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English

Activity 6.3 Participating in spontaneous and non-spontaneous conversations

with people using accents and therefore different dialects

(a) Read the following dialogue.

John: Hey Masoud, have you ever had spontaneous conversations with people
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who speak different accents and, thus dialects of English?

Masoud: Absolutely, John! It’s quite interesting to engage in spontaneous
conversations with speakers from different English accents. And that
therefore also means users of different dialects of English. Dialectal
variations in every aspects of speech: pronunciation, etc. (accentual),
together withn the others in vocabulary, morphology and grammar add a
unique flavour to the conversation.

John: That’s true. Do you find it challenging to understand them at times?
Masoud: At first, it can be a bit challenging to grasp certain words and expressions,
especially if you’re not familiar with their specific type of pronunciation
or vocabulary. However, with time and exposure, it becomes easier to
understand and adapt.

John: I agree. I think exposure plays a significant role in developing our ability
to comprehend different accents and dialects. How do you handle non-
spontaneous conversations with people using different accents and dialects?

Masoud: In non-spontaneous conversations, I tend to be more prepared. I research
and familiarise myself with the dialect beforehand, paying attention to
word pronunciation, common phrases and cultural nuances. It helps me
communicate more effectively.
John: That’s a good approach. Do you think it’s necessary to modify our own
dialect when speaking with someone who has a different dialect?

Masoud: It depends on the situation and the level of mutual understanding. In some
cases, it might be helpful to adjust our own dialect slightly to facilitate
better communication. However, it’s important to maintain the authenticity
of our own dialect and respect the differences.

John: I agree, maintaining authenticity is crucial. How do you approach
spontaneous conversations with speakers of different dialects? Are there
any specific strategies you use?
Masoud: One strategy I use is active listening. I pay close attention to the speaker’s
pronunciation, intonation, and context to better understand their dialect. I
also ask questions for clarification when needed and try to adapt my own
speech if necessary.

Form Five 86 Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE)

24/06/2024 22:26
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