Unit V. Marrige and family life
Vocabulary
namesake – тезка
nickname – прозвище
call names – оскорблять, обзывать
birthplace – место рождения
adult – взрослый
niece/nephew – племянница/племянник
husband/wife – муж/жена
mother-in-law – свекровь, теща
father-in-law – свекор, тесть
sister-in-law/ brother-in-law – невестка, золовка /зять (муж сестры)
bachelor - холостяк
son-in-law – зять (муж дочери)
daughter-in-law – невестка, сноха
stepmother - мачеха
adopt – усыновить
bring up – вырастить, воспитать
relatives - родственники
make a date – назначать свидание
prenuptial agreement – брачный договор
single, unmarried – неженатый, незамужняя
marriage custom – свадебная традиция
a honeymoon – медовый месяц
be engaged – быть помолвленным
bride/bridegroom– невеста/жених (в день свадьбы)
fiancé/fiancée– невеста, жених (в период помолвки)
get married – выйти замуж
divorce– развод, разводиться
widow/widower – вдова, вдовец
retire – уйти на пенсию
orphan - сирота
Ex. 1. Read and translate the text.
MARRIAGE CUSTOMS IN AMERICA
There are many different marriage customs all over the world. Marriage has been an important part of one's life. Once people in America meet certain legal age and medical requirements, they are free to choose their own mates. Once a couple has decided to get married, the man customarily gives the girl a diamond ring. The custom of giving the ring dates from the ancient custom of using a ring to seal an important agreement. When they have agreed on the wedding day, the girl sends wedding announcements or invitations. Their friends send wedding gifts to the girl's home.
They think that it is bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other on the wedding day before the wedding. Another old superstition is that they believe it will bring good luck to the marriage for the bride to wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.
Before the wedding day, the groom always chooses a best friend to help him and stand with him during the wedding ceremony. This custom came from ancient times when a strong friend helped the groom escape from the bride's father.
When a couple gets married, the groom gives the bride a Wedding ring. Most of the brides and grooms exchange rings which is called a double-ring, ceremony. The roundness of the ring symbolized eternity and that the couple is united for the life. The wedding ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand. They used to think that a vein from that finger ran directly to the heart. They usually have a wedding reception following the marriage, at which each single girl receives a small piece of wedding cake to take home. She puts this under her pillow that night and dreams about the man she loves in the hope that he will ask her to marry him.
Words: requirement - требование, mate - спутник, друг, custom - обычай, to seal - запечатывать, announcement - объявление, superstition -суеверия, eternity - вечность.
Answer the questions:
What requirements must Americans meet to get married?
Where did the tradition of giving a ring come from?
What is supposed to be bad luck?
What is supposed to get good luck?
Who is standing near the groom during the wedding ceremony?
What does the ring symbolize?
What does each single girl get in the wedding reception?
Ex. 2. Crossword puzzle:
Across:
1. A man to whom one is engaged
2. A child of your aunt or uncle
3. Your mother’s and father’s parents
4. A man who has never been married
5. A child who has no parents
6. Your mother’s or father’s sister
7. A woman whose husband died
Down:
1. To put an end to a marriage by law
2. To take a child into one’s family
3. A second wife of one’s father
4. A daughter of your brother
5. A son of your sister
6. Your father’s brother
Ex. 3. Fill in the right words.
Ties of Relationship
1.Your relatives on your wife's side are: Your wife's sister is your ... , and her brother is your ..., your parents will refer to your wife as their ... while your brothers and sisters will refer to her as their ... . Your wife's parents will speak of you as their ... .
2. Your brother's and sister's sons and daughters are your ... and ....
3. Your mother's and father's brothers and sisters are your ... . The children of your uncles and aunts are your ... and the children of your first cousins are your ……
4. Your mother's and father's parents are your ... and the latter will refer to you as their ... .
5. Someone's second wife will speak of her husband's children as her ..., whereas the latter will speak of her as their ... . Someone's second husband will also refer to his wife's children as his ... while the latter will speak of him as their ... .
Ex. 4. Read and translate the text. Give the main idea of the text
KISS ME AND SIGN HERE, DARLING. PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT
In the United States, it is becoming more and more common for engaged couples to sign prenuptial agreements before they say, "I do." A prenuptial agreement is a contract of practical agreements, which can protect both the husband and wife in the event of a divorce. "A couple promises to love one another until the end of time, and that time ends in approximately five years," says divorce attorney Elena Garcia. "With the divorce rate running close to 50 percent, it just makes sense for couples to plan ahead. It's kind of like an insurance policy. You hope nothing bad is going to happen, but you're prepared if it does."
