Monday, 09:00 · Tealeaf Ltd, London
Hamstalk teaches you English one workday at a time: the standup, the bug, the coffee break. Five minutes a lesson, with a hamster cheering you on.
The English course is still being written. Until it opens, Hamstalk teaches German.
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Each lesson is one moment from the week. Here’s what Monday to Friday looks like.
Everyone says what they’re working on. You know exactly what you’re doing. You just can’t say it. Yet.
What are you working on today?
Today I’m working on the sign-in page.
Hamsti’s tip: I’m working is for what’s happening right now, not every day.
The ticket makes no sense, and Tom looks busy. No sentence will help you more than the one that asks for help.
Tom, have you got a minute?
Sure! What’s up?
Hamsti’s tip: Have you got a minute? is the polite way to interrupt someone.
There’s a bug in the sign-up form, and everyone’s looking at you. Describe it clearly, and the logs will do the rest.
When I click “Save”, I get an error message.
OK, I’ll have a look at the logs.
Hamsti’s tip: I’ll is for things you decide on the spot.
Not everything is about work. Small talk is where you stop being the new person and start being a colleague.
So, how are you finding London?
I love it! But flat hunting is exhausting.
Hamsti’s tip: How are you finding …? asks what you think of something new.
Priya reviews your code, and her comment is in English. You reply without opening a translator.
Looks good! Could you add one more test?
Good point, will do.
Hamsti’s tip: Could you …? sounds softer than Can you …?
Pull request approved. Have a lovely weekend!
Every unit is a week like this one. Your role on the team grows with your English.
New to the team
Hi, I’m Sam. I’m new here.
Part of the team
Yesterday I wrote the tests.
Owning a feature
I think the problem is in the cache.
Leading the discussion
I’d suggest we stabilise the API first.
In German, hamstern means to stockpile. Hamsti stockpiles every word you learn, and its cheeks fill up as your English grows.
Puffs up its cheeks at every right answer
Sulks a little when you slip up
Dozes off if you skip a day
Dances when you finish a lesson
None at all. Your first Monday starts with Hello.
No. You’ll also order coffee, book appointments and hunt for a flat. The office just gives every lesson a story.
Nope. The team in the story builds software, but the English you learn works just as well outside tech.
Yes. Hamstalk runs in your browser and installs to your home screen like an app.
Longer than a week, honestly. The path goes up to B2, and how fast you climb depends on how often you practise. Official certificates still come from official exams.
Invitation
Daily Standup
Bring your English, even if it’s just Hello.
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