Coversation Codes

1. Weather Talk
Talkling about weather is always the start of conversation. It functions as:1. simple greeting 2. ice-breaker 3. when u have nothingelse to say.
Example:
A: Cold, isn't it? (hello, I'd like to talk to u)
B: Yes, but at least it's not raining.

2. Grooming Talk

No-name rule:
Hello, I am Bill, fom California (Ok, you're American)
Goodbye, eh..I didn't catch your name...Oh, I am Bill, by the way (Umm, you're British)

Guessing-game rule:
It's not allowed to ask directly, What do you do? Instead.....
A:The traffic was terrible, do u drive to work.
B: Yes, but I work at a hospital, at least I don't have to get in to the town centre.
A: Oh, you're a doctor, then (guess the highest status one)

Female bonding (Counter compliment rule)
A:Oh, I like your hairdo. I wish I had a straight hair like yours...
B:No, my hair is terrible. I wish I could have it short like you...

Male bonding (Mine's better than yours rule)

Long goodbye rule:
Well, see u soon...Oh,yes, we must..goodbye...thanks again...lovely time...must leave, traffic...Fine, really...you must come around to us next time...I'll email u tomorrow...
(God, I thought they were never going to go)

Humor rule:
serious but not solemn, sincere but not earnest. Never take one thing too seriously.
key words: irony, understatement, self-deprecation

Language and class:
upper-middle lower-middle
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loo toilet
sorry pardon
napkin serviette
lunch dinner
sofa couch
sitting room living room
pudding sweet

3. Pub talk:
Bar counter is a place where normal rules are abandoned. It's accepatable to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. You won't see an orderly queue for drink, but all customers and staff are aware of each person's position in the invisible queue.

Rule of argument:
A: What?
B: I didn't say anything
A: Yes, u did.
B: No, I didn't!
A: U did, u said it's my round.
B: I didn't say anything, but now u come to mention it, it's your round!
A: Bull shit! it's Joey's round.
B: Then why are u hassling me about it, eh?
A: I'm not, u started it!
B: No, I didn't
A: Did!

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reference
Kate Fox, "Watching the English."