Language and culture

Conversation 1 and 2

Introducing a subject

We were wondering if we could ask you some questions about...

I don't know if Janet has told you, but...

And the thing is, ...

Talking about customs and culture 

Is the food around here typical?

It depends on what you mean by typical.

This is mostly Cantonese food.

But it's different from the food where i come from.

How long has there been ...?

When the Chinese first came to London...

They were also famous for...

We celebrate Chinese New Year along with the Chinese all over the world.

Making comparisons

In comparison with Chinatown in, say, San Francisco or Sydney, is it larger or smaller?

Is it mostly ...?

Thanking and responding

You're welcome.

Thank you very much, that was really interesting.

Very grateful.

No problem.

Don't mention it.

After-listening activity

Work in pairs and act out the conversation. 

Student A    Ask Student B if you can ask them about the neighbourhood they live in.

Student B.    Agree to Student A's request.

Student A    Ask Student B to tell you something interesting about their neighbourhood.

Student B    Tell Student A about your neighbourhood.

Student A    React to their answers and ask a follow-up question.

Student B    Respond to Student A's question.

Student A    Ask Student B whether there's any change between the past and the present.

Student B    Make comparison between customs in the past and now.

Student A    Thank Student B.

Student B    Respond to Student A.