状況や背景を説明する際に一般論を挙げる事はよく使われる手法ですが、その場合「これはあくまでも一般論ですからね」と、前置きをするのとしないとで印象が大分変ります。このレッスンでは様々な表現を駆使し、一般論を挙げることに焦点を当てます。トピックは文化です。
Each lesson has a language focus and a topic for the questions. In this lesson, you will practice using general language while talking about culture.
Compare these two examples:
In Japan, trains are punctual. But in New York, the trains run behind schedule.
Compare it with this:
As a rule, in Japan the trains are punctual. But by and large, the trains in New York run behind schedule.
Using relatively simple phrases to introduce your ideas will make you seem a lot more sophisticated.
What's the culture like in your hometown? Is it different to where you live now?
As you talk about culture, try to point out that in any place, not everyone is the same.
General language is often used in two ways:
1. to describe cultural norms (Many people in America may be noisy, while in Sweden, generally speaking, people are quieter and more polite.)
2. to give big opinions (See the examples below:)
- I'd say, generally speaking, my company is a great place to work.
- In my opinion, on the whole, my hometown is quite relaxed.
- I think, broadly speaking, London is busy and stressful, but some neighborhoods are pretty quiet.
General language is important because cultural norms and broad opinions are never 100% true. For instance, generally speaking, my company is a great place to work. It's not great all the time, and it may not be so for everyone, but for most people, most of the time, it's a great place to work.
Work with your teacher and define each phrase. Then give an example of it, and use it to give a very quick answer to a cultural question.
- Generally speaking — In general; not 100% of the time, but most of the time.
- On the whole — Same as above.
- Broadly speaking — Same as above.
- By and large — Same as above.
- As a rule — We expect it to be true.
- Roughly speaking — Used for numbers and amounts.
Spend as long or as short a time as necessary on each phrase, but make sure the student can use it smoothly before moving on.
Note: For struggling students, elicit the adjectives/sentences from the student before adding the transition phrase. For higher levels, you may be able to skip right to the question.
The first four phrases have the same meaning but they are each useful because:
- in English, we don't like to repeat the same language;
- it's impressive to use a variety of expressions; and
- it's necessary to understand a wide variety of language if you want to communicate with a native speaker.
1. Generally speaking /JEN-ra-li-spi-kin/ means in general; not 100% of the time, but most of the time.
E.g.: I went to the U.K., and I think, generally speaking, people were very polite.
Practice: "Pick a place and give me two strong, general opinions about it" (E.g., In New York, generally speaking, food is super expensive. Also, generally speaking, people are pretty loud.)
Question: Where have you traveled, and what did you think of the local people?
2. On the whole /ON-tha-hol/ means in general; not 100% of the time, but most of the time.
E.g.: I think, on the whole, traditional culture is important, but I'm glad I'm living in the modern world!
Practice: "Give me an opinion about traditions." (E.g., On the whole, traditional clothes look cool.)
Question: Do you think traditional cultural practices have a place in the modern world?
3. Broadly speaking /BROHD-li-spi-kin/ (intonation: stretch "broadly") means in general; not 100% of the time, but most of the time.
E.g.: Broadly speaking, I think Australians are quite relaxed at work. They tend to be casual even with their boss, and sometimes projects are late.
Practice: "Give me a broad opinion about your work culture." (E.g., Broadly speaking, Japanese people work incredibly long hours.)
Question: Describe your workplace culture (or the general workplace culture in your country).
4. By and large /BAI-an-larj/ means in general; not 100% of the time, but most of the time.
E.g.: By and large, Koreans are very hard-working. They tend to work for a long time, and they are very efficient.
Practice: "Give me an opinion about American culture." (E.g., By and large, Americans are open with their opinions.)
Question: Please compare American culture and your country's culture. Try to use "by and large" for both Americans and people from your country.
5. As a rule /A-za-rool/ means it is expected to be true. It can be used for unspoken rules or for stereotypes. It is not 100% true.
E.g.: As a rule, people in Denmark ride bikes rather than drive, whereas in the U.S., most people drive.
Practice: "Give me a strong expectation about transportation, how is it most of the time?" (E.g., As a rule, Japanese trains run on time.)
Question: Tell me about the transportation culture on your commute. If you drive, how do drivers act? If you take the train, how do passengers act?
6. Roughly speaking /RUF-li-spi-kin/ is used to guess numbers and amounts.
E.g.: I'd say roughly speaking, meetings in my company are about thirty minutes too long.
Practice: "How long are your meetings, usually?"
Question: Try using "roughly speaking" a few times to answer these questions:
- How many women work in your office compared with the number of men?
- What's an ideal growth rate for a company in terms of hiring?
- How many people live in your hometown?
*You can also encourage your student to say approximately or in the ballpark of.
Now that you are comfortable using a variety of phrases for speaking generally, try answering the questions that your teacher has. Make sure to use as many of the phrases as possible in each of your answers.