Intro
1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.
2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.
Traveling can be an amazing adventure. It’s always fun to eat new kinds of food, see new places, and meet interesting people. Most people would agree that traveling is great. But some people get nervous about language barriers, and not being able to communicate often leaves everyone confused.
It is important when traveling to at least learn a couple phrases, so that you can convey your basic meaning to people from a different culture. You may not say everything perfectly right, but most people appreciate it when you at least make an attempt.
Brian is going to Paris next week. Find out more in today’s English lesson about trying to communicate in a different country.
Dialog
1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.
2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.
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Brian: I’m going to Paris next week, and I’m really scared because I don’t speak French.
Sara_R: You don’t speak French… and you’re going to Paris.
Brian: I’ve been before, but really I was with a friend who translated for our group the whole time. And I’m so nervous about going without that friend. She was able to get all the nuances and subtleties of the language. When I was trying to say my phrases, I just saw confused looks on everyone’s faces.
Sara_R: Well, maybe you can learn a little bit of French… enough to convey your basic meaning.
Brian: I’m just afraid that when I talk the meaning will be lost, and they’ll be very confused about whatever I’m asking for.
Sara_R: I heard that people appreciate it when you make the attempt, and that’s better than not trying at all.
Brian: Yeah. I guess if I do it with a smile, they won’t be too angry at me.
Sara_R: That’s true.
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Discussion
Brian is scared because he is going to Paris soon and he doesn’t speak any French. He has been to Paris before, but he had a friend who was able to speak French really well, so Brian didn’t have to. He is worried that if he tries to communicate with other people, they will just give him confused looks.
Sara tells Brian he should at least try to learn a little bit of French before he goes to Paris. She heard that people appreciate it when you attempt to speak their language, even if you’re not very good.
How do you get past language barriers?
Comments
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