Negotiating a prenuptial agreement can test a couple's relationship, especially when one partner has a lot to lose. "Gilbert came from a very wealthy family, and his father pressured him into getting me to sign a prenuptial agreement," says Lydia "It was a horrible process to go through. I basically had to agree that if Gilbert and I divorced, I wouldn't be entitled to one penny of their family fortune." Gilbert and Lydia have been happily married for a year. Nonetheless, Lydia admits that their relationship changed the day she signed the pre-nup papers. "I felt like I was signing our divorce agreement before we were even married. And, to be honest, the whole thing made me question Gilbert's love for me." Indeed, at the time that two people are making a commitment to marry, each individual wants to feel that he or she is the most important person in the potential spouse's life. Yet the prenuptial agreement symbolizes a loyally to something or someone outside of the couple's relationship This can leave both partners feeling vulnerable, and even distrustful, it is essential that both people feel as if they're gaining something from the agreement.
Prenuptial agreements aren't always just about financial issues. Couples can agree on everything from how many children they will have to who will wash the Sunday night dishes. "We spelled everything out," says Delores Walker, "and it's worked out fine." Her husband Harold agrees. "It was the second marriage for both of us, and we both knew what we wanted. I knew that I never wanted to cook. Ever. So we wrote that in." Adds Delores, "And I knew that I wanted to receive roses on my birthday every year. That's in there, too." Could Delores take Harold to court if she didn't receive her roses? "No," says Elena Garcia "Generally speaking, the courts will not uphold agreements of a non monetary nature. For example, you can't sue your spouse for failure to keep the bathroom clean, even if your prenuptial agreement says that he or she is responsible for that chore. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't consider including those typos of everyday issues in your contract It helps to clarity expectations on both sides."
Answer the questions
1. In your opinion, are prenuptial agreements a good idea? Why or why not?
2. Do you think that Lydia should have signed her agreement with Gilbert? Was their agreement fair?
3. Many couples, like Delores and Harold, find it helpful to "spell out" everything before they get married. Is that sensible or silly? What kinds of things would you want spelled out in your prenuptial agreement?
4. If you were married, what would constitute immediate grounds for divorce?
Ex. 5. Complete the sentences with words below
expectations financial courts vulnerable happily symbolize contract relationship
A prenuptial agreement is a _______________ of practical agreements.
Negotiating a prenuptial agreement can test a couple ___________.
Gilbert and Lydia have been _________ married for a year.
The prenuptial agreement ______________ a loyalty to someone or something outside the relationship.
This can leave both partners feeling _______________ and distrustful.
Prenuptial agreements aren’t always about ___________ issues.
The _______ will not upload agreements of a non-monetary nature.
Prenuptial agreements may help clarify _____________ on both sides.
Ex. 6. Let’s discuss!
Marriage is an outdated institution and a bad idea.
It’s not reasonable to expect people to stay happily married for more than five years.
All couples should be required to sign a prenuptial agreement.
The minimum age to get a marriage license should be 21.
Parents should choose their children’s marriage partners.
Divorce should be against law except in extreme or unusual cases.
Married couples should have children.
Infidelity should be immediate grounds for divorce.
Couples who really love each other should just live together. Who needs a marriage ceremony and a piece of paper?
Marriage is different from love.
Love is blind.
Every Jack must have his Jill.
Ex. 7. Listen and insert the missing words into the dialogues.
N answers the door and shows in her friend, Ann.
N: Ann, meet the aunts and ________, grannies and grandpas, the _______ and nieces, and all the rest.
A: Pleased to meet you all, I'm sure. My, what a big __________ you are!
N: This is only the immediate family. You're the only outsider here now. You will sit next to the oldest member of family present — my _________________. Grandpa, dear, I'm going to put my friend in this seat near you.
GR.-GRANDF: The pleasure is all mine. Please sit down, my dear. Make yourself at home. So, Nadya must give me away at once and tell my _______.
A: You don't ______ your age at all. So don't mind her.
GR.-GRANDF: A person is as ______ as he feels, they say. Still...
A: Nadya is your great-grand-___________, isn't she? She's the exact image of you (there's a strong family resemblance between you) — of course, taking the difference in age into consideration.
GR.-GRANDF: Does she really ______ _____ me so much? I'm flattered. She's a good-looking girl, isn't she?
A: How wonderful it must be for you to look round the table and see four _____________ of your descendants!
GR.-GRANDF: We are a long lived family. Only your dear _________ died young,
N: (to A) She was 50 when she died.
A: Your family, it seems to me, are very much attached to each other.
N: Well, more or less, I suppose.
Ex. 8. Listen to the dialogue “Bush and Clinton Are Remote Relatives. Answer the questions.
