Talking About Routines

It's commonplace  in the American culture for one to talk about routines or a typical day or week.  This topic of conversation is a great way to make small talk; thus, a common way to sum up a typical day in a casual conversation.  A routine is a habitual or ongoing task/chores completed regularly/often. We can describe these 'routines' by using adverbs of frequency and infrequency like, 'always', 'usually', 'sometimes', and so on.

Adverbs of Frequency:

usually
always
frequently
constantly
typically
regularly
predominantly
generally

Adverbs of Infrequency:

Sometimes
rarely
never
seldom
occasionally
from time to time
every now and then
intermittently
once in a blue moon
hardly ever

Dialog:

Now let's take a look at how to use the frequency and infrequency adverbs listed above in a basic English conversation.

Lilly and Jill are studying for a math test.

Lilly:  I am so tired, Jill.  I  have had three tests this well and I will have one more next week and two essays that I am still researching.  I am so behind...

Jill:  That is hectic.  My schedule is no different, but that's just university life. However, keep in mind that that's a typical week for most university student.

Lilly: That's true!  Out of curiosity... What's a typical day like for you?

Jill:  A typical day... Let me think.  Hmmmm... Well, a routine day for me begins at 7:00AM.  I always get up at 7:00AM and brush my teeth and shower immediately afterwards.  After that, I usually eat breakfast at 7:30AM, then get dressed for work.  I am generally out of my house by 8AM, because my first lecture begins at 8:30AM and it takes me about 15 to 20 minutes to arrive at school by bus.  The first lecture goes until 9:30AM and the second begins at 10:00AM and goes until noon, and it goes like that until 3:00PM. 

Lilly: Wow... That's quite a busy school day.

Jill: I know.  Then we always meet at the library and study until 5:00PM.  I typically arrive home at 5:00PM and then eat dinner at 6:00 sometimes 6:30PM. My parents and I usually sit down around 7:00PM and watch television, play a game and catch up on our day. Finally, I take another shower, brush my teeth and head to bed by 8:30PM. That's a typical day for me!

Lilly: And it starts all over again. I am tired just listening to that! A routine school day for me is not very different, however, I am not usually up until 8AM and I always arrive at school by 9:25AM, just in time for my 9:30AM lecture.  My lectures also go until 3:00PM and I we usually meet in the library and study until 5:00PM together.  However, after I leave the library I usually go to my part-time job downstairs in the school bookstore until 8:00PM and I am usually in my dorm around 8:15PM.  Then I microwave the frozen food my mom makes for me.  Finally, I take a shower, brush my teeth and then hit the hay typically around 10:00PM.

Jill:  I have come to realize that we need more fun in our lives. (Laughs).

Lilly: I second that! I never have any fun during the school year... (Laughs).

Now your Turn!

Verbs to describe your daily routine:

brush teeth
brush my hair
wash my hair
make breakfast
eat breakfast
take a shower
drive to work
get dressed
work out/exercise
order lunch
make lunch
play sports
go for a walk
go shopping for grocery
make dinner
prepare dinner

Use the dialog and vocabulary above as a guide to answer the questions above.

What's your daily routine?

What's a typical day like for you?

What's a typical weekend like?

What's your job?

What's your major?

When do you leave  home?

When do you return home?

Great job today!

How to Wish Someone Well for the Holiday Season

It's that festive time of year again when everyone around the world celebrates the end of the old year and beginning of the new year.   In the Western and Eastern culture a variety of celebrations take place like Diwali, American Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Chinese Lantern Festival, Rosh Hashanah, and so on. This is the time of year when family and friends get together to celebrate the holidays home and abroad.  If you are someone who lives in the Western culture or has friends from or in other countries, you may want to wish them well for the holiday season; but is unsure of what to say or how to say what you want to say. Below is a list of phrases that you can use to wish someone well for the holiday season.

Politically correct/Generic Term:

"Happy holidays!" (This includes all  holiday celebrations).

"I wish you all the best for the holidays."

"Seasons greetings!"


