Language Function File
After greetings and introductions, people usually talk about topics of general interest, such as the weather, local events, etc. This is called small talk – a conversation about unimportant things, often between people who to not know each other well. These topics can be discussed easily without knowing the other person well. They are very good conversation starters. Some good things to talk about with your new friend include the following:
1. The country you or the other person is from (What is it like? How does it compare to other countries).
2. What the other person is studying or has studies at the University (What does he major in? What is his favorite subject? What does he want to do after he graduates?).
3. The work that the other person does (What do you do? Do you like this kind of work? What do you enjoy about it? How did you decide to go into teaching, programming, painting, electronics, etc.?)
4. The country you are visiting.
5. Your family.
6. Current events.
7. The weather.
Topics may vary according to the situation, the people you are with and the type of function you are attending. There are, however, some subjects that you should not talk about, especially with someone you don’t know well. These include the following:
1. How much money you have or make
2. How much someone paid for something
3. Sexual subjects
4. Class, status or racial issues
5. A person’s age
6. A person’s weight
These are very sensitive subjects because people take them very personally. Even though you do not mean to offend them, they may be upset if you ask questions about these subjects.
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Starting a conversation |
Ending a conversation |
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Formal |
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Excuse my/me asking, but… Sorry to trouble you, but… Forgive me for asking, but… May I have your attention, please. Attention, please. |
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It’s been very nice talking to you, but… I’m afraid I must go now. Good-buy. I’m sorry, but I’m meeting someone. I hope you’ll excuse me, but… Please, give my regards/love to… |
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Neutral |
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Excuse me, ... I’m sorry ... May I ask you ... |
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I’m sorry, I must be off now. It’s time I was going/off. I’ve got to make a phone call, sorry. Please, remember me to… Have a good holiday/weekend. |
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Informal |
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Sorry, but… Look here! Just a minute. Hey! |
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Sorry, I’ve got to rush. I’d better be going. Bye for now. See you soon/later. Take care. Look, I really must be going. Keep in touch. You’ve got my e-mail, haven’t you? |
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Keeping a Conversation Going |
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Formal |
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It’s a nice day, isn’t it? How are things? How are you feeling today (these days)? I hope you are well. Is this the first visit to…? Have you been to ... before? How do you like/find…? |
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Yes, the weather is warm this week. All right, thank you. I’m very/fairly/quite well, thank you. I’m afraid, I’m not feeling well today. No, I’ve been to ... twice. Yes, I’ve been here this autumn. I like it very much. |
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Neutral |
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How are you? How are you getting on? How are things (with you)? You are interested in ..., are you? |
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Fine, and how are you? All right, thank you. Pretty well. Thanks, and you? |
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Informal |
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Nice day, isn’t it? Looks like rain, doesn’t it? Are you OK? How is life? How are things?
Feel all right? |
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Yes, lovely/beautiful/marvelous. Yes, horrible/awful/terrible/dreadful. OK, thanks. And you? Thanks, life is fine with me… Not to bad, I’m afraid, a lot of work, little free time and still less fun. Oh, yes. |
Obviously, it is impossible to tell someone how to have a conversation, but here are some things that may help.
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Ask questions.
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Show that you’re interested.
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Don’t just answer yes or no.
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Try to add a comment of your own.
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Don’t let the conversation stop.
Ex. 1. Read the following illustrative dialogues and say whether the speakers sound formal, informal or neutral.
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David: Jean: David: Jean: |
Hallo. Hallo, David. How are you getting on? All right, thanks. And how are things with you? Oh, more or less the same as usual. |
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Susan: Mary:
Susan: Mary: |
Hallo, Mary. How's life? A bit hectic at the moment. I'm very busy at work and besides I've got my cousin staying with me. I see. Well, don't overdo things. I'll do my best. |
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Mr. Jones: Mr. Smith: Mr. Jones: Mr. Smith: |
Good morning, Mr. Smith. Good morning. How are you? Very well, thank you. And you? Quite well, thank you. |
Ex. 2. Fill in the gaps with prepositions “on”, “in”, “at” or zero after “see you…”.
See you … later. See you … 8 o’clock. See you … the Smith’s.
See you … August. See you … the morning. See you … soon.
See you … Monday. See you … a couple of days. See you … tomorrow.
Ex. 3. Read the following micro dialogues to make sure that “the talk about the weather is the art of talking about nothing”.
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1 |
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It's very cold today, isn't it?
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Yes, but it was colder yesterday.
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But I hope it will get warmer soon, in two days at least.
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Then it would be lovely at the weekend.
2
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It's a lovely day today, isn't it?
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Yes, it is. It has been a beautiful spring this year.
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Yes, the farmers must be happy, I think.
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Oh, yes, they can do a lot of work when the weather
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Sure they can.
3
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Lovely day, isn’t it?
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Yes, quite a contrast to yesterday’s. It makes a nice change.
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Let’s hope it lasts!
SUMMING UP
Say what new you have learned about your University and what impressed you most of all.
SUPPLEMETARY READING
The Value of Education
(p. 372, The basic course of Eng)
Higher Education in Belarus
(Post graduate studies, Unit 1)