Special English

Special English is the simple form of the English language used by the public radio station called Voice of America, run by United States government in daily Special English programs. Its news and feature programs are read more slowly than usual, using the limited number of English words and simple grammar.

For those whose mother language is not English, it is much easier to understand contents of programs, because it sounds clearer and simpler, and shorter sentences are used in articles. It can also help someone whose English is weak to improve air English. In some countries, for example China, Special English is more and more popular among people learning English.

Special English was first used on October 19, 1959.

See also

• Voice of America
• Wikipedia:VOA Special English Word Book

External links

• The VOA Special English Web Page
• VOA Special English Word Book - 1,500 words used on VOA Special English broadcasts
• Voice of America Special English Study - Online quizzes, listen and read along, crossword puzzles and more. (By Charles Kelly)