More Specific Phrases:

"Happy Thanksgiving!" (A celebration of harvest).

"Merry/Happy Christmas!" (Is a Christian holiday greeting. "Happy Christmas" is used in both America and Britain; however more so in Britain).

"Merry/Happy X-mas." (A shorten or informal Christmas greeting).

"Happy Hanukkah!" (A Jewish holiday greeting).

"Happy Kwanzaa!" (An African-American celebration of family and community).

"Happy New Year!"


Dialog:

Now let's look at how to use the vocabulary above in a typical English conversation.
As Terry and Maya wrap-up for the holiday season; Terry hands Maya a Christmas card. 

Maya: Thanks Terry!  I am so sorry, but I did not get you anything.

Terry: Don't worry about it. This is my way of playing "Santa". We have only worked together for 5 months, plus you are new to the company.  I have been making homemade cards for my co-workers for 3 years now.

Maya: That's really nice of you! Let me take a look at your handy work! (She opens the envelope and reads the card). "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Season's greetings".  I love the illustration. This is really great!  However, I don't celebrate Christmas.

Terry:  Oh, I am so sorry!  I didn't think to ask.

Maya: That's okay.  Most people assume that I do.  I am a Christian, but I just don't celebrate Christmas.  I celebrate Kwanzaa.

Terry: I've heard of Kwanzaa; however, I am not sure what entails.

Maya: Kwanzaa means the first fruits of celebration. It's a 7 day celebration which begins December 26th and ends January 1st, annually.  It is celebrated with the lighting of 7 candles in a candle holder or kinera.  The focus is family and community; there is a feast, gift giving and of course great food! (laughs).

Terry:  It sounds wonderful. It sounds a lot like Christmas; but different... Well, for Christmas I will be volunteering at the homeless shelter.  I would like to invite you.

Maya.  Thank you. Let me check my calendar and call you tomorrow. I have gotta' run. Thanks for the card!

Terry:  You are welcome! I am looking forward to that phone call!

Maya: You can hold me to that! Bye.

Terry: Bye.

Now your Turn!

Use the phrases above to role play with a family member or friend!

You: What are you doing for the holiday season?

Your friend/family member:  I am ________________ (respond by stating what your plans are).

You:  That sounds great!/(other adjectives). (If it's a holiday celebration as for your friend to explain the meaning of the holiday).

Your friend/family member: Thank you!/(Respond to the explanation).

Great job today!

Making Small Talk

Small talk is something we all do no matter what culture we are from or country we live in.  It's a polite way to get to know others in social settings.  Making small talk is not just about the ability to say "hello" and nod and smile, but it involves one's ability to speak knowledgeably on a wide array of social topics. Therefore, reading the newspaper, books, magazines, watching the news regularly and by staying up-to-date on current events is a great way to improve one's ability to small talk. This is also a great way to build one's vocabulary. The ability to make 'small talk' can sometimes be influenced by one's personality - so are you outgoing or more of an introvert or a social recluse? So yes, personality does play a part, but it doesn't have to play a huge part.

When making small talk it's important to stay away from taboo subjects like politics, religion, sexuality, money, conflicts between countries and the like.  Making small talk can be easy when there is a common interest. You can talk about the weather (it affects everyone), your work day, a popular book or show, travel, shopping; trivial things.  Additionally, it's not only important to know how to make small talk, but it's also important to know when to end it.  Like making small talk, ending and changing the topic of conversation  is just as important and may also be an art. At the end of the day, making small talk comes easy if one stays up-to-date on current events, finds a common interest, listens well, and knows how and when to end or change the topic of conversation.

Dialog:

Now let's take a look at how to make small talk in a social setting.  You can also use this to role play with a family member or friend.

Lisa is supposed to meet her date, Jay at the Toronto Art Museum at 7:00 pm.  However, decided to leave early to avoid being caught in the evening traffic. She arrives at the museum 6:15 pm and decided to go to the museum store to waste time until her date arrives.

Sales associate: Do you need help finding anything?

