How to Get to Know the English

It is often said that the English are cold and unfriendly, but in fact this is … . If you are a foreigner, there are a number of ways to get to know the English. For example, imagine you are in a park where there are lots of people with their dogs. Now, you can’t say to someone, ‘What beautiful hair you have!’ even if it’s true. But you can say, ‘… .’ This is a very good way to start a conversation, even if the dog isn’t lovely at all. In fact, this is probably … . And who knows how the conversation will end?

Another way is to stand at the bus stop and say ‘What extraordinary weather we’re having.’ Remember that everyone thinks the weather in England is extraordinary. The other person will say ‘… ,’ if it’s sunny, or ‘Yes, it’s wonderful for the garden,’ if it’s pouring with rain. Then, anyone who is listening will disagree, because … . After five minutes you’ve made lots of friends (and a few enemies as well, but never mind).

Another good trick is to stand on a street corner with a map looking lost. After only two or three minutes, someone comes up to you and gives you directions. Sometimes, two or more people offer their help. Everyone … because no one knows how to get there or even where you are at the moment. But that’s not the point. The point is to get to know the English, not to find the way. After all, you’ve got a map for that.

But the best way is to walk into a pub and ask in a loud voice, ‘… ?’ This is a universal way to get to know people. Of course, it’s quite expensive, but you can’t put a price on friends.

Ex. 11. Speak on the following topics.

1. Your mother-tongue.

2. English as a universal language.

3. English in Russia.

4. Languages of the Asian Pacific countries.

5. A process of learning foreign languages.

6. How to make friends with foreigners.

7. The Far East is a multicultural region.

Ex. 12. Read the information and comment on it.

Portland, Khabarovsk Sister City

Khabarovsk is a city with a prolonged history of international friendship. Such cities as Niigata, Victoria, Portland, Harbin are its sister cities. Many citizens from Khabarovsk have visited them to take part in festivals, competitions, conferences and etc. The information below was brought by one of them.

From the Official Travel Guide: This is not your run-of-the-mill urban megapolis. The citizens of this place once tore up a major downtown freeway to create an enormous riverfront park. A few years later, they turned a shopping center parking lot into an open-air plaza, which serves as the community living room. And instead of sprawling into neighboring forests and farmlands, as a rule, they can only build new developments on previously used municipal land. It's a kind of makes you wonder. Just how far can one city go with this recycling?

Must-See Sights: A visit to the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park will show you why Portland is known as the “City of Roses”. But one could make a strong case for calling it the “City of Incredible Parks”. They are Forest Park, the nation’s largest urban forested park, Mill Ends Park, the nation’s smallest park (one visitor at a time), Mt. Tabor Park, one of the only volcanoes within a U.S. city’s limits, and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, a two-mile greenbelt perfect for strolling, jogging or summer festivals.

Celebrations and events to Catch: the Portland Rose Festival, a giant food, arts and crafts fair open every weekend, a Saturday farmers’ market, Oregon Brewers Festival, Mt. Hood Festival of Jazz, Zoolights Festival, Homowo Festival, Waterfront Blues Festival., Indian Art Northwest.

Traveling the region: Powell’s City of Books, America’s largest new-and-used bookstore, Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Mayor of Portland Vera Katz: “You are in a city that has a great deal to offer both citizens and visitors. It is a place of outstanding beauty and culture, and a center of strong commerce. While the city grows, we are working hard to maintain the things that make Portland so attractive and livable.

With more theaters and restaurants per capita than any other city in the nation, you’ll never be at a loss for entertainment here. There are many opportunities and attractions in the Portland area. I hope you’ll take the time to explore and experience as many as possible. Enjoy your stay!”

Ex. 13. Answer the questions.

1. How do people call Portland?

2. What State is Portland located in?

3. What can a visitor see in Portland?

4. Is Portland a center of culture only?

5. Where do you think is Zoolights Festival held?

6. Can guests of Oregon Brewers Festival taste beer or wine?

7. Does Homowo Festival or Waterfront Blues Festival feature music, dance, African and Caribbean food, arts and crafts, storytelling and activities for kids?

8. What music do major recording artists play at Mt. Hood Festival?

9. Events at Portland Rose Festival include parades, carnivals, concerts, boat and Indy-Car races, an air show and fireworks. When do you suppose is this event held?

10. How can visitors relax at its incredible parks? Which of them would you like to see?

11. Is Mayor of Portland proud of her city?

12. Would you like to go to Portland? Are you sure you could understand people there?

Ex. 14. Find information about Khabarovsk sister-cities - Portland, Niigata, Victoria and Harbin.

Ex. 15. Read, translate the text and develop the main ideas.