Module 3: Working with Foreign Colleagues
Table of Contents
Language Focus
Language Focus 1: Useful phrases
Here are some sentences from the dialog:
“Ah, good morning Kim. How are you today? All ready for the weekend?”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it, Mr. Peters.”
“I suppose we’ll need to leave at about 3:30 in order to beat the traffic.”
These can be adapted to use in many workplace conversations.
… all ready for the weekend = everything planned for a special event
… looking forward to it = expecting to get enjoyment or satisfaction from a planned event
... beat the traffic = start out early/ late so as to avoid the roads during the usual busy times
… don’t know what you’re talking about = have no knowledge of the topic under discusion
take my place = be a substitute (usually in a team or group)
our top person = the best person in the team/company at a particular job/skill
… fill you in with the details = give all the necessary information
… gotten up to speed = become fully informed about all that is necessary
… pop home and pack = make a quick visit (to his home to get things for the trip)
Discussion
What would you do in Kim’s situation?
Would you complain?
Could you complain?
What would your family think about their lost birthday celebration?
Would you be happy spending the weekend in Brunei?
Discussion
Do you agree with these possibilities?
Do demanding bosses generally fail to give all the details?