Pronunciation task 4

Customs of address *
Customs of address are very different all over the world. We can divide
customs of address into two groups: formal and informal.
People new to Australia are often not sure about the polite way to address or
speak to a person. Many migrants and visitors to Australia say Mr or Mrs
plus the surname. ** But sometimes Mr and Mrs can sound too formal in
Australian English.
Australians use first names a lot. For example, Australians usually address
teachers and workmates by their first name. This can be a problem for
migrants and visitors because they dont feel comfortable using a persons
first name especially if they dont know the person very well.
Customs of address can also be different for men and for women.
So whats correct? When? To whom?
First name only? First name plus surname?
Mr or Mrs or Ms plus the surname?
Note: * In this passage customs of address = what to call people: using peoples
names or titles
Example: Mrs _, Ms_, Mr_ , John, Helen etc.
** surname = family name
Pronunciation task 5 (unit 4)
Interview:

You have a successful business here, Mr Chan. Were you a

businessman before you came to Australia?

Mr Chan:

Er, no. Actually, I worked as an accountant. But when I came to

Australia, I couldnt get work in my profession. My qualifications
werent recognised, so I decided to go into business.

Interviewer: And what made you decide on this particular business?

Mr Chan:

Well, I think a mixed business is always profitable. I sell

everything from foods and exotic spices to magazines,
newspapers and videos. Most of the commodities are
importedtheyre very popular with the migrant community, as
you can imagine.

Interviewer: Yes indeedAnd youre open six days a week until late at night.
Thats exhausting work, isnt it?
Mr Chan:

Mmyes, true. But most of the employees here are members of

my family. We all work hard together to make the business
profitable. Thats the advantage of a family business.
Pronunciation task 6

A:

Good morning. Information. Can I help you?

B:

Hello. Id like some information about harbour cruises please.

A:

Yes madam. When would you like to go?

B:

Im not sure yet.

A:

Well, the harbour cruises run 7 days a week. Ok? Weve got a
history cruise at 10am in the morningwhich runs 7 days a
week for 2 and a half hours. And weve got a harbourside cruise
in the afternoon for 2 and a half hours. 1 oclock weekdays and
1.30 Saturdays and Sundays. Its $10 for adults and $5 for
children and pensioners.

B:

Sorry, what time in the afternoon on weekdays?

A:

1 oclock

B:

And what wharf does it leave from?

A:

Wharf 4

B:

From wharf 4. And can I pay at the wharf?

A:

Yes. Thats fine.

B:

Ok. Thanks. Bye.

A:

Bye
Pronunciation task 7

China town
China town is in the city. Its packed with people, restaurants and shops, and
its very popular with both tourists and local people. On Saturdays and
Sundays, the restaurants are full of people eating Yum Cha, a sort of Chinese
breakfast plus early lunch. In the shops you can buy Chinese food, things for
the kitchen and even Chinese medicine. You can also buy jade, furniture and
the latest fashions. If you havent been there yet, go and have a look.
Pronunciation task 8
Mary
Well, I didnt enjoy myself much when I was young, because my parents way
of thinking was so different to ours. Maybe they didnt mean to be hard on us
they were really very kind and gentle, just too protective. They thought if
they allowed us to go out, or if they gave us a bit of freedom we might do
something wrong, which was terrible. In my country the people gossip too
much. If you do something, like just talk to a boy, thats it you are in trouble.
I came to Australia in 1970. As I said, I didnt really want to come, but in one
way its been a good life here. I dont just mean the freedom that people
leave you alone and you can do what you want, have your own friends, go
where you like but that I found myself. I had to take responsibility for my
own life. I learned to take care of myself, you know I became completely
independent.