When ideas fail, words come in very handy (Goethe)

When did you last talk to someone about the weather? Do you find yourself doing it often? With close friends or total strangers? We are all familiar with the myth about Englishmen, when meeting with a stranger they’ll eventually start talking about the weather.  True, English people do talk quite often about the weather, but they probably do that less often than we believe and not because they find climatic conditions such an interesting topic. They, like the rest of us, do that because finding oneself with a total stranger in a small place (let’s say, a train compartment and facing each other) can be quite embarrassing. Therefore by talking to the other person about a neutral topic (you guessed rightly: the weather!) one is making a connection - creating some kind of relationship - without putting too much effort. The other reason may be that by engaging in a conversation people learn things about each other (even if they only discuss the weather) and satisfy their curiosity. These two aspects of languages behavior are very important from a social point of view: first, the function of language in establishing social relationships and the second, the role played by language in conveying information about the speaker. So next time you hear two English (or any other) people talking about the weather, you’ll remember it is in fact all about sociolinguistics…

Sociolinguistics is the study of the effect of any and all aspects of society, including cultural norms, expectations, and context on the way language is used.

What can be more exciting than turning WORDS into traffic? Check this link for more information:

http://hop.clickbank.net/?idiom/ezarticles

Two days ago I had the most incredible experience: I went to the Nalaga’at (”Do Touch”) Theatre Company which consists of an ensamble of Deaf-Blind actors. It is a unique and innovative cultural center, the first of its kind in the world.
Located at the old Jaffa Port (Tel Aviv, Israel) in a beautifully designed building, I was greeted by deaf waiters who welcome the audience as they enter, and offer refreshments and light snacks at the “Bistro”.
The performance itself was very touching: we experienced an hour of performance with this incredible group of actors. They began by kneading dough for bread which was actually baked in ovens on stage during the whole performance.
I learned about their dreams, had a short peep of their both silent and dark world, was astonished to discover their humor and was appreciating the wonderful group collaboration, accompanied and assisted by some very dedicated translators.
Whenever the audience applauded, the translators tapped on the actors’ shoulders to include them in the experience in real time.
There is also a special restaurant, called “Blackout”, located in that center, where you eat in complete darkness and are served by blind waiters. The restaurant is separated from the theater although it is located in the same building. You need to make reservations for this restaurant. If you stay in Tel Aviv, I warmly recommend a visit to this amazing center, but bear in mind that you cannot enjoy both the restaurant and the performance on the same day! For more details dial: 03-6330808.

It is our pleasure to announce that yesterday a new coin was introduced into circulation in Israel, the 2 NIS coin. Unbelievable as it may sound and although this new coin is only one day old, we already have a new blend word for it: “Shnekel“. This is a result of blending the two Hebrew words: “Shney” + “Shekel” (= 2 shekels). You will have to agree that “Shnekel” is shorter, more creative and much more fun….. Welcome, Shnekel, to the Israeli monetary system!

What can be more exciting than turning WORDS into traffic? Check this link for more information:

http://hop.clickbank.net/?idiom/ezarticles

I don’t really like what I’m doing and I can’t tell anyone I’m doing it. Not allowed to. Strictly forbidden. I wish I could. I also wish I could do something else, but it’s too late. I missed my last opportunity when I was 49 years and 364 days old. Had my chance then but didn’t take it. Not that anyone bothered to tell me about it. Yesterday I went to my manager and she laughed out loud, puffing away at her cigarette: ‘bit too late, ‘ain’t it love; had to think of it earlier.

Earlier indeed, I was only 50 years and 7 days old. What’s the deal? Why am I doomed to do the same thing over and over again? It wasn’t making any sense to me.   I decided to go to Amy’s and spill the beans. I can tell her what I do, she’s my best friend. It wouldn’t harm anyone if she knew what I’ve been doing for the last ten years. At least I’ll get her support and who knows maybe she’ll have a clue as to how to get out of it. I reached her coffee shop in 2 minutes. She greeted me warmly, but gave me a suspicious look.

How come you’re here on a Monday? Not used to seeing you on a week day.

Just wanted to chat with you. Listen, you know that I…..

Chat? About what? She turned her head shouting at her new waiter to hurry up; customers were waiting for their menu.

What were you saying? She frowned.

It’s about my job… work…what I do… I’ve never talked about it but I’m….

Don’t! I really don’t want to know!

Why not Amy; you’re my best friend?

I know, that’s exactly why! It’ll ruin our friendship!

Ruin it? That’s what friends are for, isn’t it?

No it is not.

What???

Friends are there for you to cry your heart out when your lover’s been cheating on you, your boss fired you, you haven’t paid your bills, or worst of all you can’t get into last year’s pair of jeans. Not for listening to your stuff! 

I couldn’t take it any more. I felt dizzy and held my head so the world would stop spinning around me. Seconds later, when the dizziness passed I was about to just say it - but couldn’t.  I was afraid of losing our “friendship” forever.

Because…. Amy began slowly.

Because what? I snapped!

You look so desperate you’ll expect me to save you.

So????

So that’s a little way over my head. I have enough on my hands as it is.

‘Nicole how many times do I have to tell you to clean the tables immediately after the customer leaves????? Can’t you see we are short of tables today? Use your head if you have one’, she added quietly. 

Feeling very strange and more so lonely, my occupation saga seemed even more unfit for me. I had a wild guess that Amy knew about my job, she just didn’t want to hear it said out loud. So what if my job is to distribute customers among all the cafés in the neighborhood? I walked out of Amy’s café which was gradually getting crowded (well I haven’t been idle all morning) and went back to my headquarters, where a long queue of impatient coffee addicts was waiting for my return from my coffee break. Can’t take it, the coffee, I’m a tea person myself.