener Mail program! I'm Liz Waid.
Voice 2
And I'm Joshua Leo. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1
If you are listening to Spotlight right now, there is a good chance that English is your second, third, or even fourth language! If you are like most listeners, you might like Spotlight because it helps you to practice your English skills. You might like it because you can learn about different people, places, ideas, or things. Or, you might be listening to Spotlight for an English learning class! In today's Listener Mail program we will hear from a few English teachers who are interested in using Spotlight with their students. And we will hear from people who want to ask questions and share opinions about programs they have heard. Let's get started!
Voice 2
Our first letter today is from Ivan. He wrote to share his opinion on one of our recent programs. Recently, Spotlight had two programs about tattoos. Tattoos show pictures on a person's skin. Many people wear these permanent pieces of body art. Some people even tattoo religious symbols onto their bodies. This can be a way to share their faith with other people. We asked you to share your opinions about tattoos. Ivan writes:
Voice 3
"I would like to tell you my opinion. I do not use tattoos. I am Christian and I wear a cross of metal hanging on my neck. It represents my beliefs. I have seen people with crosses, fish, and other symbols tattooed on the skin. I guess it depends on how deep is your feeling and on your beliefs."
Voice 1
Thank you for your letter Ivan! There are many ways that people represent their beliefs. It is interesting to hear how you choose to share your Christianity. Like you, many people wear a cross necklace. It can help people remember the great sacrifice Jesus made for people by dying on the cross. Thank you for sharing your opinions with us!
Voice 2
Our next emails are from different teachers who have similar requests! First, Harry writes from Thailand about his EFL students. These students are learning English as a Foreign Language. Harry writes:
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"Today I received a gift from Jesus! I was looking for English exercises in reading and listening which are good for my EFL students. I can visit Spotlight Radio on the internet. It is very useful for my students."
Voice 2
Harry goes on to ask if he can use Spotlight programs in his lesson plans for the next school term.
Voice 1
Harry, we are happy that our programs are helpful to you and your students! As you know, Spotlight is not a teaching program. But many teachers, like you, provide Spotlight to their students. Spotlight can be a useful tool to practice English. We would love to be a part of your lesson plan next term!
Voice 2
Are there any ideas you have for exciting programs for your students? We are always looking for new ideas. We might be able to use some of your ideas or suggestions for a program. You may also invite your students to write to us with their ideas and comments. They can email us at [email protected], or through our website, http://www.Radio.English.net. Thanks for your letter Harry. And good luck with your coming school term!
Voice 1
Luis, from Mexico also teaches EFL students. Luis writes particularly about our word list. He asks if he can use the word list to help his students in their writing exercises. Our word list contains words that are most common for English learners. Luis, you are welcome to use the word list in this way. However, we ask that you tell the people who use the word list where you got it. This way, they can enjoy Spotlight too!
Voice 2
And now it is time for Spotlight's Language Hodgepodge! As we spoke about those last emails, did you recognize the letters EFL? We told you they meant the words English as a Foreign Language. The letters EFL are an acronym. Acronyms usually use the first letter of every word in a name or idea. People use them to communicate more quickly. You probably have acronyms in your own language. But here are a few acronyms from the English language.
Voice 1
You may already know some of the common acronyms we use on Spotlight. WHO? If you thought that means the World Health Organization, you are right! Here is a longer one: UNICEF. Any ideas? It is the United Nations Childrens Fund.
Voice 2
People can also use acronyms to shorten sentences or thoughts. If you want something done As Soon As Possible, you might say you want it done A-S-A-P, or ASAP.
Voice 1
Sometimes acronyms can also represent an action. Do you use the internet a lot? If you do, maybe you have come across the letters LOL. Do you know what those letters stand for? Here is a clue: someone might write LOL when they see or read something funny. In an English setting this acronym stands for Laughing Out Loud! However, if something was REALLY funny, you might be ROTFL! That is, you might be Rolling On The Floor Laughing!
Voice 2
We hope you thought these acronyms were SAC - that is, Super Awesome Cool! Do you have any acronyms to share with us? Maybe they are from your language. Or maybe you have seen them somewhere else. They can be serious or fun! Share them with us through email at [email protected]. That's all for today's Spotlight Language Hodgepodge. And, before we end, we hope you HAND, that is HAND - or, Have A Nice Day!
Voice 1
Next we have a letter from Dennis. Dennis runs an English learning club in Dalat, Vietnam. He asks:
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"What has happened to your Amish Story? It has disappeared from your archives and we link to it through our website."
Voice 2
Well Dennis, you are right. This was a problem for a short time. However, we were able to fix the links, so that old links will go to the correct script on our website. Now, people can find Spotlight through your website again. Thank you for linking to us! And thank you for letting us know about this problem, so that we could fix it.
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