ecTalk

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A city where I lived

I’ve lived in a few cities but I’m going to talk about Tokyo. It must be more than five years ago since I lived there but when asked the question it was the first place that came to my mind. And even though it is a city it’s almost like it’s a country in itself. I know many Japanese would disagree with me - but to me it was Japan and not because I hadn’t visited other places there. Tokyo is vast and it’s a city made up of cities, and you get off the train and at every station it’s like you are really walking into another city.

It also had a very different feel, when it was or night or when it was day. I know many cities are like that but the place felt different, and even smelled different at each time. Day time to me was work, and like everyone else there that’s much of what occupied my mind so much so that I would forget I was there and just follow the path to the station, onto the train get off the train, go to the office.

But at night though it all changed and I guess that was because I was free from work and my mind more open to exploring and observing – and Tokyo is great for that, watching crowds and eccentric individuals or getting lost in the mazy back streets, I really loved doing that – at every turn if you got tired there was some food to eat or the smallest bar in the world to rest and have a drink – the food was brilliant there too, literally everything tasted good.

So yeah like a world in itself – just thinking about it puts me there.

http://audioboo.fm/boos/646391-describe-a-city-where-you-have-lived

In a previous lesson I showed you my method for learning vocabulary. Let’s put that into practice now – this time using British slang and idioms. For those of you who didn’t see the previous lesson here are the steps again:

1. Choose a topic
2. Find three new words or phrases
3. Find three pictures that to you represent those words/phrases.
4. Use each word/phrase in a few sentences - you don't need to define.
5. Teach to others - share them.

Do this a few times - the next time you find a new word match it to another topic and go through the same process. When you’re comfortable with the process increase the number. 

Topic – British English

It’s throwing it down!– I’d wear a coat if I were you, it’s throwing it down out there.

Only English students and the elderly seem to say it’s raining cats and dogs – we've moved on and that phrase is outdated. We do still talk about the weather though.

Not to be confused with throwing up or to throw out there.

Are you taking the Mick?– What do you mean by that? Are you taking the Mick?

A British way of saying ‘Are you making fun of me?’ and a safer alternative than its other more rude version –we’re all adults so I’ll say it – ahem – piss. You can also say Mickey.

I’m fed up – This is doing my head in, I’m completely fed up with this.

To be annoyed, unhappy, disappointed, had enough with a person, thing, or situation. Not to be confused with I’m full up – which means you’ve eaten enough.

Here's a video about some differences between American and British slang by some bloke off the telly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYmrg3owTRE

Notes:

If you have any requests for British slang let me know the situation and I’ll give you a phrase. To keep in touch and work with me on more lessons try:

Richard http://www.facebook.com/Richlingo

I remember once when I was younger going for an interview. It was for a job after I’d graduated, something to do with environmental management. To be honest I had no experience in the area but I had told myself I wanted a job that would take me outdoors; there was no way I would be sat at a desk, staring out of a window. I was also in debt after going to university and willing to do anything – as long as it didn’t mean sitting at a desk.

So here I was sitting at a desk across from three people asking me questions I couldn’t answer. I wasn’t expecting three people, two would have been okay but three was a bit much and made me nervous, and feel kind of defensive. The interview wasn’t going well. Two people were asking me questions and one was just watching me, writing notes.

Soon into the interview I had decided that I wanted out, and I kept looking at the window and the woman writing things down when I answered questions.

After what must have been ten minutes of awkwardness I thought it would be a good idea to turn the tables. So I asked a few questions. How long have you been here? What do you like about working here? Then finally I turned to the one watching me. I said ‘Are you the secretary here?’ ‘No’ she said. ‘I’m the managing director'.

I didn’t get that job.

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