Mixed up in drama, in an argument, in a fight!!!

Lekce angličtiny ve virtuálním prostředí Languagelab

Speaking lesson:  Mixed up in drama, in an argument, in a fight!!!

Students: Ahmetcan Spot, Fatih Highwater, Doruk, Melih, Bahadir, Megi (Europe, Asia)

Teacher: Donatella Benoir (USA)

The first question of this lesson was:

[11:03] Donatella Benoir: ‘Who has gotten in a fight before?’

Some guys fought at school for various reasons; someone stole their lunch or someone else hid their schoolbag….

I remember fighting with my brother because of – well everything; what we going to watch on TV, chocolate, who’s turn is to take the rubbish out etc. I don’t remember all the reasons but there were many.

Suddenly someone said:’Woz up?’ Have you ever heard such a thing?  Most probably yes. That is slang. Slang is a way of speaking in one’s language. It is very informal and full of phrases and expressions that aren’t considered standard in one’s language or dialect but are acceptable in certain social settings. This kind of language is very popular with teenagers. They think it makes them look cool but surely it makes them feel that they belong to certain group.

Here are more examples:

"You cheeky monkey" – most probably your mum would use this when you were a small child and had an answer for everything

I’m chuffed to bits – I’m really pleased about something….

She’s full of beans – means she is full of energy…

The other thing we talked about was foul language. Foul or bad language (profanity) is a language that is strongly impolite and offensive. Sometimes it goes hand in hand with slang. It could get quite confusing for learners of English. They don’t feel the gentle distinctions yet and could have problems to recognise what is acceptable and what isn’t.  The fact that this language can be heard in some American films or songs makes it even harder.

Donatella  helped everyone understand what is acceptable and what is totally out of order to use in normal conversation.