文档介绍：Unit 7 Language function 4: Talk, talk and talk
Aims:
Be aware of the information flow in talk
Understand plexity of speaker and hearer roles
Be familiar with some of the ways of opening, keeping going and closing
Be familiar with some safe topics
e 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 essful 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 e 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 essfully, 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 Western culture, asking one “How much do you earn?” or “How old are you” with stranger