American Conversation Openings and Closings
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Questions and Answers

Which of these phrases do they use?

Not bad, How are you doing?, How about you, How ya doin', Where ya goin'*, (I) better

How many interchanges does Mike make and what is a real pain for him?

6 interchanges, it is a real pain for him to get off work early

This is a formal conversation.

False

What does Fred Marshall telephone Dean Schubert?

<p>To tell him about a strange animal that is at his house.</p> Signup and view all the answers

This dialogue is more formal or less formal than Dialogue A?

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many people are there where the speakers are, what do they do when this dialogue begins, and what are their relationships?

<p>3 - at a store, buying things, friends, a clerk and a customer</p> Signup and view all the answers

Jack and Susie are strangers.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe the level of formality?

<p>Informal</p> Signup and view all the answers

What gesture can you use for greeting someone in your country? Do you encounter any problems when trying to understand different gestures ?

<p>Depending on the culture in different countries the gesture for greeting someone will be a handshake, a hug, or a bow. The different cultures come with different set of greetings and gestures, therefore, it can cause confusion and misunderstandings in a multicultural environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Greetings, in different languages, have the same purpose.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these are common greetings used in English?

<p>How are you?</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do people who have not seen each other for a long time, the first time they meet, often do?

<p>They often shake hands or hug, depending on their relationship.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Preclosings are more common than closings.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Preclosings often include thanking a person for something?

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these are commonly used preclosings?

<p>It was good to see you.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Closings are less formal than preclosings.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrases are used in the text to end the discussion?

<p>Bye, See you later, Take care.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of introductions in any language?

<p>To establish contact with another person and to show respect for their existence, even if it does not carry any literal meaning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The greeting is always returned.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

A formal introduction consists of two parts: giving the people's names and, if not introduced by the context, some information about the people.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

When the person is introduced to a friend, Americans often use 'Pleased to meet you.'

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the use of 'but' indicate in the introduction?

<p>Reversing the order of the introduction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is not usual to shake hands when they are introduced to other people.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

A firm handshake is a sign of directness and honesty.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

People must sometimes introduce themselves.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The full name is used in all situations.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

A nickname should only be used when someone is sure the person wants to use this form, and it should be reserved for people who are very personal and can be insulted if not used properly.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Do you use handshakes or other gestures in introductions? What kind of titles do you use? How do teachers address students? How name do you use to get a person's attention. What other way of getting attention can you think of?

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of this chapter?

<p>The main focus of the chapter is on social invitations. The chapter discusses how to make a social invitation, how to respond to a social invitation and the appropriate phrases and expressions to use in formal and informal situations, and how to politely refuse a social invitation, if you want to.</p> Signup and view all the answers

An invitation consists of requesting someone's presence, stating the specific event, and setting the time and place.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Formal written invitations are traditionally sent and should be answered in writing and returned promptly.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the phrases below is the most common way to make a telephone invitation?

<p>I'd like to invite you to . . .</p> Signup and view all the answers

People usually do not begin a conversation with an invitation.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is preferable to ask the listener if such-and-such time and then says why, if the invitation is preferable, because it allows the listener to decide.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Invitations are usually made privately, in person or by phone. That is, only the people being invited hear the invitation.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Accepting invitations are very easy.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

You thank the person for the invitation and then for the details of place and time. You should mention how formally you will dress.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

In informal cases, a good idea to find out host or hostess whether you can help by bringing something, but if you are unsure, it's better not to ask.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the host or hostess has offered to tell you what to bring, even a small item can be a way of thanking the host or hostess for their hospitality.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you have children and they have been invited out by an American family, you should not bring your children unless they have been specifically mentioned in the invitation.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Most people expect a reason when an invitation is refused.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

A good way to respond to a refusal is to second apology; reason for refusal, thanks for the invitation, and perhaps a second apology.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

If someone asks you if you are free at a certain time, but doesn't say what information is for, you are not required to commit yourself until you know what the information is for.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

There are also phrases that sound like invitations but in fact are not.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Non-invitations check that you'll tell him or her later.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

People may say things like, "We'll have to get together sometime" or "You'll have to come over and visit us sometime."

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sometimes, people may offer you a non-invitation if you are on the fence and they only want you to come if you want to.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The subject of dropping in on these occasions could always invite them for some part.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

When someone asks you to his or her home, it is very clear who is the guest and who is the host.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

In many instances, it is the inviter who pays, as one would expect, but in some instances each one pays his or her own check.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Openings and Closings

  • Opening and closing conversations are crucial parts of everyday communication.
  • American conversation strategies have similarities and differences compared to other cultures.
  • Dialogues illustrate how greetings and closings are structured in American conversations.

Dialogues A, B, and C

  • Dialogue A showcases a casual conversation between Mike and Grace.
  • Dialogue B depicts a formal telephone conversation between Dean Schubert and Fred Marshall.
  • Dialogue C shows an informal conversation between Jack and Susie, and involving Mike.
  • Differences in formality and the context shape the interaction.
  • Phrases like "How are you doing?" or "Where are you going?" are common openings.
  • Speakers use expressions like "Bye" or "Sounds good" to close conversations.
  • The number of exchanges varies depending on the formality and the relationship.

