Unit 7 Language function 4.pptVIP

Unit 7 Language function 4: Talk, talk and talk Aims: Be aware of the information flow in talk Understand the complexity of speaker and hearer roles Be familiar with some of the ways of opening, keeping going and closing Be familiar with some safe topics Become self-critical of classroom talk participants in talk – the information flow In face to face interaction, there are two ways information is provided: give it and give it off. give it—usually by verbal give it off—often by non-verbal signals Information provided in either way is subject to participants’ interpretation. The role of hearer is not a simple and pure concept. It has subtle variations. Addressee observing hearer Standby Eavesdropper overhearer. participants in talk – the hearer The role of speaker is equally diversified. genuine speaker truthful relayer message relayer false relayer. participants in talk – the speaker Talk as a whole Opening includes initiation and response to it. Mutual understanding and tolerance are two important factors for a successful start. Safe Initiations Polite address terms Apologetic terms Asking for names Special pseudo-formulaic openings … Tactful refusals Use apologetic expressions Give excuse or tell white lies The central part includes topics and changes of topics -- some culturally safe topics to talk about with strangers. Are they safe topics to Chinese/Westerners? Whether sports age marital status Hobbies movies income property Holidays books religion political views Music studies prices of personal belongings Jobs pets Talk as a whole In order to keep a conversation going successfully, one must find some “Safe Topics”. Is there any difference between Chinese and English “Safe Topics”? Yes, there are some differences between Chinese and English “Safe Topics”. For example, it is acceptable to talk about money, age and salary with strangers or acquaintances in Chinese context. But in Wester