What relative ties do Bush and Clinton have?
Where did this information come from?
Do they have royal ancestors?
Is Queen Elizabeth of Britain their relative?
Who is their common ancestor?
Are Bush and Clinton representatives of one party?
Ex . 9. Translate the dialogue from Russian into English
1. "Сам себе дедушка"
А: Хорошо, Сэм, я расскажу тебе, как это все получилось. Видишь ли, я женился на вдове, у этой вдовы была дочь. Тогда мой отец, тоже вдовец, женился на нашей дочери, таким образом мой отец стал моим зятем. Понятно?
В: Да, понятно. Но как же ты стал самому себе дедушкой?
А: Слушай, моя падчерица стала моей мачехой, не так ли?
В: Да, ведь она была женой твоего отца.
А: Да, тогда ее мать — моя бабушка, не так ли?
В: Да, правильно.
А: Я женат на ней, на моей бабушке. Таким образом я становлюсь дедушкой самому себе, правильно?
Br Хм, теперь никто не может в этом сомневаться.
Ex. 10. Speaking practice
Speak on the marriage customs in any country
Ex. 11.Writting practice
Have you ever wondered who your ancestors were and where they came from? Create your own family tree. Start off with your great-grandparents. Make sure you include all of your cousins, aunts, uncles, as well as brothers and sisters.
Ex. 12. Read and translate the dialogues. Try to compose your own dialogues and dramatize them.
1.At the family psychologist Ben Lance.
Kristi: We didn’t agree. We talked about it, and I said I didn’t think I wanted any children. But now I do.
Kevin: And I don’t. I never did. It’s not fair for her to change her mind now.
Kristi: I can’t help how I feel. I want to be a mother.
Lance: This is a dilemma that happens to a lot of couples. Unfortunately, there is no easy solution. I want both of you to think long and hard about your relationship. There can be no compromise in this case. Either you will have a child or you won’t, so one of you will be at least temporarily unhappy.
Kevin: Maybe a pre-nup agreement is a good idea?
Kristi: I’m telling you… it’s the only way to go.
Lance: Good. And I would advise you to discuss all other points too.
Kristi: Yeah. That’s probably a good idea.
Lance: Good morning.
Elbert: Lance, I’m Elbert Hall and this is my wife Ethel. We’ve been married for 54 years.
Ethel: Yep. Fifty-four long years
Lance: I see, and what the problem?
Ethel: Garbage. That’s the problem. Elbert won’t take out the garbage on Thursday nights. He says it was not in our prenuptial agreement. It’s the only thing I asked him to do, but he still can’t manage it. Is it too much to ask? Am I wrong?
Elbert: You see what I have to put up with here? She’s on me day and night about the garbage. Take out the garbage. Take out the garbage! Take out the garbage!!! Why can’t a man just live in peace? She’s like a parrot… Take out the garbage. Take out the garbage.
Lance: Just out of curiosity, Elbert… why don’t you do it?
Elbert: Because she wants me to. That’s why.
Ethel: What?! You haven’t taken out the garbage in 54 years and that’s all you have to say?
Lance: So, Elbert, if Ethel stopped asking you to take out the garbage, then you would do it?
Elbert: Absolutely. I’m a reasonable man.
Lance: Good. Then we have a solution. Agreed?
Ethel: Well… I guess.
Elbert: Okay.
Lance: You sound disappointed. What’s wrong?
Ethel: I was just wondering what we’ll have to talk about if Elbert starts taking out the garbage.
Elbert: Yeah, It’s been our main topic of conversation for most of our married life.
3. Peter: Emma, are you sure you want to get married?
Emma: Yes, Peter. I want to marry you. But we have to get to work on our prenuptial agreement. The sooner the better!
Peter: Ok. What is the first point in our list?
Emma: Children. I want to have two.
Peter: Absolutely agree, dear. What about cooking?
Emma: I think I could cook on week days and you would cook on Saturday and Sunday.
Peter: I think on weekends we could just go out for meal.
Emma: In this case you will pay!
Peter: Right. What about dogs? I’d like to have a dog.
Emma: That’s good. Me too. I’d like to have a small doggy.
Peter: No! I want a big one. What do we need a small dog for?!
Emma: I don’t need an elephant in my house!
Peter: And I don’t need toy-dog in mine! May be you want a cat!?
Emma: A cat!!! You know I hate cats!!! And I hate you!!!
Answer the questions
What are the problems of these three couples?
What is the best solution, to your mind, for Kristi and Kevin?
Do you think Elbert and Ethel really have problem?
Can you give an advice to Peter and Emma?
Supplementary reading
Sonnet 43
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday’s
Most quite need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old grief, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, - I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! – and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.