Lisa:  No, I am just browsing.

Sales associate:  Okay. If you need help finding anything, please feel free to ask.

Lisa: Thank you.  I am meeting my date here, but I came a little early to beat the evening traffic. I really dislike getting caught in traffic.

Sales associate:  I understand!  It is so frustrating sitting in (congested) traffic waiting for cars to move. It's a waste of time!

Lisa:  I agree! (Laughs). It's also a waste of gas and money! It's quite inconvenient to take cars in big cities like Toronto, so imagine even bigger cities like Tokyo, London, Hong Kong and so on. It must be ten times more overwhelming.

Sales associate:  I have lived in places like London, England and I have to say that the train system is great; however, you are right, driving in the city can be really stressful.

Lisa: Oh, look at the time.  My date should be here already. It was really great speaking with you. My name is Lisa.

Sales associate:  Nice to meet you.  (Hand shake). My  name is Julie.  It was great speaking with you too. See  you around.  Take care.

Lisa: You too.  Bye.

Sales associate:  Bye.

Now your turn!

Topics of Small Talk:

Self-introduction - introduce name, hobbies, likes and dislikes, hometown or country of birth etc., and vise versa

Sports - popular sports, favorite teams, seasonal sports...

Family - children, spouse, parents...

Media - popular books and magazines, channels, music, the internet, current movies or favorite movies...

Weather - current weather forecast, favorite season(s), favorite seasonal activities or interests...

Work - career, career interest, your passion, employment...

Shopping - grocery shopping, clothes shopping, current trends in fashion, expenses...

Celebrities (a popular topic of conversation) - Hollywood, celebrities in the news; your favorite celebrity, actor or actress; singers and other artists...

Education - your major, schools attended ...

Current Events - (be careful here not to talk about politics or conflicts between countries unless you know the person well); natural disasters, crime/crime rate, the Prince of England's engagement...

Create your own dialog using the above list of popular topics of small talk as a guide when making small talk.

Below is an outline of how to do that.

You: How was your day at work?

Your friend/family member:  It was great/boring/...___________ (adjective).

You:  I am sorry to hear that./I am glad to hear that you had a good work day.

Your friend/family member: Thank you. How was yours?

You: __________________ (Respond).

Your friend/Family member: ___________ (Respond).


Vocabulary Review:


- Someone who is shy or gets nervous in social situations.

- a person who lives alone or in isolation.

 - When someone is informed of the latest information or news event.

current events - events or issues of interest to you found in the daily news

 - When something has a strong emotional effect on someone.

 - A build-up or increase of something (like cars on the road during rush hour).

  - Something that is of little importance.

 - This refers to when groups of people in government make collective decisions.  It also refers to the attitude and behavior of the government and people in different work environments.

Wide array - A variety of choices, collection, or opinion.  It is also a large collection of something.

Great job today!

 If you would like to know more about how to make small talk, the book below is quite informative.

Ending or Changing the topic of Conversation

Ending a conversation is never an easy thing. Most of us find ourselves in long-drawn-out (just another way to say 'a very long time') conversations  that are boring, uncomfortable and have no real substance.  Many a times/many times (they mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably) we choose not to end them because we do not want to be rude. Well, ending a conversation or changing the topic of conversation is kind of like saying goodbye. Below are some phrases that one can use to end or change the topic of conversation.

Ending a Conversation With a Stranger:

"It was nice meeting you."

"I have to go. Nice talking to you."

"It was nice speaking with you, but I have to go now. Bye."

"Have a good day. Bye."

"I have an appointment, so I've got to go."


In General:

"I've got some work to do."

"Talk to you later."

"We will continue this (conversation) later."

"Could we change the topic (of conversation)?"

"This is not the best topic of conversation."

"I am not comfortable having this conversation with you."

"I would prefer not to discuss this (topic)z with you."

"Why don't you call me later?"

"I'm busy."

"I have a lot on my plate right now.  Maybe we can continue this later."

