521 - Describing Speech and Language Ability




ESL Podcast - Previous Episodes show

Summary: Slow dialogue: 1:34 Explanations: 3:32 Fast dialogue: 16:31 Blaire: Do you have any idea what he’s saying? Antonio: It’s Greek to me. You’re supposed to be the one who’s fluent. Can’t you make out what he’s saying? Blaire: I never said I was fluent. I said I could get by in the language. There’s a big difference. Antonio: Why don’t you try saying something to him? Blaire: What should I say? Antonio: How about, “I don’t have a good command of the language. Could you please speak more slowly?” Blaire: I don’t think speaking more slowing will help my comprehension. Besides, I only know a few stock phrases, and even those I can only say haltingly, if I don’t freeze up altogether. Antonio: Give me the phrase book. I’ll see if I can get through to him. Blaire: What are you going to say? Antonio: I don’t know, but we’re two fairly articulate people. We should be able to cobble together a few sentences to get our point across, don’t you think? Blaire: Okay, I’ll follow your lead, but, um, just don’t say anything insulting...like last time. Antonio: Are you bringing that up again?! It’s not my fault that the entire town misinterpreted what I said! I was trying to compliment the women, not insult them. Blaire: Tell that to the men who ran you out of town! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse