In this BBC Learning English video, hosts Phil and Beth delve into the concept of home, particularly focusing on how our sense of smell plays a significant part in identifying and feeling at home. Learn about the science behind why we don’t usually notice the smell of our own homes and why the scent of home is tied to our feelings of comfort and security.
Today’s movie
6 Minute English from BBC Learning English
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IqtP2fzNlA
Listening Quiz
Test your comprehension of the video with the following quiz questions:
Q1: What is one of the strongest identifiers of home for our brain?
Q2: Why can’t we usually smell our own homes?
Q3: What does ‘anosmic’ mean?
Q4: What percentage of the population is anosmic?
Q5: What does it mean to ‘filter something out’?
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with these key words and phrases from the video:
A small percentage of the population is anosmic, meaning they can’t smell.
When you return home after a long trip, your house might smell weird.
By filtering out familiar smells, our brains are able to detect other smells which are out of the ordinary.
We filter out the smell of home, so we notice the smell of burning toast or other smells alerting us to possible danger.
The particular scent of our home still has an effect on the brain’s limbic system.
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