Let’s talk: respecting identity with the present perfect
Respecting identity means treating the way other people look, speak, think and live as important, even when it is different from yours. In a talk, start by listening. Positive body language helps: look at the speaker, nod, and keep your phone away. Then show that you understand with a phrase such as I can see that … and, when you hear good news, react with That’s cool! or I’m super happy for you! Avoid laughing at differences. Use the present perfect to talk about what has happened up to now: I have grown up in two cities; I have never been asked to speak; Have you ever felt different? Use the passive when the doer is not important: I have been chosen for the team. Your book has a dialog about respecting identity on page 22: read it after this lesson and find two friendly phrases in it. In class you can then practise the role-play on page 23 with your own ideas.
| Aim | Phrase | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Show you understand | I can see that … | I can see that it hurt. |
| Share good news | I’m super happy for you! | You passed? I’m super happy for you! |
| Show interest | That’s cool! | You play the oud? That’s cool! |
| Ask about experience | Have you ever …? | Have you ever felt different? |
Marwan, you look worried. What’s wrong?
Some classmates laughed at the way my grandparents speak. We use a village dialect at home, and I felt a little ashamed.
I can see that it hurt. But you have grown up with two ways of speaking, and that is a real strength.
Honestly, I have never thought of it like that.
Have you told the classmates how you felt?
Not yet. I have been waiting for a good moment.
I can sit with you when you talk to them. You can explain that every family has its own way of speaking.
That’s a great idea. Thanks for listening.
Role-play. Work with a partner. Partner A tells a short problem about feeling different (invent it). Partner B listens with positive body language, says I can see that … , asks Have you ever …? and gives one kind suggestion. Then swap. Finish by saying what you liked about your partner’s listening.