English US » Catalan | 20 [twenty] | Small Talk 1

20 [vint] Conversa 1

Make yourself comfortable!	Posi’s còmode!
Please, feel right at home!	Faci com a casa!
What would you like to drink?	Què vol per beure?
Do you like music?	Li agrada la música?
I like classical music.	M’encanta la música clàssica.
These are my CD’s.	Els meus CDs són aquí.
Do you play a musical instrument?	Que toca algun instrument musical vostè?
This is my guitar.	Aquesta és la meva guitarra.
Do you like to sing?	Que li agrada cantar?
Do you have children?	Té fills vostè?
Do you have a dog?	Té un gos vostè?
Do you have a cat?	Té un gat vostè?
These are my books.	Aquí són els meus llibres.
I am currently reading this book.	Ara estic llegint aquest llibre.
What do you like to read?	Què us agrada llegir?
Do you like to go to concerts?	Li agrada anar a concerts?
Do you like to go to the theatre / theater (am.)?	Li agrada anar al teatre?
Do you like to go to the opera?	Li agrada anar a l’òpera?

Language and writing

Each language is used for communication between people. When we speak, we express what we are thinking and feeling. In doing so, we don't always stick to the rules of our language. We use our own language, our vernacular. It's different in written language. Here, all the rules of our language are displayed. Writing is what enables a language to become a real language. It makes language visible. Through writing, thousands of years' worth of knowledge is passed on. This is why writing is the foundation of every sophisticated culture. The first form of writing was invented more than 5,000 years ago. It was the cuneiform writing of the Sumerians. It was carved into slabs of clay. This cuneiform was used for three hundred years. The hieroglyphics of the ancient Egyptians existed for about as long. Countless scientists have devoted their studies to it. Hieroglyphics represent a relatively complicated writing system. However, it was probably invented for a very simple reason. The Egypt of that time was a vast kingdom with many inhabitants. Everyday life and above all the economic system needed to be organized. Taxes and accounting needed to be efficiently managed. For this, the ancient Egyptians developed their graphic characters. Alphabetic writing systems, on the other hand, go back to the Sumerians. Each writing system reveals a great deal about the people who use it. Furthermore, each country shows its own characteristics through its writing. Unfortunately, the art of handwriting is disappearing. Modern technology makes it almost superfluous. So: Don't just speak, keep writing too!