text:
Interlingua/Curso de conversation/Capitulo 7, Scenas 1 e 2 (anglese)

SCENE 1: The Geneva offices: Martijn Ockrente and Olivero Rossi, after hearing the news of the Egyptian project, are very happy. They talk with Catherina about the time and place of their meeting the next morning. Catherina then goes away, and Martijn and Olivero speak about the project and the possibilities of getting the contract for Marex.

Martijn explains how at times it is possible to get around the advertising laws and public offerings, which are often not as public as they appear. It is easy, he says, to decide in advance who is going to get the contract and to give a lot of time to a preferred company to prepare its presentation and not enough time to the other applicants. Everyone agrees that there is little they can do during this part of the process, but Oliver wants to examine the accounts.

Catherina, who has returned to the office, reminds Petro that they are going to go out to eat and tells Olivero that he should not work too hard this evening. Olivero and Martijn laugh a little at Petro for going out with Catherina and say that he should change clothes before picking her up.

Martijn; That is really a good piece of news.

Catherina: Yes.

Olivero: What time is the meeting tomorrow?

Catherina: At ten o'clock.

Martijn: Possibly it would be a good idea for us to get together a little early.

Olivero: Yes.

Catherina: I'm gonna photocopy these papers. I'll see you soon.

Martijn: Okay.

Olivero: We don't have the time to make a complete offer.

Martijn: We don't have to.

Olivero: But we'll have to do so before too long.

Martijn: Yes, but tomorrow it will be okay if we are just nice.

Olivero: And competent.

Martijn: And intelligent. Only that will be necessary tomorrow.

Olivero: But seriously, what is the possibility that we will get this contract? If it is for the government, we will have to make a public offering.

Martijn: No doubt, yes.

Olivero: And if we have to make a public offering, that means that anyone can submit something.

Martijn: Exactly.

Olivero: The Japanese, the Americans, the Swedish, everyone.

Martijn: Yes.

Olivero: And then they are going to select the lowest offer, and possibly ...

Martijn: Yes, but wait.

Olivero: What?

Martijn: Public offers are not always as public as you may believe.

Olivero: But they have to be like that, according to the rules of the game. And certainly there are laws for that. In all countries things are like that.

Martijn: Yes, but there are various ways of minipulating the legal requirements.

Olivero: How?

Martijn: Okay, for example, you publish an ad in different newspapers in which you say "Offers are being solicited for an important development project."

Olivero: Yes?

Martijn: Then you add "The offers should be made in a period of twenty-one days." Don't you see? Who can make a complete offer in three weeks?

Olivero: All right, there is possibly someone out there who can do this.

Martijn: Naturally. In that case, you add: "For further details, write us ... " They can't prepar an offer before having available the exact details. And then you send them this information only a week before the closing date.

Olivero: Ah, I understand. That is astute. And during that time ...

Martijn: Exactly, during that time you decide who you want to select to finish the project. You give them a week extra, and you send them the complete details before the others get them.

(Petro comes in.)

Petro: Good morning to everyone.

Martijn: Hello, Petro.

Petro: What were you talking about?

Martijn: About the Egyptian project, the meeting tomorrow.

Olivero: Martijn told me that public offers are not always completely public.

Petro: How?

Olivero: You select in advance the company that will get this contract. You give them enough time to prepare an offer and less time to all the others.

Petro: Very astute!

Martijn: That is only one way of approaching this problem. There are also others.

Olivero: But won't it seem irregular to have only one offer?

Martijn: In that case you ask them to submit three different offers.

Olivero: Well, I must say I'm happier to be in accounting and not in marketing. It isn't very honest.

Martijn: But business is like that. You have to come to terms with reality.

Olivero: Yes. And I have to examine some numbers.

Martijn: In any event, not much can be done this evening.

Olivero: I only want to take a brief look to learn the limits a little.

Catherina: Good morning.

Olivero: Good Morning, Catherina.

Catherina: Is everything ready for tomorrow?

