Have you ever used Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu or perhaps another language-learning app? How did you get on? Some people love the convenience of these apps – you can learn on the go, like during your commute to work, rather than committing to a certain time each week, like learning in a class. But are they teaching the languages effectively? Neil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260910">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260910</a>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a>

Have you ever used Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu or perhaps another language-learning app? How did you get on? Some people love the convenience of these apps – you can learn on the go, like during your commute to work, rather than committing to a certain time each week, like learning in a class. But are they teaching the languages effectively? Neil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260910 Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room Subscribe to our newsletters here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Have you ever used Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu or perhaps another language-learning app? How did you get on? Some people love the convenience of these apps –&nbsp;you can learn on the go, like during your commute to work, rather than committing to a certain time each week, like learning in a class. But are they teaching the languages effectively? Neil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260910" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260910</a>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a>

Can apps teach you a language?

How would you feel about going up to a stranger on the street and asking them for a cheeky favour? If the idea makes you nervous, then don't worry – you are not alone! But recently, some people have been filming themselves doing this, as part of a social media trend called 'rejection therapy'. It's not an officially recognised form of therapy, but some have found that it improves their confidence. Georgie and Neil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.6 Minute English now has a VIDEO VERSION! 6 Minute English now comes with a video! It's the same programme that you know and love, but now you can see us! Watch this podcast here (and find a free worksheet): <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260917">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260917</a>Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at <a href="mailto:learningenglish@bbc.co.uk">learningenglish@bbc.co.uk</a>

How would you feel about going up to a stranger on the street and asking them for a cheeky favour? If the idea makes you nervous, then don't worry – you are not alone! But recently, some people have been filming themselves doing this, as part of a social media trend called 'rejection therapy'. It's not an officially recognised form of therapy, but some have found that it improves their confidence. Georgie and Neil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. 6 Minute English now has a VIDEO VERSION! 6 Minute English now comes with a video! It's the same programme that you know and love, but now you can see us! Watch this podcast here (and find a free worksheet): https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260917 Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at learningenglish@bbc.co.uk

How would you feel about going up to a stranger on the street and asking them for a cheeky favour? If the idea makes you nervous, then don't worry – you are not alone! But recently, some people have been filming themselves doing this, as part of a social media trend called 'rejection therapy'. It's not an officially recognised form of therapy, but some have found that it improves their confidence. Georgie and Neil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.6 Minute English now has a VIDEO VERSION! 6 Minute English now comes with a video! It's the same programme that you know and love, but now you can see us! Watch this podcast here (and find a free worksheet): <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260917" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260917</a>Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at <a href="mailto:learningenglish@bbc.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer">learningenglish@bbc.co.uk</a>

Is rejection good for us?

Every year we see damage, death and destruction caused by hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons - tropical storms. Is climate change making this impact worse? Climate change may be making this destruction worse. Phil is joined by BBC weather presenter and meteorologist Sarah Keith-Lucas to learn more about this and teach you some new vocabulary.Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260903">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260903</a>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a>

Every year we see damage, death and destruction caused by hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons - tropical storms. Is climate change making this impact worse? Climate change may be making this destruction worse. Phil is joined by BBC weather presenter and meteorologist Sarah Keith-Lucas to learn more about this and teach you some new vocabulary. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260903 Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room Subscribe to our newsletters here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Every year we see damage, death and destruction caused by hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons - tropical storms. Is climate change making this impact worse? Climate change may be making this destruction worse. Phil is joined by BBC weather presenter and meteorologist Sarah Keith-Lucas to learn more about this and teach you some new vocabulary.Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260903" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260903</a>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a>

Climate change and extreme weather

What is the worst smell in the world? And what is the best smell? Are there any smells that you like, but that your friends or family hate? Smells are all around us all the time, but the English language is often quite general in the way it describes smells, as opposed to other senses like sounds or tastes. But why is this? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260827">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260827</a>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a>

What is the worst smell in the world? And what is the best smell? Are there any smells that you like, but that your friends or family hate? Smells are all around us all the time, but the English language is often quite general in the way it describes smells, as opposed to other senses like sounds or tastes. But why is this? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260827 Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room Subscribe to our newsletters here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

What is the worst smell in the world? And what is the best smell? Are there any smells that you like, but that your friends or family hate? Smells are all around us all the time, but the English language is often quite general in the way it describes smells, as opposed to other senses like sounds or tastes. But why is this? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260827" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260827</a>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a>

How do we describe smells?

