Language and Identity

Your last name _____________ First name _________

Conversation Partner Assignment due Friday, September 24

  • Try to have a conversation, not an interview. Speak for at least 30 minutes in Japanese and 30 minutes in English.
  • Communicate by speaking. If you don't understand your partner or don't know how to spell something, ask instead of passing this paper across the table. You, not your partner, should write on this paper,.
  • Relax; speak naturally. Look at your partner, not at the paper or the table. Primarily focus on speaking not on note taking. Do not copy down your partner's answers "word for word".
  • This assignment is for YOU to have a chance to practice English at a higher level.

Your partner's name _________________________

Your partner's E-mail address ______________________

Your partner's WU address and phone number _________________

The place you met and the time period in which you met. ___________________________________

The place and time you will meet next time (next assignment due Wednesday, October 13). ________________

_________________________

What do you know about your partner's hometown and childhood geographic origins:

 

 

 

 

What is your partner majoring in at Willamette and why is he or she studying Japanese? Has he or she learned or studied other languages?

 

 

 

 

 

What are your partner's interests and what does he or she do on the weekends?

 

 

 

 

Did your partner speak English as a child at home? What languages did your partner's parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents speak?

 

 

 

Language Feedback

Ask your partner one of these questions and jot down his or her suggestions.

1. Could you write down or tell me one grammar mistake I often make and tell me how to correct myself?

2. As I spoke English, what were a few unclear words? Would you correct my pronunciation?

3. Could you tell me a few useful slang or colloquial phrases I could use in a conversation similar to this one?

Feedback: