Small Talk & Practicing Conversation: Beer
Here are some good ways to practice conversation using the information and phrases from the article you've just read:
Starting Off:
Think of topics that might relate to or lead into discussing beer and/or brewing. In the article, it first discussed how Germans feel they are viewed by foreigners. Think of easy questions or comments about your own feelings.
A few ways to start off include:
- "As a German, I've always wondered how people from other countries picture us... "
- "In general, how do Americans/British/Australians picture Germans?"
An example might be:
- "That's interesting! I always thought Americans saw us as... "
Leading In
To move the direction of the conversation toward the topic, be sure to include it in your comments. In the article, Oktoberfest was used as a way to lead in to the topic and continue the conversation.
Try to think of a comment and a question like this:
- "I imagine a lot of Americans think of Oktoberfest when they think of Germany. Have you ever been (to it)?"
Conversing:
At this point, the hard part is over and the conversation should be fairly easy-going. For further topics to ask about or comment on, think of things from the article. Discussing the differences between American and German attitudes towards beer and drinking can be easy to discuss. Use phrases and words found in the article to create questions or comments that can be used in conversation. For example:
- "I've heard that it's illlegal for anyone under twenty-one to drink in the US."
- "Is it true that it's illegal to drink in public in the US?"
Responding:
Try to imagine how the other person might answer your question or reply to your comment. As practice, create a few answers or replies using information from the text. For example:
- "Yes, actually there are very strict laws around drinking in the States."
- "Yes, actually since Prohibition, drinking has been met with much scrutiny.."
- - "What's the attitude toward drinking like in Germany?"
Now try to create your own responses. Writing them out is a good way to begin feeling comfortable with thinking in the language. Using new words or phrases from the word list, include the following topics in your responses: monks, traditions, Gemütlichkeit, and beer halls. Once you've written a few, try creating some by simply speaking. It may feel strange to practice a conversation, but remember, the more comfortable you start to feel in a practice situation, the more comfortable you will feel in other conversations.
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