Imagine crossing a road and turning to see a car heading towards you... without a driver! While this might seem scary, driverless cars are already operating safely in many cities around the world. These autonomous cars contain huge amounts of technology to help them drive alongside other road users carefully. But will humans behave as carefully around them? Can we communicate clearly with these 'robotaxis', or are we simply incompatible? Phil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.Learn English from authentic BBC programme clips. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260820">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260820</a>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a> 
Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a>

Imagine crossing a road and turning to see a car heading towards you... without a driver! While this might seem scary, driverless cars are already operating safely in many cities around the world. These autonomous cars contain huge amounts of technology to help them drive alongside other road users carefully. But will humans behave as carefully around them? Can we communicate clearly with these 'robotaxis', or are we simply incompatible? Phil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Learn English from authentic BBC programme clips. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260820 Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room Subscribe to our newsletters here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Imagine crossing a road and turning to see a car heading towards you... without a driver! While this might seem scary, driverless cars are already operating safely in many cities around the world. These autonomous cars contain huge amounts of technology to help them drive alongside other road users carefully. But will humans behave as carefully around them? Can we communicate clearly with these 'robotaxis', or are we simply incompatible? Phil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.Learn English from authentic BBC programme clips. Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260820" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260820</a>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a> 
Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a>

Sharing the road with driverless cars

We talk about different variations on the concept of mermaids.

We talk about different variations on the concept of mermaids.

Mermaids

Neil and Georgina discuss noise and whether it is bad for our health.

Neil and Georgina discuss noise and whether it is bad for our health.

A quieter world

Can the world's two biggest emitters of greenhouse gases work together?

Can the world's two biggest emitters of greenhouse gases work together?

US and China vs climate change

Hear about why being naked in nature might be good for you.

Hear about why being naked in nature might be good for you.

Naked in nature

Rob and Neil talk about the origins and the language of this humble snack.

Rob and Neil talk about the origins and the language of this humble snack.

The language of biscuits

Neil and Georgina discuss where the English language we use today really comes from.

Neil and Georgina discuss where the English language we use today really comes from.

Is English really English?

Hear all about the Skylab astronauts’ disagreement with mission control.

Hear all about the Skylab astronauts’ disagreement with mission control.

Astronauts on strike?

Hear about digital technology which helps blind people improve their lives.

Hear about digital technology which helps blind people improve their lives.

Digital help for blind people

Hear about what small things you can do to feel happier about life.

Hear about what small things you can do to feel happier about life.

What’s the key to happiness?

Rob and Georgina talk about how to create a happy place.

Rob and Georgina talk about how to create a happy place.

Looking for utopia

Learn and practise useful English with clips from programmes around the BBC. Each week, we talk about an interesting topic and learn helpful words and phrases used in natural spoken English - all in 6 minutes! Practise your listening and hear natural spoken English. Find more at 
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish</a>Follow us at 
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus</a>

Education

Language Learning

Learn and practise useful English with clips from programmes around the BBC. Each week, we talk about an interesting topic and learn helpful words and phrases used in natural spoken English - all in 6 minutes! Practise your listening and hear natural spoken English. Find more at https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us at https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

Learn and practise useful English with clips from programmes around the BBC. Each week, we talk about an interesting topic and learn helpful words and phrases used in natural spoken English - all in 6 minutes! Practise your listening and hear natural spoken English. Find more at 
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish</a>Follow us at 
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus</a>

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