In the current epidemic situation, a sense of connection to other people, however brief, can be important. Small comments and exchanges in a video meeting may be the closest we get to outside conversation all day. Video conferencing can have its challenges but small talk can break through the limitations of the technology. However, how can we start and sustain pleasant conversation online? In this climate let’s look again at small talk and how it can be used.
Aiheet: English, small talk, defining, smalltalk, sence of connection, cultural differences
There is a curious phenomenon that takes place when friends or family from my remote hometown in the Canadian wilderness visit me here in Finland. When they are meeting my friends at a dinner party or around a table at the pub, I often end up having to take on the role as the interpreter.
Aiheet: English, communication, quiz, British English, finglish, misunderstanding, native speaker, American English, Canadian English
If you have been following the news from the Anglosphere (the English-speaking world) you may have noticed how often discussions around the topic of political correctness are coming up. Political correctness can be defined as, ‘the avoidance of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude (reject, keep out), marginalize (treat as insignificant), or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against’1.
Aiheet: English, culture, crosculture, tips, English language, politeness in English
