When I asked, “Has anyone ever tried Saino?”; Having tasted this species of wild pig called peccary in English and native to many of the jungles of South America, I regained some respect for my “adventurous” way of eating. But what brought the house down was my history of breakfasts in the American South of fried pig brains scrambled with eggs along with fried slices of pig testicles, known as “mountain oysters” in states like South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia. Mouths opened and glassy eyes seemed to double in size. Then they started talking.
One of the linguistic aspects of greatest interest to your English students will be conversation practice. As a native speaker, you represent the best that English has to offer in pronunciation, grammar usage, idioms and expressions, vocabulary, fluency, and communicative ability. You are the ultimate example of the use of English. But how can you regularly encourage your English learners to speak spontaneously without shyness or fear of making mistakes?
Using controversial questions and topics can help. In class, ask something like, “What’s the most unusual or weird thing you’ve ever eaten?” You can then give the answer for yourself first as an example. When I said that the weirdest thing I had ever eaten was toasted or fried ants (called Hormigas Culonas here in Colombia), the students were not impressed. In areas of Mexico, insects such as agave worms (used in tequila), shiny and iridescent Humiles beetles, and leafcutter ants and their eggs are routinely eaten. “I ate flowers once,” I said trying to regain some ground. Still not good. Flor de Calabaza, the bright orange flowers of a pumpkin plant, passed through the outskirts of Tepoztlán, south of Mexico City. In fact, they are delicious sautéed and wrapped in a warm blue corn tortilla. Did I mention that I frequently dine on the deadly, fear-inspiring, sharp-toothed piranha? But that’s not a big deal here.
It was the turn of the students and each one had stories to tell. And tell them they did. “My aunt likes iguanas,” blurted out a student. “Have you tried iguana eggs?” Another asked. “Yes, I have,” I smiled. The stories began to flow. Slowly at first, then faster as memories and emotions mounted. Iguana stories, turtles , caimans (a kind of alligator), donkey meat, reptile eggs, armadillo, a relative of the guinea pig called “Cuy” and daggerfish emerged with enthusiasm, full of anecdotes, humor and sometimes a bit of annoyance .Not only did it make them speak fluently, but it was also very informative.” You can always tell a fisherman from daggers,” explained a Mexican student, “by the strange scars that the fish leaves on them.” He wanted to know more and they agreed. They talked not only about things they had tried, but also about meats and meals. they had heard from others eating. The opinions of what, where, and why added richness, depth, and fluidity to the conversation. In the end, I had to stop the session, which went on for quite a bit of overtime with no indication that it would end any time soon.
Other thematic questions may address places visited or dreamed of, an imaginary conversation or date with a famous person, or what students imagine it to be like to do or be any number of occupations, people, or things. “If the Latin pop singer Alejandro Sanz or the actor Brad Pitt called you on the phone, what would you say?” I asked. Giggles erupted from the girls around the room, then responses began to flow. For the question of the boys, the Mexican singer Thalía, the American actresses Pamela Anderson or Julia Roberts. Role plays, interviews, chain stories, social issues, drugs, crime, even proverbs and superstitions have their place to stimulate students as oral activities. Ideas for questions and topics abound. Conversation references can also be helpful. One I use, “Conversation Inspirations for ESL” by Nancy Ellen Zellerman (published by Pro Lingua Associates) has been around for years. Try one or two controversial conversation questions in your classes, it is almost certain that your students will talk and keep them.
Oh yeah, I haven’t yet tried the “sopa de ojo de vaca” in Colombia or the steaming, animal-blood sprayed “Jaguarlocro” from Ecuador. But the chicken feet often found in “Sancocho,” Colombia’s national dish, don’t wake me up one bit anymore. And earlier this year, I had a hearty three-toed sloth stew. They are cute. They are cute. They’re delicious. By the way, what is the strangest and most unique food YOU have ever eaten?