Unit 6

Language

Lead-in Activity Warm-up Listening Task Real World Listening Interaction Link Useful Expressions Additional Listening Homework Argument

Lead-in Activity

USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, South Africa, Nigeria

Can you name some countries where English is spoken as an official language?

Part I

Warm-up

Language Points

expert n. 专家 , 学者 slang n.( 某个阶层 , 行业等的 ) 俚语 , 行话 apply v. 申请 , 请求 He’s thinking about applying for a job in

a big company. 他正想着向一个大公司申请一份工作 . dialect n. 地方话 , 方言 , 土语

Language Points

come in handy 有用的 , 方便的 Being able to speak English will come in

handy when you travel. 会说英语在旅行的时候会很方便 . pick up ( 偶然或不费力地 ) 得到 , 获得 He picked up English when he was living

with his foreign classmates. 他和他的外国同学同住的时候学会了英语 .

1. I think teachers who work in the United States and UK should be native homeland speakers of English.2. There are so many varieties of English that I can never be an expert professional in all of them.3. English has a lot of slang fluency. How am I supposed to know that a “hot” pair of jeans means the same thing as a “cool” pair of jeans?4. I would be worried about approaching applying for a job in the United States. What if they didn’t think my English was good enough?

Warm Up Two students are studying English as a second language.

Read their opinions. Choose the correct words.

5. I don’t mind if my teacher has a different communication accent than I’m used to, as long as I can understand what he or she is saying.6. I think it’s useful to have some knowledge of different dialects standards of English. That knowledge will handle come in handy when I travel.7. The large number of slang words in English is amazing incredulous. There is a lot to pick up take out!8. I think companies should rent hire non-native speakers of English if they are qualified to do the job.

Warm Up

Now listen and check.

Two students are studying English as a second language. Read their opinions. Choose the correct words.

1. I think teachers who work in the United States and UK should be √ native homeland speakers of English.2. There are so many varieties of English that I can never be an √ expert professional in all of them.3. English has a lot of √ slang fluency. How am I supposed to know that a “hot” pair of jeans means the same thing as a “cool” pair of jeans?4. I would be worried about approaching √ applying for a job in the United States. What if they didn’t think my English was good enough?

Warm Up Two students are studying English as a second language.

Read their opinions. Choose the correct words.

5. I don’t mind if my teacher has a different communication √ accent than I’m used to, as long as I can understand what he or she is saying.6. I think it’s useful to have some knowledge of different √ dialects standards of English. That knowledge will handle √ come in handy when I travel.7. The large number of slang words in English is √ amazing incredulous. There is a lot to √ pick up take out!8. I think companies should rent √ hire non-native speakers of English if they are qualified to do the job.

Warm Up Two students are studying English as a second language.

Read their opinions. Choose the correct words.

Pair work

Which of these ideas do you agree with? What different kinds of English have you heard? Where did you hear them?

Discuss the questions with your partner.

Part II

Listening Task

Language Points

accent n. 口音 place v. 安排 , 委派 ( 到某一位

置 ) take n. 一个镜头 cut v. 停止拍摄 ( 某一电影镜头 )

Culture Note: dialect, accent and slang

The concept of a whole language is vast, so a framework of categories is used to describe the varieties of a language. When varieties are classified in terms of users, they are called dialects.

Dialect is a regional variety of a language distinguished by pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary, especially a variety of speech differing from the standard literary language or speech pattern of the culture in which it exists.

Accent is a characteristic pronunciation, especially determined by the regional or social background of the speaker or by the phonetic habits of the speaker’s native language carried over to his or her use of another language.

Culture Note: dialect, accent and slang

Slang is a kind of language occurring chiefly in casual and playful speech, made up typically of short-lived coinages and figures of speech that are deliberately used in place of standard terms for added raciness( 生动活泼） , humor, irreverence （不尊重） , or other effect. They are very informal words, phrases, etc. commonly used in speech, esp. between people from the same social group or who work together, not considered suitable for formal contexts and often not in use for long.

Look at the pictures. Where are the people?

What are the people talking about?

1.

2.

3.

Check-upCheck-up

First Listening

Australian slang

A teacher who is hard to understand

Learning to imitate an accent

Check-upCheck-up

Write T (true) or F (false).

Second Listening

1. __ People use different vocabulary in different countries.

__ “Mozzie” means “most.”

__ “Tucker” means “food.”

2. __ Everyone has an accent.

__ It’s hard to get used to some accents.

__ Some people don’t have an accent.

3. __ Accents are different even in the same country.

__ “R” sounds are dropped in the American South.

__ “I” sounds are dropped in the American South.

T

F

T

T

T

F

T

F

F

Answer the following questions with the information you’ve heard.

Third Listening

CheckupCheck-upCheck-up

1. What did Andrew think of Austria?

2. What does Strine mean?

3. How do you describe Professor Lee’s class?

4. What are the typical examples of “R” sounds at the end of words?

Third Listening

Answers

1. It was great! The people there were so friendly. The weather was great.

2. Australian English.

3. it’s hard to pick up what she’s saying. Her English Is so hard to understand. She has a strong accent.

