Learn English with Black Mirror

Over the last ten years, technology has transformed almost every aspect of our lives before we've had time to stop and question it. In every home; on every desk; in every palm - a plasma screen; a monitor; a smartphone - a black mirror of our 21st Century existence.

Why learn English with Black Mirror?

"The National Anthem," an episode from the show *Black Mirror*, tells a strange and unsettling story about a prime minister forced into a difficult situation. A beloved princess is kidnapped, and the kidnapper's demand is shocking: the prime minister must have sex with a pig on live television. The episode follows the government's response, public reaction, and the prime minister's personal struggle. This episode can help you learn vocabulary related to politics (prime minister, government, public opinion), media (broadcast, television, internet), and emotions (pressure, humiliation, desperation). You'll also encounter informal language and slang, giving you a taste of everyday British English. This episode explores themes of media manipulation, public pressure, and the dark side of technology. You'll see a wide range of emotions, from fear and anger to shock and disbelief. The language used varies from formal political speeches to casual conversations and online chatter. Paying attention to the different ways characters speak can help you understand how tone and context influence language choices in English. You'll also learn how to express strong emotions in English, which is important for clear communication. Watching "The National Anthem" can be a useful way to learn English for several reasons. The captivating story will keep you engaged, making learning more enjoyable. The episode's focus on current events and social issues can also help you understand more about British culture and the role of media in society. Finally, the variety of language used – from formal to informal – will expose you to a broad range of English vocabulary and expressions, making it a valuable tool for expanding your language skills.

Words from Black Mirror

Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in Black Mirror:

duchess: a woman with the rank or title of a duke, often through marriage
popularly: by many or most people
trace: a very small amount of something that is left behind, showing that someone or something was present
callow: young and without much experience
instruct: to tell someone to do something, especially when teaching a skill or giving information
execute: to carry out or put a plan into action
intercept: to stop someone/something from reaching its destination
shortly: a short time or soon
midnight: 12 o’clock, the middle of the night
insist: to strongly say or demand something, especially when other people disagree
sedative: something that calms or induces sleep
puncture: making a small hole in something with a pointed object
scrap: a small amount or piece of something that is left over, often unwanted
jihadi: someone involved in a religious struggle against evil
terrestrial: related to the planet Earth and existing on land rather than water, air, or trees