"Let's pick up this conversation later/after breakfast/tomorrow/in a hour..."

"Sorry to cut you off, but..."

Dialog:

Now let's take a look at how to develop a conversation using the above phrases.

Sam is waiting at the bus stop for a bus when an old lady approaches...

Old lady: Excuse me young man.  Do you know when the next bus is?

Sam:  Yes.  In about 5  minutes.      

Old lady: Thank you. (Pause). Nice day isn't it?

Sam: Yes it is.  It's supposed to get hotter tomorrow.

Old lady:  Is that so? Oh...

Sam:  Well, here comes the bus. It was nice speaking with you.

Old lady:  You too. Thanks.

Now your Turn!

I will give you two situations in which you will need to create your own dialog for. You can role play with a family member or a friend. 

Situation 1:

You are in a taxi cab and the taxi driver is talking about his day and not paying attention to the road.  How would you handle it? Use the phrases above to help you.

Situation 2:

You are at the movie theatre with a friend and the person sitting next  to you is talking about the premise of the movie  you are about to watch.  How would you respond? Use the phrases above to help you.

Multiple Choice!
Choose the best  way to end the conversation.

1.  You are shopping for a Christmas gifts at the Gap store and a fellow shopper starts complaining to you about how they hate to shop for Christmas presents.  You are focused on getting some shopping done because you have a busy schedule. What's the best response under the circumstance?

a.  "I know. Christmas shopping is expensive! I hate it too..."
b.  "I agree.  Shopping for gifts can be overwhelming."
c.  "I understand. Hope it gets better! Have a good day."
d.  "I know.  There is always a large crowd. Blah, blah, blah..."

2.  You are on the train reading a good book and the person sitting next to you ask you for the time.  You give her the time and she continues to talk about her day; however, you would really love to get back to reading your book.  How would you respond?

a. Continue listening and just nod in agreement to show that you are listening.
b. "Sounds like you had a busy day." Then continue to listen.
c. Ignore her and return to reading your book.
d. "I hope your evening gets better, but I was hoping to finish this chapter."

3.  Your friend calls you on the phone because he or she is bored, but you were in the middle of watching your favorite t.v. sitcom; Friends.  Would you respond by saying...

a. "Call me back later./I will call you back later.  I am in the middle of something."
b. "Would like to get together and do something fun?"
c. "I am sorry to  hear that you are bored and I hope you feel better, but I am busy."
d. "Ha! Ha! Ha!! Phoebe is so funny.  Sorry. What were you saying?"

4. Your spouse is in the other room reading to the children. Therefore you decided that it's best time to video Skype your friend Donna in France and in the middle of your conversation your son runs out crying and demands your attention.  You respond by saying...

a.  "I am so sorry Donna, but my son is upset." Then find out what's wrong, resolve the matter and return to your video conference.
b. "Go see your dad.  I am in the middle of a conversation."
c. Continue talking and ignore your son.
d. "Excuse me Donna.  What's the matter son? (Wait for a response). Sorry Donna, I will have to call you back.  Talk to you later."

Great job today!

Ans: c, d, a, a/d

Saying Goodbye

It's always difficutl to say goodbye, especially when it's family or a close friend. However, there are some things we can say or do to make saying goodbye easier.  We can make saying goodbye a little easier by letting our friend know that we will write emails or letters, call or Skype them, and of course, visit them.  This can sometimes make saying goodbye easier because it's a way to reasure each other that goodbyes are not forever. Below are some phrases that one can use when saying goodbye.

Business/Formal Goodbye: (Usually accompanied by a handshake)

"It was nice meeting you..."

"I will be in touch..."

"Here is my  number; call me..."

"Goodbye./Bye."

Informal Goodbyes:

"I will miss you..."

"Please stay in touch..."

"Let's stay in touch..."

"I will call/email/write/visit you sometimes..."

"See you soon/later..."

"Bye for now..."

"I've got to run./I gotta' run."

"Talk to you later."
"Catch you/ya' later."

"See you around."

"Hope to see you again soon."

