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EFL Listening and Speaking
Pragmatics and American Conversational Usage

2. Because the components of each game are clear, it's easier to see how certain factors in similar situations can affect the conversational expressions.

Once learners were clear about the situation of each game, it became very easy to show them that by changing one or more factors, the language also changed, although the general situation was the same. For example, while the situation (or what I call the "communication function") of greeting may be the same, if you're greeting your child after returning from work (game#2), your language will be much different

Stimu-Con Usage Games: It's Not Only WHAT You Say But HOW You Say It!
Game 2
Conversational Focus
Johnny comes home from work ...

ジョニーが仕事から帰ってきた。ハルオが玄関までとんで行った。
Communication Function
CharacterA / CharacterB

Greeting (your child after returning from work) /Responding

(仕事から帰って子供に)ただいまを言う/おかえりなさいなど

Suggestion Key
Character A / Character B

1. I'm home! /Hi, Dad!
2. Hi, there! /Welcome home, Dad!
3. How's my boy? /Great, Dad!
4. There's my boy! /Hi, Dad!
5. Where's my hug? /Right here, Dad!
6. Hey, how ya doin'? /Great, Dad!
7. Hey, what's happening? /Dad!


What would you say?

than when you're greeting your host after returning from an outing (game#3).

Stimu-Con Usage Games: It's Not Only WHAT You Say But HOW You Say It!
Game 3
Conversational Focus
Ann, a home-stay student from the U.S.A., went on a picnic with her friends this afternoon. She has just returned ...
今日、ホームステイの学生アンが友達とピクニックに行き、今もどったところだ。
Communication Function
CharacterA /CharacterB
Greeting (someone after returning from an outing)/Responding
外出から帰ってただいまを言う/答える

Suggestion Key
Character A / Character B

1. Hi (,Mr. Grapefruit)! /Hi (,Ann)!
2. Hello! /Hi!
3. I'm back (home). /Hi, Ann!


What would you say?

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