Martijn: I think so.

Olivero: Martijn just now finished explaining to us the different ways of manipulating a public offering. There are various ways that are quite astute.

Catherina: But their use is not up to us. It is the entrepreneur who will decide. If it is you who he wants, he will find a way of making sure that you are selected. Okay. Are you going to close up the office this evening?

Olivero: Uh, I want to work a little on the numbers and verify some details.

Catherina: Fine, if you really want to do that. Petro, are we gonna go out to eat tonight?

Petro: Yes, if ...

Catherina: Good. Okay, I'm gonna go to my apartment to change clothes. Can you come get me there around seven thirty?

Petro: Fine. I'll be there.

Catherina: See you then. And Martijn and Oliver, don't work too hard this evening. We will have to be in good form tomorrow.

Olivero: Yes, you're right. See you tomorrow.

Martijn: Fine.

Catherina: See you later.

Olivero: Ah ha!

Martijn: What do you mean by that?

Olivero: (Imitating Catherina) "I'm gonna go to my apartment to change clothes. Can you come get me there around seven thirty?"

Martijn: I hope, Petro, that you are gonna have a lot of fun this evening.

Petro: Oh, you're only saying that because you're jealous.

Olivero: No. I simply understand that it is one way, like many others, of getting ahead in business.

Martijn: But I thought she was going out with that Swiss guy.

Petro: No, she put an end to their relationship.

Olivero: So you're the one who's gonna play this time, Petro. Good luck!

Petro: I haven't got any time for this. I've gotta get ready for this evening.

Olivero: Yes, and don't forget to take a shower and change your clothes.

Petro: Yeah, yeah. I've gotta get outta here.

Martijn: See you. Have fun.

Olivero: See you.

EXERCISE 1: Opportunities for success.

Guide: I have found that a little difficult. What was he talking about exactly? Getting the contract? Signing the contract? There were also some other words that I didn't understand very well.

A man: An appeal for offers to build hangars at the Tripoli Airport. What's that?

A woman: It's an advertisement.

A man: It's in the paper.

A woman: Its a newspaper ad.

A man: They want that the companies reading the ad ...

A woman: ... make an offer.

A man: It appeared in the paper. Then, ...

a woman: ... it is an appeal for a public offering.

Guide: Yes, I understand. There were some questions about opportunities for success.

A man: Is it public?

A woman: It is in the paper. If it is in the paper, it is public.

A man: Then any company can make an offer?

A woman: Yes, because it is a public offer in a newspaper.

A man: Can I participate too?

A woman: Do you want to participate? You can if you want.

A man: Will I have to write them?

A woman: Yes. Write them if you want.

A man: Do you think I'll get the contract?

A woman: I don't know. Are your prices right? You will get the contracto if your prices are right.

A man: Do you think that's possible?

A woman: I don't know. You have the necessary skills. But you are a seller of mineral water!

A man: Yes, but I can pariticipate if I want!

Guide: He's funny, that guy who sells mineral water. But let's see what's gonna happen when Petro and Catherina go out to dinner this evening.

SCENE 2: Geneva: In a restaurant: In this scene we find Petro and Catherina in a restaurant ordering a meal. Petro becomes unhappy when he discovers that people can dance there only Fridays and Saturdays. When they order their meals, Peter wants something hot, and he is afraid he won't have enough to eat. He is very hungry.

The waiter takes their order, and Petro asks if he will have enough to eat. The waiter assures him that the portions are very generous but that he can have a supplementary portion if he is really very hungry. Catherina asks for venison, but the kitchen doesn't have it at this moment, and the waiter suggests alternatives.

Petro: This seems to be a good restaurant.

Catherina: Yes, it seems very good.

Petro: And you can dance here, and there is a bar.

Catherina: Yes, I've seen it. But I've also seen that you can only dance here on Fridays and Saturdays.

Petro: Where did you see that?

Catherina: On the door. It says "The bar is open for dancing only on Fridays and Saturdays."

Petro: Oh, that's unfortunate.

Catherina: That's not important. The restaurant itself is very nice.

Petro: Yes, but I wanted to dance.

Catherina: Okay, maybe they'll let you dance, if you insist.

Waiter: Would the two of you care to order right now?

Catherina: Oh, I haven't been able to look at your menu yet.

Petro: Just a moment. We're not completely ready.

Waiter: I'll be back in a minute.

Petro: Let's see. What is there that's good?

Catherina: Ah, venison. I think I'm gonna order that.

Petro: I want something hot.

Catherina: Ah, there is fish soup, or asparagus souffle. That should be hot.

Petro: Yes. I think I'm gonna order the souffle, but I'm wondering if I'll have enough. I'm very hungry.

Catherina: You can always order a side dish of potatoes or something similar.

Waiter: Are you ready to order?

Catherina: Yes. I'd like an avocado with shrimp.

Waiter: Fine, madame. And for you, sir?

Petro: I'd like an asparagus souffle. Tell me something: Are your portions large?

Waiter: Yes, sir. They are really quite large. If you want, you can always order an extra portion.

Petro: Very good.

Waiter: And you, madame, what would you prefer as an entree?

Catherina: I'd like to have some venison.

Waiter: Ah, madame, I'm very srry. There's no venison in the kitchen right now. But the mutton is excellent. And we also have a chicken entree that is exceptionally good.

EXERCISE 2:

Guide: Okay. All this dialogue took place in a restaurant. I'd like to review a little what people say in a restaurant. First, how do you summon a waiter?

A woman: Waiter!

Waiter: Yes, what would you like, madame?

A woman: I'd like to see the menu, please.

Waiter: The menu, ... there is one on your table, madame.

A woman: No, that is the wine list.

Waiter: Excuse me. I'll go get you a menu. Here it is.

A woman: Thank you.

Waiter: Have you selected anything?

A woman: I'm gonna order a fish plate.

Waiter: Very good, and what kind of vegetables would you like?

A woman: Peas and potatoes, please.

Waiter: Peas and potatos, very good. And would you also like a salad?

A woman: No, thanks. No salad.

Waiter: And to drink?

A woman: A half bottle of white wine.

Guide: I think that I understand that. And at the end of the meal? She will have to ask the waiter for the check.

A woman: Waiter!

Waiter: Yes, do you want something for dessert?

A woman: No, thanks. I would like the check.

Waiter: Certainly. Did you like your meal?

A woman: Yes. It was great, thanks. What is that?

Waiter: What?

A woman: The seventeen euros.

Waiter: That's the service charge, madame.

A woman: I see. It certainly is expensive!

Guide: Let's hear what Catherina and Petro say to each other after the meal:


text:
Interlingua/Curso de conversation/Capitulo 7, Scenas 3 e 4 (interlingua)

SCENA 3: Geneva, in le automobile de Petro: In iste breve scena Petro apporta Catherina a su appartamento. Illa dice gratias a ille pro le repasto e le bibita postea in le cabaret. Petro offere apportar la a un altere cabaret pro un ultime bibita, ma Catherina dice que illa vole sentir se in bon forma le die sequente e prefere vader directemente a su appartamento.

Petro essaya persuader la a invitar le pro un cafe in su appartamento, ma Catherina obviemente non vole riscar un incontro romantic iste vespere. Petro tunc suggere que illes sorte le proxime vespere, ma Catherina non vole committer se a ullo. Illes dice bon nocte e Petro vade via.

Catherina: Eh, ben, multe gratias pro invitar me a sortir con vos iste vespere, Petro.

Petro: Illo esseva un placer.

Catherina: Le restaurante esseva excellente. E le cabaret anque esseva multo sympathic.

Petro: On pote prender un bibita final si vos vole. Il ha altere cabarets in iste area.

Catherina: No, io crede que io debe vadera a mi appartamento.

Petro: Vermente?

Catherina: Si. Io vole sentir me ben deman.

Petro: Bon.

