Variations on a Theme [antikvár]

Preface Most published materials for listening comprehension focus on linguistic content. In contrast to this approach, the materials in this book place the main emphasis on the total context in which verbal interaction occurs. The dialogues are relatively simple to understand as far as their content of vocabulary and structures is concerned. The listener is thus freed to concern himself with questions of meaning and intention: who is speaking to whom? where? in what circumstances? and why? It is these matters which are crucial for real comprehension, and yet have been thus far neglected. The dialogues are grouped in sets of three or four, around a common theme (e.g. people waiting for something) and a common language function (e.g. asking whether it is necessary to do something or not). Almost all the dialogues are in some way mysterious or enigmatic, since it is rarely possible to say with certainty who or what is being talked about. This gives students a strong motivation for discussion. Indeed, the problem-solving aspect is one of the most original features of the material. The language work exercises draw attention to the variety of ways in which an identical message can be expressed. For those who wish to go further, there are production exercises of a more creative kind, including written work, wherever this fits in naturally with the theme of the dialogues. The aim throughout has been to provide interesting and entertaining material which can be used flexibly to suit different teaching situations. It should be regarded as a bank of resources to be drawn on whenever necessary. A.M. A.D.