SURPRISING HONESTY AT FUNERAL

Task: Read the text. Substitute the Russian words in red for those coming below the article. Memorize the highlighted words. Retell the story in the presence of your grandparents.

 

Family and friends at the funeral of George Ramsbottom in Honley, West Yorkshire, were потрясённый when his brother, Frank, stood up in the church and told everyone that his brother would not be missed.

Describing his brother as самый подлый (ничтожный) he had ever met, he went on перечислять all the people who would be glad to know that George had died, and gave the причины why.

He claimed that George was a liar, a cheat, a бабник and a drunk. "He owed money to half the people in the village; he had ruined a number of marriages; and he was often крайне, очень rude без особых на то причин.. No one will be sad that he has gone." said Frank Ramsbottom.

Mr Ramsbottom's unexpected speech was followed by мертвецкая тишина. Eventually Margaret Dudley, the minister in charge of the service, stood to say, "Let us give thanks for George's life with our final song." She then sang on her own while everyone else stood in silence. The service ended shortly afterwards. 

to list, the meanest man, reasons, stunned, womanizer, incredibly, complete silence, for no good reason

 

Tricky Question: How would you translate the word "minister" into Russian [as is used in the article]? 

Discussion

In your country:

1. When someone dies, what happens to their body?

a. It is buried. b.It is cremated. c. Something else

2. Where do funeral ceremonies take place?

a. In a church b. At a shrine c. Somewhere else

3. Who usually attends funerals?

a. Only men b. Men and women c. Anyone

4. What colour do people wear to signify death?

a. Black b.White c. A different color

5. What do people usually do at funerals?

a. Cry openly and express strong emotions. b. Keep their emotions under control. c. Try not to cry, but cry quietly if they cannot help it.

When you die, would you prefer to be buried or cremated?

Discuss the questions below:

1. Was Frank Ramsbottom right to make the speech?

2. "You should never speak ill of the dead." Do you agree ?

3. Can you bury someone in their garden in your country?

4. Can you scatter their ashes wherever you like?

5. How would you feel if your next-door neighbors buried their grandmother in their back garden?

Taboo conversation topics

Discussion

When you fill in a form, are you happy to give this information:
Your age? Your marital status? Your income?
Are there any other questions you don't like answering?

Reading

Read through the four conversations below. Who are the people and what is the situation?
Conversation 1

A: Your blood pressureis absolutely fine. Have you been eating normally?
B: Oh yes. The same as normal.
A: And do you take any regular exercise?
B: Yes, I play squash twice a week.
A: Mm. Tell me, how much do you weigh?
B: About 68 kilos.


Gonversation 2

A: Hello, I'm Jean Walker. 'We've just moved in next door.
B: Paul Burton. Pleased to meet you. Do you work locally?
A: Yes, I'm a solicitor with a firm on the HighStreet.
B: A solicitor. That's a good job. How much do you earn ?

Conversation 3

A: Hello. I'rn looking for a white tennis shirt.
B: OK. Tennis shirts are over here.
A: As you can see, I'll need a fairly large size.
B: Yes, I can see that. How much do you weigh, if you don't mind me asking?

Discussion

1.In each dialogue there is a personal question. Decide if the question is appropriate to the situation and the speakers. lf it is not appropriate, why isn't it?
2. Have you ever been asked an inappropriate question? When and who by? How did you respond? Have you ever asked an inappropriate question by accident? What happened?
3. You open the door and see a woman who says "Good morning. I'd like to talk to you about the Bible." What's your usual reaction?

Discussion

Look at the questions below. Decide who has the right to ask you these questions. lt may be a particular person, for example,a doctor, a priest, a police officer, a partner/lover.
lt might be anybody or it might be nobody.
How old are you? Have you ever taken drugs?
How much do you weigh? Are you planning to start a family?
How tall are you? Who did you vote for at the last election?
How much do you earn? Have you got a criminal record?
Have you got a boy/girlfriend? Are you gay?
Are you a virgin? How much was your CD-player?
Are you married? What religion are you?
When did your parents die? How do you feel about abortion?
Could you say these things to your best friend?
Your breath is terrible. I think you've had enough to drink.
You smell nice. What is it? You look silly in that shirt.
You need a haircut.
Your boy/girlfriend's got nice legs. If you want to smoke, do it outside.
I wish you'd learn how to make coffee. Your fly is undone.
Could you say the same things to your teacher or your boss?
Do you have a friend you can say anything to?Are you a tactful person or are you more blunt and direct?