Language can bring together people from different backgrounds — cultural, social, economic, religious and professional. Linguistic diversity is key to development. However, over 50 %
of some 6,700 languages that are spoken nowadays are in danger
of disappearing. Just like ecosystems, languages carry knowledge
about geography, zoology, mathematics, astronomy, botany. Languages also carry cultures. Cherokee, for example, has no word
for goodbye, only “I will see you again”. One word — oo-kah-huhsdee — means the pleasure when you see a baby or a kitten. There
are Cherokee words for every last berry and plant in the region.
When we talk about languages, English is often the centre of our
attention. As it becomes the main language of communication
between nations, it is important to study changes in its structure
and use. Geography influences the language — both within the
country and between different countries. There are, in fact, many
“Englishes”. For example, “Scottish” English is different from “London” English. Among the international types of English are American, Australian, and Indian.
Each language has its beauty and power. It does not really matter what we are — doctors, journalists, politicians or just people at home trying to understand and be understood. The more
we know about the language, the more chances for success we shall
have in our lives.
Questions:
1. What roles of languages are stressed in the text?
2. How many languages are there in the world?
3. Why does the author claim that there are many Englishes, not
one?
4. Why is it important to know your mother tongue well?
ответы на вопросы к тексту
ANCIENT EGYPTIANS
Ancient Egyptians lived along the banks of the River Nile in northeast Africa. Pharaohs ruled this great and powerful empire for more than 2,500 years.
The ancient Egyptians lived in houses made of mud bricks, but they also built houses and gigantic pyramids from stone. They worked as farmers and artists. They hunted for animals and went fishing on the River Nile. They also had boats and transported food and other goods along the river. In their free time they played music or board games. Only wealthy boys could attend school. They studied hieroglyphics.
Ancient Egypt had a great civilisation which many people still study and admire today.
*ancient Egyptian writing
1. What did the puppy do when the catenok decided that it would be taken to play in the yard?
ответ 1) Barked
2. What does the wise black cat advise the kitten to do?
ответ 2) Do not go to the yard
3. What awaits the kitten in the yard according to the black cat?
ответ 3) Trouble
4. With whom does the Woof play catch-up in the yard?
ответ 4) With shadow
5. What does the puppy do together with the kitten during a thunderstorm?
ответ 5) They are afraid in the attic
6. What do the kitten and the puppy share for lunch?
ответ 6) Sausage
7. What do the puppy and kitten use when they release the dog from the leash?
ответ 7) Muzzle
8. What does the puppy ask the kitten to watch while he plays in the yard?
ответ 8) Cutlet
9. How does the catenok Woof make the cat remember his name?
ответ 9) To call the puppy
10. What is the puppy's name?
ответ 10) Sharik