Текст 3 English as a universal language

There is no doubt that English has become a universal language. Today, English is used by at least 750 million people around the world, either as a first or a second language.

The huge Oxford English Dictionary lists about 500,000 English words. A further half-million technical and scientific words, most of them very new and often changing in meaning as they become more widely used, remain uncataloged.

Three-quarters of the world's mail, telexes, and cables are in English. More than half of the world's technical and scientific periodicals are in English. Eighty percent of the information stored in the world's computers is in English. English is the official language of aviation and of shipping; it is the official language of the Olympic games.

This rise of English to international prominence is particularly remarkable considering that the language didn't exist two thousand years ago when the Romans conquered Britain.

Ответьте на вопросы:

1. Why doesn't the Oxford English Dictionary include every word currently used in English?

2. Why is the rise of English as a world language so remarkable?

Упражнения

1. Заполните English Language Ability Survey модальными глаголами can / can't.

Can you do it?

1	I spell my first name and last name.
2	I introduce myself and another person.
3	I give my address and phone number.
4	I understand the words in English songs.
5	I talk about the people in my family.
6	I describe someone in the class.
7	I talk about where I live.
8	I give simple directions.
9	I answer the phone and leave a message in English.
1	I speak on the telephone for a long time in English.

2. Speaking Languages

Обсудите предложенные вопросы.

• What languages do you speak? Do you have any of these things?

an English dictionary

a bilingual dictionary

a phrasebook

an electronic dictionary

• How often do you use them?

3.2. American and british lifestyles

Основные тексты для чтения и понимания

Текст 1

British Social Customs

The British are said to be reserved in manners, dress and speech. They are famous for their politeness, self-discipline and especially for their sense of humour. Basic politeness (please, thank you, excuse me) is expected.

How to greet someone in England

British people are quite reserved when greeting one another. Greeting can be a bright “Hello” ‘Hi’ or “Good morning”, when you arrive at work or at school.

The handshake

A handshake is the most common form of greeting among the English and is customary when you are introduced to somebody new.

The kiss

It is only when you meet friends, whom you haven’t seen for a long time, that you would kiss the cheek of the opposite sex. In Britain one kiss is generally enough.

Formal greetings

The usual formal greeting is a “How do you do?” and a film handshake, but with a lighter touch between men and women.

“How do you do?” is a greeting not a question and the correct response is to repeat “How do you do?” You say this when shaking hands with someone.

How do you do?-How do you do?

“How are you?” is a question and the most common and polite response is “I am fine, thank you and you?”

Nice to meet you. – Nice to meet you too. (Often said whilst shaking hands.)

Delighted to meet you. – Delighted to meet you too.

Pleased to meet you. – Pleased to meet you too.

Good morning/ Good afternoon / Good evening