Session 1 022513

OBJECTIVE: To enhance learners cross-cultural communication skills through: a. increased cultural literacy in the target culture; b. improved communication skills in various socio-cultural contexts.

I. II.

III.

Cross-cultural awareness Australia: The Land Down Under a. Facts and Figures b. People Aussie English a. Connected speech b. Linking c. Sound changes

What is culture? Choose 4 factors below which you think are the most important in creating a culture? a. Climate b. Geography c. Language d. Historical Events e. Ideas and beliefs f. Ceremonies and festivals g. Cuisine h. Social customs and traditions i. Arts j. Religion

Have you ever lived abroad? What do you miss most about your country/culture? Do you think cultures are becoming more alike? Is this a good or bad thing? For example, think about: a. improved communications b. cheap foreign travel c. global business d. trading groups (EU, ASEAN)

Does your culture follow any of these customs? What other customs of other countries do you know? What is the advantage of learning different cultures?

Have you ever been to a foreign country? What is the first foreign country you want to visit in the near future? Why? How do you feel when you visit abroad for the first time?

anxious nervous uncomfortable embarrassed secure enthusiastic confident fascinated suspicious worried depressed calm uncertain curious

Location: Capital:

Oceania Canberra

Government: Federal Parliamentary Democracy

Official Language:
English is the primary language used in Australia. Yet their colourful vocabulary, accent, phonetics system and slang ('Strine') can take a lot of getting used to. In 1788, there were about 250 separate Aboriginal languages spoken in Australia, plus dialects. Today, only two thirds of these languages survive and only 20 of them (eight per cent of the original 250) are still strong enough to have chance of surviving well into the next century. In addition to these there are also the languages of immigrants from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Major Religion (s):

Catholic 26.4%, Anglican 20.5%, other Christian 20.5%, Buddhist 1.9%, Muslim 1.5%, other 1.2%, unspecified 12.7%, none 15.3%.

Major Ethnic Group (s):

Caucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%

Original inhabitants: Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples 1788 migrants started to arrive from about 200 countries since Great Britain established the first European settlement at Sydney Cove 1945 population: 7 million, mainly AngloCeltic After WWII, there was heavy migration from Europe

Today, its population is estimated at nearly 23 million 25.6% are born overseas 576,000 aboriginal people Subsequent waves of migration come from Asia-Pacific region, Middle East and Africa

respect for equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual freedom of speech and association freedom of religion and a secular government support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law equality under the law equality of men and women equality of opportunity peacefulness a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces tolerance, mutual respect, and compassion for those in need. Australia also holds firmly to the belief that no one should be disadvantaged on the basis of their country of birth, cultural heritage, language, gender or religious belief.

no formal or entrenched class distinctions With hard work and commitment, people without high-level connections or influential patrons can realise their ambitions All people are equal under the law in Australia and all Australians have the right to be respected and treated in a fair manner.

Popular stereotypes: Australians as egalitarian, irreverent people with a deep suspicion of authority Australians live mainly in country areas Australians live in a lucky country who love their leisure, particularly sport, both as spectators and as participants Australians are informal, open and direct and say what they mean.

The national language is English and it is an important unifying element of Australian society. However, other languages are also valued. More than 15% of Australians speak languages other than English at home.

There are certain words and expressions that have become regarded as uniquely Australian through common usage. Some of them might seem strange to non-Australians.

The beautiful Mountain appeared transfixed in the distance.

He can come on Sundays as long as he doesn't have to do any homework in the evening.

In English, we give stress to certain words while other words are quickly spoken (some students say eaten!). In other languages, such as French or Italian, each syllable receives equal importance (there is stress, but each syllable has its own length). In syllabic languages each syllable has equal importance, and therefore equal time is needed. English however, spends more time on specific stressed words while quickly gliding over the other, less important, words.

They can come on Friday. They cant come on Friday.

The stressed words are CONTENT WORDS:

Nouns e.g. kitchen, Peter (most) principal verbs e.g. visit, construct Adjectives e.g. beautiful, interesting Adverbs e.g. often, carefully

Non-stressed words are FUNCTION WORDS:

Determiners e.g. the, a, some, a few Auxiliary verbs e.g. don't, am, can, were Prepositions e.g. before, next to, opposite Conjunctions e.g. but, while, as Pronouns e.g. they, she, us

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Connected speech is a term that refers to sound changes that occur when we are speaking. Understanding these changes can dramatically improve your understanding of fluent native speakers of English. And if you don't use at least some of the features of connected speech yourself, you may sound stilted and formal. This can be a barrier to communication, particularly in informal situations. Formal presentations without the features of connected speech may also be a strain on a native speaker audience.

Fluent speech at normal speed is spoken without breaks between words. The sound at the end of one word is joined or linked to the beginning of the next word. Often these words sound like one word.

There are basically three different ways of linking in English. a. Consonant + vowel b. Consonant + consonant c. Vowel + vowel

Consonant + vowel

Consonant + consonant

Vowel + vowel

Sometimes linking sounds together actually produces a new or different sound. This usually happens in two ways. /t/ + /j/

/d/ + /j/

Yes. Speak as much as possible in phrases and try to keep your breath and your voice going as you 'move' from one word to the next.

SMALL TALK

What is small talk? a casual form of conversation that "breaks the ice" or fills an awkward silence between people a pleasant conversation about common interests

WHO makes small talk? WHAT do people make small talk about?

WHERE do people make small talk?

WHEN do people make small talk? WHY do people make small talk?

SAFE TOPICS Weather Current events Sports news Entertainment news Commonalities AVOID: Politics, religion, personal issues/topics

The first time you meet someone There is an awkward silence. During a break / when nothing important is going on

To break an uncomfortable silence To fill time To be polite

CONVERSATION STARTERS

Context
Talking about the weather

Conversation Starters
Beautiful day, isn't it? Can you believe all of this rain we've been having? It looks like it's going to snow. It sure would be nice to be in Hawaii right about now. I hear they're calling for thunderstorms all weekend. We couldn't ask for a nicer day, could we? How about this weather? Did you order this sunshine? Did you catch the news today? Did you hear about that fire on Fourth St? What do you think about this transit strike? I read in the paper today that the Sears Mall is closing. I heard on the radio today that they are finally going to start building the new bridge. How about those Reds? Do you think they're going to win tonight?

Talking about current events

Context
At the office

Conversation Starters
Looking forward to the weekend? Have you worked here long? I can't believe how busy/quiet we are today, can you? Has it been a long week? You look like you could use a cup of coffee. What do you think of the new computers? So, how do you know Justin? Have you tried the cabbage rolls that Sandy made? Are you enjoying yourself? It looks like you could use another drink. Pretty nice place, huh? I love your dress. Can I ask where you got it?

At a social event

Context
Out for a walk

Conversation Starters
How old's your baby? What's your puppy's name? The tulips are sure beautiful at this time of year, aren't they? How do you like the new park? Nice day to be outside, isn't it?
I didn't think it would be so busy today. You look like you've got your hands full (with children or goods). The bus must be running late today. It looks like we are going to be here a while, huh? I'll have to remember not to come here on Mondays. How long have you been waiting?

Waiting somewhere