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This week we’re looking at Part 1 questions on the topic of courtesy.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version below).

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Part 1 questions Where are you from? Do you work or are you a student? What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time? Do any of your hobbies involve interacting with other people? Let’s talk about etiquette. How important is it to be courteous in everyday interactions? Is having good manners helpful to people? What is considered courteous behaviour in your culture?

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Target language: if given the choice (phrase) -used to express a preference “We exchange tips on the best routes and sometimes hike together although if given the choice I prefer to hike alone.”

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Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

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Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

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Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

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Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group! “I’m originally from Hella, a small and charming town in southern Iceland. It’s known for its close proximity to beautiful waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.”

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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.

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Transcript

Where are you from?

I’m originally from Hella, a small and charming town in southern Iceland. It’s known for its close proximity to beautiful waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.

Do you work or are you a student?

I work as a librarian in a local library. I enjoy helping people find the information they need and organising events that promote literacy and learning within the community.

What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?

In my free time, I like to hike. The area around my town offers some fantastic hiking along scenic river trails. Hiking allows me to unwind and stay active.

Do any of your hobbies involve interacting with other people?

Yes, hiking often involves social interaction, especially when I join group hikes or meet other hikers on the trails. We exchange tips on the best routes and sometimes hike together although if given the choice I prefer to hike alone.

Let’s talk about etiquette. How important is it to be courteous in everyday interactions?

In my opinion, it is extremely important. Courtesy fosters respect and harmony, and this can make everyday interactions more pleasant and productive.

Is having good manners helpful to people?

Definitely. Good manners are key to creating a respectful environment and can help to avoid misunderstandings. When we practice good manners, we show that we value others’ time and their perspectives, which in turn encourages others to treat us with the same respect.

What is considered courteous behavior in your culture?

In Icelandic culture, courteous behaviour includes practices such as greeting others warmly, being punctual, and respecting others’ personal space. For example, when entering a room or meeting someone, it’s customary to greet them with a handshake and a smile. Icelanders also value straightforwardness and honesty, so being direct but polite is considered courteous. Additionally, saying “takk”, which is “thank you” in Icelandic, for any kind of help is a common way to show appreciation.