All Ears English Podcast - Episode 2367: Does English Feel Like Alphabet Soup?
Hosts:
- Lindsay McMahon – The English adventurer
- Michelle Kaplan – The New York radio girl
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 2367 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the intriguing question posed by a listener: "What is the difference between 'alphabet' and 'number'?" The conversation not only clarifies the fundamental distinctions between these concepts but also explores various English expressions that incorporate letters and numbers, enriching listeners' vocabulary and cultural understanding.
Understanding 'Alphabet' vs. 'Number'
Lindsay begins by defining the core concepts:
- Alphabet: "Alphabet is the product of all the letters known as the ABCs." [03:51]
- Number: "Number is just 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 114." [03:51]
Michelle adds depth to the discussion by addressing the absence of a collective term for numbers akin to "alphabet" for letters:
- "We don't really say that. I guess it's because there are only 26 letters and there are infinite numbers." [04:22]
This distinction highlights that while the alphabet is a finite set of symbols, numbers are infinite, leading to the absence of a singular term encompassing all numbers.
Expressions Using 'Alphabet'
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Alphabetical Order
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Example Usage: "Her last name is Zayn, and the class had to line up in alphabetical order; she was last." [05:47]
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Insight: Often used in academic settings, alphabetical order organizes items based on the sequence of the alphabet, typically by last names.
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Alphabet Soup
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Definition: Describes a situation that is confusing or jumbled, much like a bowl of soup containing scattered alphabet letters.
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Example Usage: "The directions felt like Alphabet soup to me. It was just so all over the place." [06:47]
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Notable Quote: "It's completely nonsensical." [07:15]
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Cultural Context: Originates from the visual chaos of alphabetic letters in soup, representing disorganization or lack of clarity. Lindsay relates this to experiences in different cultures, such as navigating the Tokyo subway without knowing Kanji: "It feels like Alphabet soup sometimes, especially reading, it's just chaotic." [08:38]
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The ABCs of Something
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Definition: Refers to the basic fundamentals or essentials of a subject.
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Example Usage: "Let's go over the ABCs of all the gym equipment." [09:54]
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Insight: A playful and colorful way to present foundational information, making learning more engaging.
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Expressions Using 'Numbers'
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Numerical Order
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Definition: Arranging items based on their numerical value.
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Example in Conversation: Discussed briefly as the counterpart to alphabetical order. "The program will automatically put everything in numerical order. So no need to do it manually." [12:46]
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Numbers Game
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Definition: An activity or process driven by probability and chance, emphasizing persistence despite uncertainty.
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Example Usage: "It's a numbers game. Just keep trying and eventually you'll get the right answer." [13:05]
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Host Insight: Lindsay expresses enthusiasm for this expression, hinting at a possible future episode dedicated to its exploration. [13:27]
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Numbers Person
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Definition: Someone who excels at working with numbers or has a natural affinity for mathematics.
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Example Usage: "I'm not a numbers person." [17:44]
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Insight: Michelle explains that while many people readily identify as "not a numbers person," fewer claim to be inherently good with numbers. This expression helps articulate personal strengths and areas of expertise.
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Role Play: Applying the Expressions
To contextualize the expressions, Lindsay and Michelle engage in a role-play scenario where they act as classmates navigating a project with perplexing instructions.
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Scenario Setup: The professor's directions are confusing, leading to the use of the term "Alphabet soup."
Michelle: "Honestly, the directions felt like Alphabet soup to me. It was just so all over the place." [15:45]
Lindsay: "Let's just arrange the numbers in numerical order too." [16:23]
Michelle: "I'm not a numbers person." [16:47]
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Objective: Demonstrates how "Alphabet soup" signifies confusion and how "numbers game" reflects the approach to resolving such confusion through systematic effort.
Cultural and Practical Applications
Beyond expressions, the hosts share personal anecdotes and cultural observations that enrich the discussion:
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Navigating Foreign Languages: Lindsay compares the chaotic feeling of encountering unfamiliar scripts, like Kanji in Japanese, to Alphabet soup. [08:38]
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Culinary Context: They discuss the complexity of reading American food labels, often laden with numerous ingredients, likening it to Alphabet soup. [10:39]
Conclusion and Encouragement
As the episode wraps up, Lindsay and Michelle encourage listeners to "try out new vocabulary by using these expressions in their daily conversations" [18:11]. They emphasize the importance of practice in language acquisition and invite listeners to engage with their content on YouTube for more interactive learning opportunities.
Notable Takeaway:
- Connection Over Perfection: The recurring theme throughout the podcast is fostering a connection with the language and culture rather than striving for flawless grammar or pronunciation. "Connection NOT Perfection!" serves as the podcast's mantra, motivating learners to embrace language learning as a natural and enjoyable process.
Additional Resources
Listeners are invited to explore more episodes, such as Episode 2354 titled "Was Everyone Smart?", to further enhance their understanding and fluency in English expressions and cultural nuances.
For personalized learning, the hosts offer a fluency score quiz to help learners identify their English proficiency level and chart their next steps towards fluency.
Stay Connected:
- Subscribe: Ensure you never miss an episode by subscribing to the All Ears English Podcast on your preferred platform.
- YouTube Engagement: Submit your questions and interact with the community on their YouTube channel.
Thank you for joining Lindsay and Michelle on this insightful exploration of English expressions. Remember, it's about connecting and growing your language skills steadily and confidently!