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     Talking  to people

Starting  a conversation

Johannes had come had come to England to improve  his English. He had studied  the language for five years in his own country and he could understand  a  written text  well. What he needed above all  was practice in conversation.

He enrolled  at a school for foreign students and the school found him  a home with an English family. The family were pleasant and friendly and he was delighted to discover that there was a  pretty daughter , only a year ago or so younger than himself . That first  night , as he lay in bed , he was filled with optimism.

A few days later , however , when his class teacher , Mr Price, asked him how he was getting on , he had to confess that he felt disappointed."By Sunday , ' said Johannes , I'll   have been here for two  weeks , but  I've had little conversation practice."

Aren't you living with an English family? asked Mr Price.

Yes , I am, replied  Johannes , " but they're always busy."

"Aren't there any younger people in the family?"

"Yes , there's a daughter of 17, but she leaves home at eight o' clock in the morning and she spends every evening  with her friends."

'Well , said Mr  Price , you'll just have to learn to get into conversation with strangers."

"But how? ' asked  Johannes , "and where ?"

'You travel on buses , don't you?"suggested Mr Price.

'Yes ," said Johannes doubtfully.

'Don't sit in an empty seat , sit beside somebody . You can often have marvellous conversation on buses.'

'It's difficult to know what to talk about ," said Johannes. "That is a problem,"agreed Mr Price.'You can always start with the weather ,but that won't keep you going for long . You've got to read the papers ,watch television ,find out what English people are talking about. Then after you've talked about the weather , you can ask a question."

'How do you mean?"Johannes looked puzzled.

Well, let's imagine you read a story in the paper about a murder case or a political election. You could say: " I wonder  if they'll find  Barrett  guilty ?" or "Do you think Jordan will win?"- something like that. People like being asked their opinion about things . Or you can try talking about a programme you saw on television.'Did  you see that play on television last night? Good wasn't  it ?' English people won't usually start a conversation, but often they're quite happy to chat ,provided you start talking to them.'

Johannes nodded' I see what you mean, he said  thoughtfully.

'One more thing, " Mr Price continued, "older people are nearly always easier wrapped up in their own lives. But the other ones can't resist talking about the good old days . When they were young , the sun was always shining, everybody was always good-humoured . There wasn't so much money , but everyone enjoyed themselves. Perhaps it's the same in your country. 

Johannes smiled ."I  think old people are the same all over the world, he said.