Small Talk

My students who were learning English often commented that the only place they were able to practice their English was at the bus stop. There strangers would talk to them, usually commenting on... the weather!

Why always the weather? they wanted to know.

It's a safe subject - it doesn't offend anyone, I replied, explaining that "small talk" was a polite way of acknowledging that a person was there, a way of being friendly without being personal. I also added that every city was different. In some large cities, nobody talks to strangers.

Do people standing at a bus stop in your country talk to each other? I would often ask. And if so, what would they talk about?

Politics, an African student said.

That's too controversial for Canada, I would reply. In Canada the weather is perfect... It changes frequently, so there is lots to say!

This past week, for example...














Saturday... "Winter is really here!"














Sunday... "Those roads sure are icy!"














Monday... "Feels like spring!"














Tuesday... "I wonder if we're in for a mild winter... Wouldn't that be nice?!"














And the following Saturday again... "Skiers are going to be happy!"

Something new to say every day! And nobody is offended!