I want to learn the way of native american speaking style. what i mean is like. when people say "hey, what's up". what should i say next, other than saying "nothin" or "nothing, what about you."
And also the jokes they usually talk. I wonder where they could find all these jokes from because I want to know them, and understand them.
when someone says to you "what's up", the answer is "nothing much" or "not much", unless, of course, you wanna say something different which is relevant to the situation like "i'm tired" or something :)
watch alot of TV shows to get an idea of things to say.
what if you don't have TV (it just an example) ?
And is there any excellent website that I could get in and learn?
"what if you don't have TV (it just an example)?"
Then buy one. It's the 21st century for godsakes.
Just because it's the 21st century doesn't mean that you should have a TV. What if you don't want one? What if you can't afford one?
TV is the great equalizer...it makes everybody stupid. As for learing native American speech, I would advise finding some real, live Americans to talk to. I know that when I travel for instance, I would really be delighted if I were approached and asked to be a speaking partner. The subtleties of spoken english just couldn't be put into a web-page I think.
"what's up" or "what's happening"
is a polite way to find out if you are busy or pre-ocuppied with something else. If you say "not, much", or "I am waiting for such and such." it means you are probably receptive to small talk. If you say "I am busy, right now",
the speaker will disconnect or arrange to talk later.
That is why there is a standard response. It is more of a Small talk ritual than a request for information.
"I am tired" means I am not that receptive to talking, but maybe you can tell me a little Gossip, or a Joke. It's just to keep the lines of communication open. Should always have a joke, funny story or comment about weather available for just this situation.
Regards, Paul V.
I tried read drama books/script) to learn the way the American/Canadian talk. I sometimes find out only the subject i like would understand most, even it's hard. But the subject that are easy, well than i find out it's hard for me to understand.
Connie
In your message, it should be "I would most like to understand, even if it's hard."