American Idioms

Professor Charles Bordogna

CHAPTER 1: ON CAMPUS

(Scene: The campus cafeteria. Miyako, a Japanese student, has just come from her first sociology class, and she speaks with her American friend, Barbara).

Barbara: So Miyako, how did your first class in sociology turn out?

Miyako: My teacher seems to be very brilliant, but I wish that she would speak more slowly. I do not understand everything she says.

Barbara: I bet it's tough, but stick with it. Look, Miyako, you're my friend. If I can, I'd be happy to give you a hand if you get bogged down.

Miyako: You are very kind. Barbara, may I tell you an observation? I am surprised with how American students behave in class. Many speak rudely to their teachers.

Barbara: For instance?

Miyako: Many seem to talk back, to their teachers or question the teachers' statements. They do not seem to have respect for their teachers.

Barbara: Teachers and students here have an informal relationship. We're told to question everything, every authority. Don't let it bug you.

Miyako: I hope that I will be able to understand this textbook. There are so many new words and ideas in sociology.

Barbara: If you're not certain about some words, check them out with me. You'll handle it! How many courses are you taking?

Miyako: Only three - Sociology, American Literature One, and Introduction to Speech.

Barbara: That's not bad. Whatever you do, don't take another. You don't want it to get over your head!

Miyako: Are you worried about any of your courses?

Barbara: Not really. I'm only taking two courses this semester. With work and my young child, I don't want to bite off more than I can chew.

Miyako: I think that I will go home and start to read the first chapter in this book.

Barbara: Slow down! You've got to let up a little. Let's have a bite to eat; then, we can go to the bookstore. They've gotten in a new line of warm-up suits. I could use a new one.

Miyako: No, I would prefer to go home and study.

Barbara: Okay, we'll skip it for now. Again, if anything's bugging you, just call me. You have my phone number.

Miyako: I will. Thank you, Barbara.

Barbara: I'll see you tomorrow.

Practice and Activities   <--Mobile Compatible Version

Exercise 1   Exercise 2   <--Flash Version