August 2014 - Authentic Journeys

IM Etiquette With Clients: Polishing Casual Communication

IM or chat is a popular communication medium for quick, online communication. While it may be considered “casual,” that doesn’t mean there are no rules. Let’s take a look at how to approach IM etiquette with clients, customers and others in a work environment. What are the benefits of using IM? IM is quick, […]

That Awful ‘Aw’ Sound in American English

Whichever way you spell it – o, au, aw, augh, ough, or a, that awful ‘aw’ sound in American English is a tough “nut to crack.” To me, this sound seems to be one of the most challenging sounds to make, learn, and use, simply because it does have so many spellings. And, not in […]

When do Americans Eat Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner?

When living in another country, it’s easy to focus on the big transitions—new jobs, learning to drive, new schools, new systems. But often, it’s the everyday routines that catch us off guard. Culture shock doesn’t always announce itself with dramatic gestures; sometimes, it shows up quietly at the breakfast table or during a lunch break […]

Back to the Drawing Board – Idioms in American English

Let’s say you are on a call with your US counterpart. You and your counterpart are planning how to add features into the website, but after trail and error, it’s not working out. Your US counterpart could respond, “Well, though we’ve tried a lot of things, it looks like we will have to go back […]