Catherina: Io regretta multo que vos non ha potite dansar.

Petro: Oh, illo non es multo importante. Nos potera facer illo un altere vice.

Catherina: Ben. Bon nocte, e gratias un altere vice.

Petro: Vos non va invitar me a vostre appartamento pro un caffe?

Catherina: No. Io non crede que illo esserea un bon idea a iste hora.

Petro: Illo non es multo gentil.

Catherina: Io lo regretta multo, ma un caffe poterea facilemente ducer a altere cosas, e ...

Petro: E qual esserea le mal in illo?

Catherina: No. Io spera que vos comprendera ben que io debe dormir ben con omne lo que nos debera facer deman.

Petro: Esque nos poterea sortir deman per le vespere?

Catherina: Possibilemente. Que nos discute iste possibilitate deman.

Petro: Multo ben.

Catherina: Io tunc vos videra in le officio deman.

Petro: Si, naturalmente. Usque deman.

Catherina: Bon nocte e gratias.

Petro: Bon nocte.

EXERCITIO 3: Dicer a revider.

Un femina: Illes vade via in iste momento. Que va dicer ille?

Un homine: Eh ben, "bon vespere". E que va dicer illa?

Un femina: "Bon vespere. E gratias." Esque ille va parlar del die sequente?

Un homine: "Io vos videra deman? Nos nos videra deman?" Que va dicer illa?

Un femina: "Si. Io vos videra deman. Nos nos videra deman." E ille, esque le vespere ha placite a ille? Si isto es ver, que dicerea ille?

Un homine: "Gratias pro le vespere multo bon." E illa, esque le vespere ha placite a illa? Si isto es ver, que dicerea illa?

Un femina: "Io ha passate un vespere vermente excellente." Illes nunc vade via, le un ex le altere. In iste caso, que dicerea illes?

Un homine: Bon nocte.

Un femina: Bon nocte.

Un homine: Dormi ben.

Un femina: Gratias. E anque vos.

Un homine: A deman.

Un femina: Si, a deman.

Guida: Bon. Ha venite le matino quando Catherina e omne le equipa del officio de Geneva va conferer con le senior Chahine a su hotel.

SCENA 4: In le officios de Geneva e le hotel del senior Chahine: Omnes se trova in le officio preste a partir pro le hotel del senior Chahine. Martijn vole informationes ex Petro sur lo que ille e Catherina faceva le nocte anterior, ma Petro non dice ullo a ille sur isto. Catherina arriva al officio. Como su automobile es un pauco parve pro quatro personas, Martijn offere portar Olivero al hotel in su proprie automobile de maniera que Catherina pote portar Petro illac in le sue.

Quando illes arriva al hotel, Catherina telephona Mohammed in su camera pro notificar le que illes ha arrivate, e illes ascende pro vider le. Mohammed es multo felice de vider Catherina, que ille non ha vidite desde ante cinque annos. Catherina introduce Mohammed a su tres collegas. Ille les invita in su suite e tunc ordina caffe pro sex personas.

Martijn: Bon die, Petro.

Petro: Bon die, Martijn.

Martijn: Como sta tu?

Petro: Multo ben, gratias.

Martijn: Tu te ha ben amusate heri per le vespere?

Petro: Si, multo ben, gratias.

Martijn: Conta me toto.

Petro: Que vole tu dicer?

Martijn: Eh, ben, que ha facite tu con nostre chef?

Petro: Oh, io non vole discuter lo.

Martijn: Si, multo ben.

Catherina: Bon die a totos.

Le alteres: Bon die.

Catherina: Omne vos es preste?

Le alteres: Si.

Catherina: Nos debera vader al hotel ante multe tempore.

Martijn: Ubi es Olivero?

Catherina: Ille non es in le officio in iste momento, ma ille es preste. Como vadera nos illac? Mi automobile es un pauco parve pro quatro.

Martijn: Bon, ... eh, si tu vole, io poterea apportar Olivero illac in mi automobile e vos e Petro poterea vader illac in le vostre.