Saying Goodbye on the Telephone:

"I've got to let you go."

"I am sorry to cut you off, but I have to go now."

"I have to go now."

"I am sorry to end our conversation, but I've got to go."

"I will talk to you later. Bye."

"It was nice talking to you. Goodbye./Bye."

"I have to end our call now. Bye."

Below is a sample dialog of how to use the above phrases in everyday English conversation.  You can role play with a friend or family member .

Beth just called her friend June to invite her to join her study group.

Phone rings...

Beth:  Hi June!  How are you doing?

June: I'm good and you?

Beth: Fine. Thanks!  I was just calling to invite you to join my study group this evening. We are getting together at North Public Library at 6pm.

June:  Thank you for thinking of me Beth, but I have plans this evening.  Maybe another time.

Beth:  I understand.  Well, I would love to chat, but I have a lot of preparing to do. Talk to you later.

June: Okay. Take care.  Bye.

Beth: Bye.

NOW YOUR TURN!

Firstly, I would like you to create your own dialog with a friend or family member.  You can create a scenario for yourself and your partner. Are you saying goodbye at the bus stop, subway station, on the phone or at the end of a work day?  There are many scenarios that you can come up with to make the situation as realistic as possible.

Secondly, I would like you to pretend that your friend is going to study abroad. How would you say goodbye? Would you promise to visit, to phone, Skype or to write them? Would you tell them that you are going to miss them? Openly communicate what you are thinking  and feeling to make this role play as realistic as possible.

Great job today!

Superstitions

Superstitions, as aforementioned, are a set of beliefs or practices that aren't based on fact, experience or rationale.  It remains in most cultures because of fear or faith, however, it's not founded on results. There are cultural, cross-cultural, personal and religious superstitions.




Superstitions in the American culture:

Do not walk under a ladder, it will bring bad luck.

Breaking a mirror it will bring seven years of bad luck.

A groom can not see his bride before the wedding, because it's bad luck.

A bride must have something old, something new, borrowed and blue before she weds, otherwise it's bad luck.

It's bad luck if a black cat crosses your path.

It's good luck to carry a rabbits foot.

Knock on wood three times if someone says something unfavorable/unkind.

Say "Bless you" if someone sneezes, for good luck.

The 13th floor in any building is bad luck.

The number 13 is bad luck.

The dialog below is a good example of how to apply the phrases above. You can role play using the dialog below.

Teacher Jenny and her students are looking at the meaning of "superstition" in their E.S.L. class.

Teacher Jenny: Last class we were supposed to cover "describing people", however, we ended up covering "taboo subjects".  This was great because we were able to cover a topic I would not have otherwise covered.  On account that some of you confused "superstitions" with "taboos", I have decided to cover "superstitions" today.

Student 2:  That's great! I went home from the last class we had and I thought about some superstitions in my culture.

Teacher Jenny:  That's great! You are one step ahead of me.  I was just going to ask everyone to think of some superstitions in their culture.  Here is a handout with a list of some American superstitions. Please pass it around. Thank you.

Student 2:  I am Korean and in my culture we believe that  you will have bad luck if you see crows in morning before school or work.

Teacher Jenny:  That's very interesting...  Thank you for sharing. Crows are bad luck in the American culture too.  It's probably because of the nature of crows themselves. Anyone else?

Student 3:  I am from India and in my culture we believe that if you look at a picture of your mother's face or God just after waking up then it will bring good luck the entire day.

Teacher Jenny:  That's a really good one! As a mother, I am lead to believe that it true.  He he  he.  Thank you for sharing. 

Students:  (All laughs).

Teacher Jenny: Would anyone else like to volunteer?

Student 1:  In the Chinese culture we believe that on Chinese New Year everyone must open all the windows in their house to let the old year old out and the new year in.

Student 4:  Can I share something?

Teacher Jenny:  Sure!  Please go ahead.

Student 4:  In the Japanese culture "umeboshi" means pickled plum and in my culture we believe that eating  umeboshi everyday will bring luck. 

