5. Language Use, Task 1 - Languages

 

When we want (0) to tell other people what we think, we can do it not only with the help of words, but also with our body. For instance, if people can neither hear (1) neithereithernotnor speak, they talk to each other with the help of their fingers. People (2) whosewhowhatwhich do not understand each (3) othersother’sotherothers’ language have to do the same. The following story shows how they sometimes (4) have donedodoneare doing it.

An Englishman who could not speak (5) inonat- Italian was once travelling in Italy. One day he entered a restaurant and sat down at a table. When the waiter came, the Englishman opened his mouth, put his fingers in it, took them out again and moved his lips. In this way he meant to say, “Bring me something to eat.”

(6) The-AnA waiter soon brought him a cup of tea. The Englishman shook his head, and the waiter understood that he didn’t want tea, so he took it away and brought him (7) twosomea fewany coffee.

The Englishman was very hungry and sad. He shook his head each time the waiter brought him something to drink. He brought him juice then soda-water, (8) sobuthoweverand that wasn’t food, of course.

He (9) leftleaveswas leavingleaving the restaurant when another traveller came in. When this man (10) seessawhas seenhad seen the waiter, he put his hands on his stomach. That was enough: in (11) fewa littlea fewthe few minutes there was a large plate of macaroni and meat on the table in front of him.

As you see, the language of signs is not always as clear (12) thanlikeas wellas the language of words, but it helps in different life situations as well.