4. Better. Sugar. Don’t bother me any more.

Script1. A: Hey, Andrew! You’re back from Australia. B: Yeah, just got back yesterday. A: Well, g’day, mate! How did you like my homeland? B: Oh, man, it was great! The people were so

friendly. The weather was great. And some of the Australian slang you taught me really came in handy.

A: Oh, yeah. I bet you picked up some more while you were there.

B: Yep. Mm, lemme see. I know “mozzies” are “mosquitoes,” and “tucker” means “food.” and, of course, Australian English is called “Strine.”

A: Not bad, mate! A few more trips down under and you’ll be an expert in Strine!

2. A: So, how did you like Professor Lee’s class? B: Man, I don’t know. A: What do you mean? B: I mean, it’s hard to pick up what she’s saying. Her English is so hard to understand. A: You think so? B: Yeah. She has a strong accent, you know. A: Well, yeah, but everyone has an accent. Even you have an accent! Hers is just different from yours. That’s all. B: Sure is. A: Don’t worry about it, though. You’ll get used to how she talks. B: Maybe, but I’m having a really hard time understanding her right now. A: Well, maybe you should just pay attention to what she writes on the board. She writes on the board a lot. I think she knows that some people need to get used to her.

Script

3. A: OK. Places everyone! “Gone with the Wind,” scene 25, take 2. And action! B: Rhett, I only know that I love… A: Cut! Cut! Cut! Julia, you’ve got to work on your southern accent. You just don’t sound like Scarlet. B: I know, I know. I’m just not getting it for some reason. A: OK. It’s not that hard. Now, listen. In the southern dialect of American English, the pronoun “I” sound like “AH.” I love you, Rhett. B: OK. Lemme try this again. Aaah. I only know that I love you. A: Better. Now another thing. “R” sounds at the end of words are often dropped. So, for example, you say “suga’,” not “sugar.” B: OK. Don’t botha me anymo’. And don’t call me suga’! A: Much better! All right, places everyone! We’re going to try this again. Lights, camera, action!

Script

Pair Work

Talk with your partner about your problems in learning English.

Part III

Real World Listening

Language Points

resume n.( 美 ) 履历 bachelor n. 学士 B.A. = Bachelor of Arts 文学士 supervise v. 管理 , 指导 The dean supervises the work of the

department. 主任管理着部门的工作 . representative n.( 公司的 ) 代理 go for it 大胆尝试 , 全力以赴

Now listen and check

Prepare

Sumi has a degree in travel management. She’s applying for a job at World Trek travel agency in New York. What job do you think she’s applying for?

Do you think she will get the job?

Tour guide

Customer service

representative

Department manager

Secretary

Security guard

Another position ________

Yes. No. It depends.

Prepare

Do you think she will get the job?

Tour guide

Customer service

representative

Department manager

Secretary

Security guard

Another position ________

Yes. No. It depends.

√

Sumi has a degree in travel management. She’s applying for a job at World Trek travel agency in New York. What job do you think she’s applying for?

√

1. What job did Sumi apply for?

a management job (manager)

2. What qualifications does she have?

A bachelor’s degree in travel industry management, five years’ experience, management experience.

3. What job was Sumi offered?

Customer service representative.

4. Why does Sumi think she was offered that job?

She thinks they were worried about her English.

5. What is Sumi going to do?

She’ll accept the job and show them how good she is

Get The Main Ideas

Answer these questions

Check-upCheck-up

ScriptPart 1. Sumi interviews for the job.Jennifer: Tell me how your background and experience

have prepared you to be a manager in our travel company.

Sumi: Well, as my resume shows, I have a bachelor’s degree in travel industry management from an American university, and I worked for five years in one of the top travel companies in Japan. After two years I was promoted to a management position that was very similar to the job you are offering here.

Jennifer: I see. So you have supervised people in your previous position?

Sumi: Yes. Actually, I supervised a staff of about twenty people.

ScriptPart 2. Sumi gets an offer.Sumi: Hello?Jennifer: I’m calling for Sumi Wilson.Sumi: This is Sumi.Jennifer: Hi! This is Jennifer Bates of World Trek travel

agency. I’m calling with what I hope will be good news. Sumi: Yes?Jennifer: We’d like to offer you a position as a customer

service representative. Sumi: Sorry, but did you just say customer service? I was

applying for the management position.Jennifer: Yes, I know. Actually, we’ve hired someone else for

the management position, but we really like you, so we’d like to hire you in customer service.

Sumi: I see. Well, since I was hoping to get the management position, I think I’ll need to think about this. Could I call you back tomorrow?

Script

Part 3. Sumi talks to her husband.Rick: Hello?Sumi: It’s me. World Trek called.Rick: So, did you get the job?Sumi: No, but they offered me a job as a customer service

representative, selling and leading tours to various places in Asia.