Unit 1 Discussion Questions

  • Speakers use distinct conversational cues to indicate beginning and end of conversation.
  • The degree of formality in the interactions influences how the conversation unfolds and its length in terms of exchanges.
  • The types of exchanges or responses given demonstrate levels of formality in the discussions.

Unit 1 Greetings

  • Greetings in all languages serve to show respect and create connections with other people.
  • Greeting formulas are often not literal, but have communicative power.
  • Formal greetings may use titles and last names, whereas informal ones might have nicknames or first names.
  • The level of formality in greetings depends on the relationship between individuals and the culture.
  • Common greetings in formal situations may include "good morning," "good afternoon," "good evening" or informal "how are you?".

Unit 1 Preclosings and Closings

  • Preclosings signal the end of a conversation, while closings explicitly finish it.
  • People with whom you are less familiar often require more robust preclosing cues to signal the end.
  • The context, such as formal situations, influences preclosings and closings.
  • Speakers use phrases like thanking for something.
  • Closing phrases like "taking care" or "good bye" may vary across cultures.

Unit 1 Phrases

  • This section features a list of English greetings and closings, from formal to informal.
  • Greetings vary based on the time of day.
  • Common phrases, like "good morning," are commonly used as formal greetings.
  • Less formal phrases might include "how are you?".
  • Different greetings are used for establishing or maintaining a connection.

Unit 1 Small Group Practice

  • Practice dialogues involving different social situations and relationships.
  • Dialogues need to be in line with the level of formality between characters.
  • Examples of dialogue completion for various situations are given.

Unit 2 Introductions and Address Systems

  • Proper introductions involve using names and titles.
  • Formal introductions often use titles and last names.
  • Informal introductions may use only first names.
  • Handshakes are a common way to greet people for introductions.
  • The level of formality influences the choice of names and greetings(formal or informal).

Unit 2 Phrases

  • Features commonly used phrases during introductions.

Unit 2 Small Group Practice

  • Practice dialogues for various situations focusing on introductions.
  • Social context and relationships drive how introductions are made.

Unit 3 Invitations

  • Formal invitations with written text and formal details are common practice in making an invitation.
  • Making an invitation to a person, either in person or over the phone.
  • Accepting or rejecting an invitation requires polite expressions and reasons.
  • Levels of formality can influence invitation formats.

Unit 3 Phrases

  • Offers suggestions of greetings, preclosings and expressions, and responses for accepting or declining invitations.

Unit 3 Small Group Practice

  • Practice in the context of arranging invitations for various situations.

Unit 4 Thanking

  • Thanking customs vary across cultures.
  • Thanking someone is generally a way of showing appreciation.
  • Thanking for gifts, favors, or services requires specific phrases.
  • Appropriate levels of formality influence how thank you expressions are given.

Unit 4 Phrases

  • Includes thanks for favors, presents, gifts, or asking for additional help.

Unit 5 Apologizing

  • Apologies vary in formality depending on the situation and relationships.
  • Apologies should include an explanation as to why mistake was made.
  • Appropriate apologies should include clear expressions of regret and acceptance of responsibility and avoid blaming others.

Unit 5 Phrases

  • Provides phrases for apologizing in various situations and relationships, ranging from formal to informal.

Unit 5 Small Group Practice

  • Encourages practical application of apologizing in different situations.

Unit 6 Expressing Anger

  • Cultural norms affect how anger is expressed, and the expressions used.
  • Various expressions demonstrate different levels of intensity when expressing anger.
  • Understanding the context and relationship helps determine suitable ways of expressing anger.

Unit 6 Phrases

  • Includes phrases for expressing and resolving conflict.

Unit 7 Giving Compliments

  • Compliments are used to show approval or admiration.
  • Compliments and responses should reflect the level of formality.

Unit 7 Phrases

  • Offers phrases for giving and replying to compliments.

Unit 7 Small Group Practice

  • Encourages practical application of giving and receiving compliments in different situations.

Unit 8 Getting Attention

  • Interruptions and ways of getting attention vary across cultures.
  • Formal and less formal expressions are useful tools for getting another's attention.
  • Respecting personal space and someone's interaction.

Unit 8 Phrases

  • Offers phrases for getting people's attention and interrupting, including both formal and informal options.

Unit 8 Small Group Practice

  • Provides practice for getting attention and interrupting in different situations.

Unit 9 Agreeing and Disagreeing

  • Discussing opinions and expressing agreement or disagreement.
  • Use of phrases and suitable non-verbal cues for showing respect and attentiveness in arguments.
  • Formality in agreement and disagreement interactions.

Unit 9 Phrases

  • Includes expressions for agreements and disagreements.

Unit 9 Small Group Practice

  • Provides realistic practice of disagreements and agreements.

Unit 10 Controlling Conversations

  • Controlling a conversation requires appropriate strategies and expressions.
  • Expressing understanding, surprise, or disagreements.
  • Politely changing the subject of a conversation.

Unit 10 Phrases

  • Phrases for showing attentiveness, understanding, showing surprise, and changing subjects in dialogues.

Unit 10 Small Group Practice

  • Practice applications of controlling conversations in various settings.

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Description

Explore the essential elements of American conversational openings and closings through various dialogues. This quiz examines how formality and context influence interactions, highlighting common phrases used in everyday communication. Engage with the differences and similarities in conversational strategies across cultures.

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