Teacher Jenny:  Thank you.  Now I will share.  I believe most of you already know this but in the American culture we believe that if a black cat crosses your path it will bring bad luck. To avoid bad luck one should turn around and go the other way.

Student 4:  We believe the same thing in Japan. 

Teacher Jenny:  That's interesting! I believe most cultures share a lot of the same superstitions, because of the cross-cultural exchange.  As you all know, many countries have historical and cultural ties and because of immigration and colonization a lot of these cultures have the same beliefs and/or superstitions.

Student 1:  I agree.  I can see that from the list on your handout.

Teacher Jenny:  Thank you for coming today everyone!  Great job! See you all tomorrow.


Now your turn!

Make a list of some superstitions you know and role play with a friend or family member using the outline below.

You:  In my culture we believe ____________ (state the superstition).

Your friend:  Why is that?

You:  We believe that because ____________ (explain).

Your friend:  That's very interesting.  In my culture/country we believe _________ (state the superstition(s)).

You:  Could you explain why you believe that?

Your friend:  We believe that because ________ (explain).

You:  We have the same belief./That's interesting!

Great job today!

Talking About Taboo Subjects

In every country and/or culture there are subjects which are considered taboo.  These include religion, politics, sexuality, poverty, historical conflict and relationships between countries.  There are times when what we are accustomed to or comfortable with is taboo in another culture and vise versa.

Dialog:

The dialog below is an example of how to approach taboo subjects in the Western culture.

In the process of teaching her E.S.L. class the students had some general questions for teacher Jenny about American culture, which turned out to be a great teaching opportunity.

Teacher Jenny:  Okay, class. Let's begin!  Today we are going to talk about describing people and their personality. This is a great subject because everyday we meet people and we may or may not like them,  however, it's great to be able to put into works what we think of them or what we have observed about them. Can anyone give me an example?

Student 1:  You can describe someone by their religious beliefs.

Teacher Jenny: That's right, but we don't, because it's considered to be a taboo.  We can describe someone's personality by using adjectives like "kind" or "loving". We can describe someone's physical appearance by using words like "tall" or "short".  However, we would not talk about their religious or political beliefs.  We would not talk about their wealth or sexuality and so on.  Does everyone understand that?

Student 1: So taboo means topics that makes people uncomfortable?

Teacher Jenny:  That's right! That's a good definition.

Student 2: Is walking under a ladder a taboo?

Teacher Jenny:  Good effort! However, that is a superstition.  Can anyone tell me what a superstition is?

Student 3:  They are beliefs or practices that aren't based on fact, experience or reason.

Teacher Jenny:  Perfect! That's exactly what superstition means. Now can someone give me an example of a taboo?

Student 2: Okay. An example of a taboo subject is someone's sexual preference. Right?

Teacher Jenny:  That's a great example. Yes. To make sure that we have a good grasps or understanding of what taboo means; could someone give me another example?

Student 4: How about an open conversation about race?

Teacher Jenny:  That's right!  It is inappropriate and socially unacceptable to speak openly about race. The foundation for that is because we are human beings first. Any questions?

Students: No! (in unison)

Teacher Jenny:  Great! Well done today everyone!  Tomorrow we will finish covering describing people and their personality. See you all tomorrow...

Now your turn!

Have a conversation or role play with a family member or friend about some taboo subjects in your country and another foreign country.  If you have immigrated, then have an open discussion about taboos in your country of birth and the country you immigrated to.  Use the outline below as a guide.

You:  In my country/In ____________ (give country name), __________ (say subject) is taboo.

Your friend:  Why is it considered taboo?

You:  It's taboo, because __________ (explain).  What are some taboos that you can come up with?

Your friend:  Let me think...  In my country/In ______ (give country name), ____________ (taboo subject) is taboo.

You:  Why is it a taboo subject?

Your friend:  It's taboo because __________ (explain).

You: Very interesting/That's great!

Great job today!

To learn more about taboos around the world you can purchase the book below.