Making new friends is an exciting part of moving to a new place, but sometimes it’s hard to know just how formal to be with new people. Americans are usually very casual. They’re also very friendly. This is a good thing, but it can be tricky. Everyone knows that good old basic English phrase, “Hello. It’s nice to meet you.” Oh, yeah, we bet you were ready for that. Well, you may be ready, but then you may be surprised to learn that you won’t hear that phrase very often. “Hello. It’s nice to meet you” is okay for first-time introductions, but when friends meet socially, the conversation will probably sound more like this:
Alan: Hey, Lia! It’s good to see you.
Lia: You, too. I haven’t seen you in a few days. How are you? How’s it going?
Alan: Not bad. I’m so busy with the classes I’m taking. How about you?
Lia: I’m okay. I know you’re busy with classes. My job’s really hectic this time of year, too. What’s new with you?
Alan: Nothing much. I’m on my way to the mall. I need some time off! Do you remember Lana? She’s there. Ha! She’s always at the mall! I think a lot of our friends plan to just hang out at the mall tonight.
Lia: Who? Oh yeah. I remember Lana. She’s the one with the scary-looking dog. I don’t want to hang out with that dog!
Alan: Ha! You aren’t afraid of that little tiny dog, are you? Well, I’m sure Rover isn’t at the mall.
Lia: Actually, I’m headed to the mall later, anyway. There’s a huge sale going on. I think they’re open extra late.
Alan: Great! Maybe I’ll see you there.
Lia: Sounds good. We’re both good shoppers! If I get there before you leave, maybe I’ll see you. After all, we aren’t leaving until we see all the sales. And I’m not leaving until I have some cute new shoes!
| Tip 1 |
When people ask, “How are you?” they are really just saying, “Hi.” This is not a good time to talk about your health! |
| Tip 2 |
The mall isn’t just for shopping. Many young people go to the mall to hang around with friends. In a city, however, the place to be might be downtown. |
Pronunciation Pointer
- In spoken English, we often drop the -ing ending of words. This means that how’s it going will sound like how’s it goin’. Nothing sounds like nothin’.
- Another very common spoken difference is the word you, which is usually unstressed and sounds like yuh. How are you doing will sound like How yuh doin’.
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VOCABULARY
casual: simple, not formal
hang out: (also hang around): just spend time with friends, with no special activity
headed: going
hectic: very busy
hey: hi; also a word to get someone’s attention
huge: very, very, very big
mall: a large shopping center with stores and restaurants
sale: a short time of lower prices in a store
time off: relaxation time for yourself, away from your work
tricky: seems simple, but is a little complicated
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