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Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 23 Mar, 1000

Simplified Speech #166 – Table manners

Episode description

Table manners are an important part of many different cultures. Something that may be considered rude in one country may actually be polite in another. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about what is generally considered polite in the U.S., Canada, and U.K., their personal opinions on table manners, and a few horror stories about some really uncomfortable eating situations.

Fun fact

If you have the opportunity to enjoy a meal at a fancy restaurant in the U.S., here’s an etiquette tip that will help you and your waiter. When leaving your seat for a short period of time, leave your napkin on your chair to indicate that you haven’t finished your meal yet. When you’re ready to leave the restaurant and you want to signal to the waitstaff that you’re finished, place your napkin on top of the table.

Expressions included in the study guide

  • In the zone
  • Spic and span
  • Doesn’t fly
  • To be glued to [something]
  • To show [someone] the ropes
  • To cut [something] out

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

~32 minutes
Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 23 Mar, 1000
~32 minutes

Simplified Speech #166 – Table manners

Episode description

Table manners are an important part of many different cultures. Something that may be considered rude in one country may actually be polite in another. In this episode, Andrew and Suzanne talk about what is generally considered polite in the U.S., Canada, and U.K., their personal opinions on table manners, and a few horror stories about some really uncomfortable eating situations.

Fun fact

If you have the opportunity to enjoy a meal at a fancy restaurant in the U.S., here’s an etiquette tip that will help you and your waiter. When leaving your seat for a short period of time, leave your napkin on your chair to indicate that you haven’t finished your meal yet. When you’re ready to leave the restaurant and you want to signal to the waitstaff that you’re finished, place your napkin on top of the table.

Expressions included in the study guide

  • In the zone
  • Spic and span
  • Doesn’t fly
  • To be glued to [something]
  • To show [someone] the ropes
  • To cut [something] out

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Hosts: Andrew Bates and Suzanne Cerreta
Music: Opening music from Pixabay.com
Episode preparation/research: Andrew Bates
Audio editor: Kevin Moorehouse
Transcriptionist: Heather Bates
Study guide writer: Indiana Brown
English editor: Edden Yohanes
Operations: Tsuyoshi Kaneshima
Image: fauxels [pexels.com]

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Culips is podcast for English language learners who want to get awesome at English. We think it is important to learn English how it is really spoken and that’s why our lessons are always focused on real, current English. Learn to speak like a native and understand everything with Culips!  Test
Culips is really different than other English courses and podcasts. Our hosts are kind, funny, and professional. Our podcasts and lessons are designed to help you become fluent in conversational, North American English.  Here are some things you might not know about our hosts:
  • They are Canadian and American
  • Have master’s degrees and work in professions related to English education (Andrew is a university English professor, Suzanne is a pronunciation coach and voice actor, and Morag is a writer).
  • Actively study second languages as adults. Our team understands the ups and downs of studying foreign languages as adults who live busy lives.
At Culips, we make English understandable through our five different series: Chatterbox Listen to real English conversations between native speakers as we talk about current events, share funny stories, or interview fascinating guests. Become a fluent listener, get exposure to Western culture, and learn the ins and outs of natural English conversations all at the same time. Catch Word Learn natural English expressions, idioms, and phrasal verbs. We teach you everyday English vocabulary that native speakers actually use. Sound like a native speaker with Catch Word. Simplified Speech Do you get stressed out by English? Do native speakers talk too fast? Don’t worry! We’re here to help. In Simplified Speech, we use 100% natural English, but we speak more slowly than we do in our everyday lives. This series is great for all levels of learners but is specifically designed with high beginner-intermediate students in mind. Real Talk In our In our Real Talk series we teach you the practical English you need know when visiting or living in an English speaking country. Each episode examines a specific situation such as ordering at a restaurant, renting an apartment, or getting a refund. Speak Easy Speak Easy is the show that teaches you how to pronounce English the way native speakers do. Learn tips and tricks that will make your English pronunciation clear and understandable with Speak Easy.
The best way to study with Culips is with our study guides.