Special English on Radio
Every day, around the world, the Voice of America broadcasts news and feature programs in Special English. Click on the Frequencies link at the top of the right column to learn how to find us.
Three Elements Make Special English Unique
It has a core vocabulary of 1500 words. Most are simple words that describe objects, actions or emotions. Some words are more difficult. They are used for reporting world events and describing discoveries in medicine and science.
Special English writers use short, simple sentences that contain only one idea. They use active voice. They do not use idioms.
Special English broadcasters read at a slower pace, about two-thirds the speed of standard English. This helps people learning English hear each word clearly. It also helps people who are fluent English speakers understand complex subjects.
Each Special English broadcast is 30 minutes long. Most begin with world news, followed by a short report, then a 15 minute feature. Below is our daily schedule:
MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY |
| Development Report | Agriculture Report | Health Report | Education Report |
| Issues that affect people in developing countries | News about farming and food production | The latest research about diseases and medical advice | New developments in American education |
| This is America | Science in the News | Explorations | The Making of a Nation |
| Traditions, ideas and life in the United States | Reports about the latest scientific discoveries and medical news | Reports about outer space and the world around us | A series about the history of the United States |
| FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY | |
| Economics Report | In the News | Words and Their Stories | |
| News about business and finance in the U.S. and around the world | In-depth reports about a person or event in the news | Features about American idioms and expressions | |
| American Mosaic | American Stories | People in America | |
| A magazine show about popular culture and music | Adaptations of short stories, children's books and original stories. | Biographies of influential Americans in history, politics, science, business, sports & entertainment |