Petro: Multo ben.

Martijn: Nos pote incontrar nos in le area de reception del hotel.

Catherina: Bon idea.

IN LE HOTEL:

Petro: Vos cognosce le numero de su camera?

Catherina: Ille non ha un camera. Ille ha un suite.

Petro: Vermente? Ma cognosce vos le numero?

Catherina: Si. Cinque centos dece tres. Io va dicer al receptionista que nos va illac. Excusa me.

Receptionista: Un minuta, per favor. ... Que pote io facer pro vos?

Catherina: Esque vos pote telephonar le suite cinque centos dece tres pro dicer que nos va illac, per favor?

Receptionista: Il ha un telephono interior. Illo es illac. Vos pote vider lo?

Catherina: Si, gratias. (Catherina vade al telephono.) Mohammed? Il es io, Catherina. Nos es in le hotel in le area de reception. Si. Immediatemente. (A su collegas) Ecce le ascensores. Que nos vade illac.

Petro: Si.

Catherina: Ecce su suite.

Mohammed: Catherina! Vider vos me face multo placer. Como sta vos?

Catherina: Multo ben, Mohammed, gratias. E vos?

Mohammed: Omne vade ben per me. Que vos entra. Un periodo de annos ha passate desde le ultime vice que nos nos videva.

Catherina: Si. Il me pare que il ha essite al minus cinque annos.

Mohammed: E vos. Omne anque va ben pro vos?

Catherina: Si multo ben, gratias.

Mohammed: Il pare que vos ha portate con vos omne vostre equipa?

Catherina: Si. Io vole presentar a vos Petro, nostre ingeniero.

Petro: Bon die, senior.

Mohammed: Oh, appella me Mohammed.

Catherina: E ecce Olivero, nostre contabile ...

Mohammed: Bon die, Olivero.

Catherina: ... e Martijn, qui se occupa con marketing.

Mohammed: Bon die, Martijn. Que vos entra omnes e vos sede. (Mohammed vade al telephono e prende le receptor.) Esque vos pote nos apportar caffe, per favor? Gratias. Pro cinque personas, per favor. Multe gratias.

EXERCITIO 4: Renovar contactos personal.

Guida: Catherina e Mohammed pare esser amicos vetule. Que nos ascolta lo que amicos vetule dice inter se.

Prime homine: Esque tu vide ille femina illac?

Secunde homine: Si.

Prime homine: Illa resimila Christina de multe manieras.

Secunde homine: Qui es illa? Christina? Illa pare cognoscer te. Illa te face un signo.

Prime homine: Illa debe esser Christina. Io va vader illac pro parlar con illa.

Secunde homine: Ille va demandar a illa como illa sta.

Prime homine: Christina, como sta tu?

Secunde homine: Illa va dicer que illa sta multo ben.

Un femina: Io sta multo ben, e tu?

Prime homine: Anque multo ben, gratias.

Secunde homine: Illa va dicer que illa non la ha vidite desde multo tempore.

Un femina: Nos non nos ha vidite desde multe tempore.

Prime homine: Si. Le ultime vice que nos nos videva esseva ante unes annos.

Un femina: Si. Io crede que illo es desde tres annos.

Secunde homine: Ille va corriger la.

Prime homine: Oh, plus que illo. Io crede que le ultime vice que nos nos videva esseva ante cinque annos.

Secunde homine: Illa va exprimer su surprisa.

Un femina: Tanto tempore como illo?

Prime homine: Oh si, cinque annos al minus, o forsan plus que cinque annos.

Secunde homine: Ille va dicer a ille ubi illos se cognosceva le prime vice.

Prime homine: Nos nos cognosceva in London le prime vice. Vos memora illo?

Secunde homine: Nunc ille va presentar me a illa.

Prime homine: Io te presenta Paul, un amico mie.

Un femina: Bon die, Paul.

Secunde homine: Bon die, Maria.

