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It’s also important to avoid some questions when talking to people coming from different parts
of the world. Here some questions that people should be careful of.

How old are you?
What is your religion?
Are you married?
Do you plan to get married?
Do you plan to have children?
How much do you weigh?
Have you put on weight?
How much did you pay for your car?

If you want to ask a question that you think might be potentially difficult or embarrassing for
your interlocutor, then you can precede the question or statement by saying:

Is it OK to ask about … ?
Do you mind me mentioning … ?
Can I ask you what you think about … ?
It seems that some people in your country think that … What do you think might be the reason
for that?

Speaking Practice

Practice 1

A. Below is a conversation between a Japanese (female) and a Lithuanian (male) students who have
never met before. They are waiting for the first lecture to start at a course they have both enrolled
on. Role play this talk with your partner.

Eriko Good morning. Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Henrikas Good morning. No, sorry I just put my bag here that’s all. I’ll just move it so you can sit
down.
Eriko Thanks. There are a lot of people here for this lecture, aren’t there?
Henrikas Yes, the professor is supposed to be really good.
Eriko Yeah, I have read a lot of her papers. Really excellent. Where are you from?
Henrikas From Lithuania. And you?
Eriko I am from Tokyo. I’m Eriko, by the way.
Henrikas Henrikas. Good to meet you.
Eriko Excuse my ignorance, but where exactly is Lithuania?

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