Rick: That’s not fair! You were perfect for the management job!

Sumi: That’s what I thought, too. But I honestly think they were worried about my English. I’m sure they want a native speaker to be the manager.

Script

Rick: But that’s ridiculous! Your English is great. You know, if that’s their attitude, I’m glad you’re not going to be working there.

Sumi: Actually, I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and I really want to accept the job as a customer service rep.

Rick: What? Why?Sumi: Well, it’s a good chance to show them how much I

know, what I can do. And they can see for themselves how good my English is, too! Then, whenever the next management position comes up, they’ll know I’m the perfect choice!

Rick: Well, in that case, go for it! And let’s go out for dinner tonight to celebrate.

Oral Practice: Role Play

One student acts as Li Yang, the initiator of Crazy English, the other as an interviewer. Act out the interview in which Li yang talks about his ideas of English learning.

Respond to the Ideas

1. Do you think Sumi made the right decision? What would you have done?

2. Are there any jobs that can only be done by native speakers? What jobs? Why?

3. Act out one of the conversations with your partner. You can make up something.

Part IV

Interaction Link

Language Points

identity n. 身份 , 本身 There is no clue to the identity of the thief. 没有确定窃贼身份的线索 . native English speakers 英语为母语的人 non-native English speakers 英语非母语的人

1. Read the opinions about English and add two new ideas of your own.

2. Walk around the classroom and ask different classmates questions to fill in the chart. When you find someone who agrees with one of the statements, find out why. If you disagree, argue in favor of your viewpoint.

3. Make groups of three or four and share the answers you got. Discuss any ideas that you have strong opinions about.

English or Englishes?

Find someone who believes … Name Why do they think so? American English should be the standard taught worldwide.Our native accents, whenspeaking English, are animportant part of our identities.English is the property ofnative speakers—everyoneelse is just borrowing it.Only native speakers shouldteach English.You can learn as much, or more,by speaking English with othernon-native speakers.[your idea]

[your idea]

English or Englishes?

Example

A: Do you believe that only native speakers should teach English?

B: I think so. Because the native speakers speak perfect English.

C: I don’t think so. Speaking English well isn’t the same as teaching English well. Many non-native English teachers can do better than the native speakers.

A: I agree with you.

Part V

Useful Expressions

Useful Expressions

很难听懂他在说什么 .

It’s hard to pick up what he’s saying.

她的口音很重 .

She has a strong/ heavy accent.

人人都有口音 .

Everyone has an accent.

Useful Expressions

他说的是美国南部方言 .

He speaks the southern dialect of American English.

你会习惯你们老师的说话方式的 .

You’ll get used to how your teacher talks.

英语中有很多的俚语 .

English has a lot of slang.

Part VI

Additional Listening

Additional Listening

Types of Speech Standard usage includes those words and

expressions understood, used, and accepted by a majority of the speakers of a language in any situation regardless of the level of formality. As such, these words and expressions are well defined and listed in standard dictionaries.

Colloquialisms, on the other hand, are familiar words and idioms that are understood by almost all speakers of a language and used in informal speech or writing, but not considered appropriate for more formal situations. Almost all idiomatic expressions are colloquial language.

Slang, however, refers to words and expressions understood by a large number of speakers but not accepted as good, formal usage by the majority.

Colloquial expressions and even slang may be found in standard dictionaries but will be so identified. Both colloquial usage and slang are more common in speech than in writing.

Colloquial speech often passes into standard speech. Some slang also passes into standard speech, but other slang expressions enjoy momentary popularity followed by obscurity. In some cases, the majority never accepts certain slang phrases but nevertheless retains them in their collective memories. Every generation seems to require its own set of words to describe familiar objects and events.

Additional Listening

It has been pointed out by a number of linguists that three cultural conditions are necessary for the creation of a large body of slang expressions. First, the introduction and acceptance of new objects and situations in the society; second, a diverse population with a large number of subgroups; third, association among the subgroups and the majority population.

Finally, it is worth noting that the terms standard colloquial and slang exist only as abstract labels for scholars who study language. Only a tiny number of the speakers of any language will be aware that they are using colloquial or slang expressions. Most speakers of English will, during appropriate situations, select and use all three types of expressions.

Additional Listening

Part VII

Homework Argument

Homework Argument

What do you think we can do to improve our English conversation skills?

Expressions for reference I often speak English to my friends. To tell the truth, I seldom speak English. I make mistakes whenever I open my mouth to speak

English. Mistakes are probably unavoidable when we try to

speak a foreign language. No mistakes, no progress. I’m afraid of making mistakes because I don’t want to

lose face, so sometimes I just give up. I think the best way to improve our oral English is to

speak as much as possible. We learn to speak by speaking.

Homework Argument

Possible argument:

to speak English as much as possible; to speak English with foreigners; to be willing to make mistakes; to know about safe topics; to learn by heart some expressions used to start and end a conversation.

Homework Argument