Volume15　さまざまな言語 


Languages in the Melting Pot 

Ann: Well it makes me think of in the States. For example, when I was growing up this wasn't so true but it became more and more true, where Spanish in California and of course in the Southwest became much, uh, more and more and more spoken as more and more Spanish-speaking people have come to those areas of the States. And so Spanish has become a very popular language for students to learn because it is so useful in so many contexts, right, in the States these days. 

Michael: Right. And it's the same situation in the U.K. We have people from many different cultural backgrounds. So if you're in one of the major cities you will hear all these different languages. Especially now of course with the integration with the European Union, and the lifting of restrictions on work and living for member countries of the European Union. So if you go to London now, you go to the coffee shops, most of the coffee shops are run by Italians. It's like being in Italy. 

Ann: Uh-huh. 

Michael: You know, you'll hear the Italian accent, or them speaking Italian, a lot. Your plumber - I understand a lot of Polish plumbers, working in the U.K. Uh, so we have a real mix of different cultures. So here's a little challenge for you. All right. It's nearly time to say goodbye. So how do you say goodbye in, let's think about this. How do you say goodbye in German then? 

Ann: Auf Wiedersehen. 

Michael: Oh, what about, uh, French? 

Ann: Well there are various ways. You've got Au revoir, à bientôt . . . 

Michael: Wow. And what about Welsh? Any ideas? 

Ann: Welsh? I don't know that. You would be the . . . 

Michael: I have it written down. 

Ann: Oh, good for you. 

Michael: And I have no idea how to say it, ha-ha. H-W-Y-L. 

Ann: Well, um, H-W-Y-L, everybody. 

Michael: H-W-Y-L, everyone. 

Ann: OK. Well it's been great being with you again and we will look forward to being with you next time. 

Michael: Indeed. And so I'm gonna say, in English, goodbye and take care. 

Ann: Bye.