Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Donate
Stay Connected

LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio, a member-supported public media network.

Audience-funded nonprofit news
Listen
Donate
Podcasts Take Two
English language learners demand slang; teachers try to keep up
solid orange rectangular banner
()
Take Two Logo
Nov 4, 2013
Listen • 4:05
English language learners demand slang; teachers try to keep up
When Americans talk about a movie, it could be a "bomb" or a "smash hit"... not to mention "da bomb." These are the kind of things English learners want to know.
Jiu Hua Zhang, a 23-year-old student from China, chats with fellow English language learner Donald Chung, 28, of Taiwan.
Jiu Hua Zhang, a 23-year-old student from China, chats with fellow English language learner Donald Chung, 28, of Taiwan.
(
Josie Huang/KPCC
)
English language learners at UCLA listen to a presentation on slang.
English language learners at UCLA listen to a presentation on slang.
(
Josie Huang/KPCC
)
David Burke, self-styled "Slangman" and author of the eponymous books, giving a special presentation to English language learners at UCLA.
David Burke, self-styled "Slangman" and author of the eponymous books, giving a special presentation to English language learners at UCLA.
(
Josie Huang/KPCC
)
David Burke, self-styled "Slangman" and author of the eponymous books, at his home studio in Studio City, Calif.
David Burke, self-styled "Slangman" and author of the eponymous books, at his home studio in Studio City, Calif.
(
Josie Huang/KPCC
)

When Americans talk about a movie, it could be a "bomb" or a "smash hit"... not to mention "da bomb." These are the kind of things English learners want to know.

Even with English instruction starting as early as pre-school in some countries, thousands of foreign students still come to the US hoping to master a more natural speaking style. 

KPCC's Josie Huang finds out how teachers keep up with the latest slang.