Show 57 Monday 29 May

Watch today's show at grouper or YouTube.


Introduction

Hi, I’m Sarah. Welcome to The Daily English Show, number 57.

The conversation we’re practicing today is from a video which you can watch on the net.

Two guys are having an argument while they’re taking a picture for a present for their mother on mother’s day.

It’s really funny and I think it’s a great video to watch for your English study. So, I’ll put a link to that on The Daily English Show blog – so please check it out.

It has some useful language in it to study – especially useful if you’re having an argument, and I particularly like their use of “fine”.

One of the things that I noticed when I first came to Japan was that when I asked people how they were they usually answered: “Fine thanks and you?”. And the reason why they do this is because that’s what they usually learn, that’s what’s in school textbooks – but I found it a bit odd because in New Zealand – as far as I can remember – um, people usually don’t say “fine thanks, and you”. They usually reply “good” or “not too bad” or “can’t complain”, “alright”.

And when I hear the word “fine” it’s usually in a different context. As in the angry fine. Like when you’re angry but you’re denying it. So... “Oh, what’s wrong?”. “Nothing. I’m fine”.

In this video, when one of the brothers says “fine” he means: OK, I’ll do it, but I’m not happy about it.
So, let’s watch the start of it.

So, that’s the conversation we’re practicing today. Please follow the link to watch the whole thing.
Stick News today is about Arakawa Shizuka.
And the question for questionanswer is: “What did he say?”

STICK NEWS

The woman who won the only gold medal for Japan at this year’s winter Olympics is making her acting debut this week. Arakawa Shizuka will make a guest appearance as a lawyer in TV Asahi’s drama “七人の女弁護士” (Seven Women Lawyers).

Shizuka Arakawa went skating in Italy a few months ago, and came back to Japan with a gold medal. Now, she is famous.
She told some TV producers that she’d always wanted to visit the set of a TV drama and would love to have a part as an extra.
Arakawa was surprised when they gave her a bigger part than they expected.
“I just wanted to show off to my friends,” she said.
The episode will screen this Thursday. Arakawa’s character will play a prosecutor in a murder trial.

Producers have said that Arakawa will also have some scenes in which she skates. It is not clear whether Arakawa will actually be skating inside the courtroom.
And that was Stick News for Monday the 29th of May. Kia Ora.

conversations with sarah
# 36 What picture?

Tucker wants to take a picture with his brother for a mother’s day present for his mum.
Step 1: Repeat Brad’s lines.
Step 2: Read Brad’s lines on the screen and talk to Sarah.

Tucker Brad we’re taking the picture, now.

Brad 　What picture?

Tucker Now. The one for mum. Hello? Now.

Brad 　I’m right here Tucker, stop your screaming.

Tucker Hey. Alright. So, I set it up, and ...

Brad 　It’s a T-shirt.

Tucker Put on a tie, it’s for mum.

Brad 　This is fine.

Tucker It’s for mother’s day.

Brad 　Whatever!

Tucker Put on a tie!

Brad 　Fine!

Notes:

Read today's news here.

The mother's day video is made by Barats and Bereta productions.
You can watch the video here.
This is their website.

"Mum" is the spelling used in New Zealand. I use New Zealand English spelling - because I am from New Zealand. (New Zealand English spelling is usually the same as British English.)

In American English this word is spelt "mom".
The pronunciation is different too - you can probably notice the difference in the way I say "mum" and the way the guys say it in the video.

The music on today's show is by Kiff'On from France.
The track is from the album Nes Funky.

You can listen to the album and download it for free here.
This is Kiff'On's website.