Cracking a Joke and a Dialogue

As Alex says in the YouTube video, understanding jokes is the last barrier for learners of English to break through. Jokes usually play with double meanings of words and that's the main reason why they are hard to understand. However, another important aspect lies in the cultural background which differs from one country to another. 

So, let's have some practice on double meanings. Why do you think this joke is funny?Please , send me your comments ;)

One of your last tasks this term is podcasting a joke which may be either a translation from a Catalan joke or an English one. Be careful when translating since the meaning might be lost! 

Watch Alex' video to learn more about English jokes. 


Along with the joke, you should podcast a dialogue with a classmate in which you discuss about some adverts of your choice. Upload the photographs you talk about in your post. 
(Note: follow the guidelines on page 29 in your Student Book.Don't forget to use the phrases and target vocabulary from the Speaking section.)

Vicky Pollard and the chavs

In the first unit we tackled the topic of the registers in English. Language register is the level and style of your spoken or written English. Different situations require appropriate registers. You wouldn't speak to the Queen of England the same way you would talk to your friend!!

 

You ain't believe but he party was awesome and Mary was chuffed to bits with the grub.

 Good morning, Your Majesty. We appreciate your visit.

There are three main registers in English:

• Formal
• Informal
• Neutral

 Within the informal group, there is an even more  informal adaptation of the informal language itself known as slang. Slang is common to certain geographical locations , groups of people or social classes. Perhaps, one of the best examples of slang sub-culture is the fictional character Vicky Pollard in the comedy series Little Britain. Vicky stands out as the representation of teenagers and chavs.

Check out these two videos on Vicky's stay at the boot camp in Utah . Pay attention to the way she speaks, her vocabulary and accent.
Click HERE for the first video when she arrives to the boot camp or correctional. Then HERE for the second when she is in a counselling session with the other camp inmmates . 

• Now, write a post in your blog discussing this question: Is there a tribe in Catalonia or Spain similar to the chavs? Remember, use 100 words minimum and reason your answer.