Social formulae pattern and Daily situation/ situations
In Singapore and many other countries, English is not used only for reading; it is also used in daily conversation. The teaching of spoken English in either an L1 or L2 environment makes full use of the daily situation where the students are active participants. It will be up to the language teacher to exploit the situations which arise within or outside the classroom.
Social formulae pattern and Daily situation/ situations
1.Good morning/ afternoon.
= On greeting someone (teacher/ friends).
2.Good bye.
= When bidding farewell to someone (teacher/ friends).
3.Give me… please.
= When asking for a special object or objects.
4.Here you are.
= When giving the object(s).
5.Thank you.
= On receiving the object(s). On getting a request granted.
6.Excuse me, please.
= Asking to be excused.
7.Certainly.
= The reply to the request.
8.Thank you.
= To acknowledge a favour done.
9.That’s all right.
= The reply to an acknowledgement.
10.May I come in?
= The person requesting permission to enter a place (room/ office.)
11.I’m sorry.
= Apology for a mistake done.
12.May I speak to Roger?
= The request to speak to Roger who is under supervision at that time.
13. How are you?
= Enquiring about the person’s state of health.
14.Very well, thank you.
= Reply of satisfaction.
15.Hello.
= A greeting.
16.Would you like a drink?
= An invitation to have a drink.
17.Yes, please.
= Accepting the invitation.
18.No, thank you.
= Declining the invitation.
19.What’s the time, please?
= Seeking information
20.Where do you live?
= Seeking information
21.What’s your name?
= Seeking information
22.Could you help me, please?
= Requesting aid.
23.Have a sweet.
= Offering food.
24.Follow me, please.
= Expressing the willingness to guide.
The teacher here is to introduce the Social English formulae into the classroom behavior pattern, so that by constant practice, the students will be able to adopt them as part of a language habit.
Reference: Lee Kok Cheong and James Villanueva. Language Learning and Teaching Strategies. Singapore:
Pan Pacific Book Distributors (S) Pte Ltd, 1983
Natruedee 021 3EN
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