Name 

Marianne Cassany

Mother tongue 

French

Lives in 

Bristol in the UK

Can you tell me a bit about yourself? 

I am a web designer with passions like learning interesting general knowledge and English. That’s why English Learning for Curious Minds is the perfect podcast for me as it combines both.

Can you tell me about your language learning journey?

I am based in Bristol in the UK, allowing me to practise English every day. I read English books, I watch movies and documentaries in English with English subtitles. I listen to podcasts for English learners such as Leonardo English, Ted talks and BBC programs I like.

What have you found the hardest thing about learning English?

The hardest thing about learning English is the accent. As a French person, learning a language such as Spanish or Italian is much easier because of the common roman root. There are many sounds in English very different from French. The challenge was even more important when I spent 6 months in Liverpool where there is a specific accent which can be strong.

What's your main goal for improving your English?

My main goal is self-improvement.  I have always loved the ‘musicality’ of this language. Also English is one of the most spoken languages in the world, I have the impression to open many doors and to extend my world! it is very rewarding to be able to communicate properly in another country with the locals. When I am in Bordeaux, my hometown in France, I join the native English-speaking community; I have created good friendships with people from all over the world in this circle. This way, I still feel like travelling in my home city.

Why did you decide to become a member of Leonardo English?

I understood 95% of the podcast but was a little bit annoyed by the 5% left I couldn’t get, so I decided to become a member to obtain the transcript and access vocabulary or idioms I didn’t know.

Can you share a little bit about your “podcast” routine? How do you use the podcasts to improve your English, and do you have any tips for other people?

I listen twice to the same podcast and use my down time to do so like on the bus. The goal is to understand the maximum of it on my own without the help of the transcript. For the third listening I read the transcript and can discover new vocabulary or idioms and expressions I don’t know.

What's your favourite English Learning for Curious Minds episode (and why)?

I loved, for example, the one about the history of the English language. As an English learner, it is obviously very interesting to know the different layers of influences which have built the English language and where they come from. I am looking forward to listening to the one about Enid Blyton too, released recently. She was my favourite author when I was a child with the Famous Five and Malory School. I wish I had been able to read them in English 😊.