Un femina: Io crede que nos nos cognosce. Nos nos videva le ultime vice a Athenas ante cinque annos.

Secunde homine: Si, illo es ver. Nos certemente vive in un mundo parve, nonne?

Guida: Ben, io nunc vole saper como vadeva le reunion.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/


text:
Interlingua/Curso de conversation/Capitulo 7, Scenas 3 e 4 (anglese)

SCENE 3: Geneva, in Peter's car: In this brief scene Petro drives Catherina to her apartment. She gives him her thanks for the meal and the drink afterward in the bar. Petro offers to take her to another bar for a last drink, but Catherina says she wants to feel in good form the next day and prefers to go directly to her apartment.

Petro tries to persuade her to invite him up for some coffee, but Catherina obviously doesn't want to risk a romantic encounter this evening. Petro then suggests that they go out the next evening, but Catherina does not want to commit herself to anything. They say good night to each other, and Peter goes away.

Catherina: Well, thanks a lot for inviting me to go out with you this evening, Petro.

Petro: It was a pleasure.

Catherina: The restaurant was excellent. And the cabaret also was very pleasant.

Petro: We can go get a nightcap, if you want. There are other bars in this area.

Catherina: No, I think I oughtta go to my apartment.

Petro: Really?

Catherina: Yes. I don't want to be hung over tomorrow.

Petro: Okay.

Catherina: I'm very sorry that you weren't able to dance.

Petro: Oh, that wasn't very important. We can do it some other time.

Catherina: Fine. Good night and thanks once again.

Petro: You're not going to invite me up to your apartment for some coffee?

Catherina: No. I don't think that it would be a good idea since it's so late.

Petro: That isn't very nice.

Catherina: I'm very sorry, but some coffee could easily lead to something else, and ...

Petro: And what would be bad about that?

Catherina: No. I hope that you will understand that I have to get a good night's sleep with all that we will be having to do tomorrow.

Petro: Can we go out together once again tomorrow evening?

Catherina: Maybe. Let's discuss that tomorrow.

Petro: Very well.

Catherina: So I'll see you in the office tomorrow.

Petro: Yes, of course, see you tomorrow.

Catherina: Good night, and thanks.

Petro: Good night.

EXERCISE 3: Saying good-bye:

A woman: They're going away right now. What is he going to say?

A man: Okay, "Good Evening." And what is she going to say?

A woman: "Good evening. And thanks." Is he gonna talk about the next day?

A man: "Will I see you tomorrow? Will we be seeing each other tomorrow?" What is she going to say?

A woman: "Yes. I'll see you tomorrow. We'll be seeing each other tomorrow." And as far as he's concerned, did he like the evening? If this is true, what would he say?

A man: "Thanks for the very nice evening." And as far as she is concerned, did she also like the evening? If this is so, what would she say?

A woman: "I've had a very nice evening." They are now taking leave of each other. What would they say in this case?

A man: Good night.

A woman: Good night.

A man: Sleep well.

A woman: Thanks. You too.

A man: See you tomorrow.

A woman: Yes, see you tomorrow.

Guide: Good. It is now the morning when Catherina and the entire Geneva office team are going to confer with Mr. Chahine at his hotel.

SCENE 4: In the Geneva offices and Mr. Chahine's hotel. Everyone in the office is ready to go to Mr. Chahine's hotel. Martijn wants some information from Petro about what he and Catherina did last evening, but Petro doesn't say anything to him about this. Catherine arrives at the office. Since her car is a little small for four people, Martijn offers to drive Olivero to the hotel in his own car so that Catherina can go there with Petro in hers.

When they arrive at the hotel, Catherina calls Mohammed up in his room to tell him that they have arrived, and they go up to see him. Mohammed is very happy to see Catherina, who he hasn't seen for five years. Catherina introduces Mohammed to her three colleagues. He invites them into his suite and then orders coffee for six people.

Martijn: Good morning, Petro.

Petro: Good morning, Martijn.

Martijn: How're you doing?

Petro: Fine, thanks.

Martijn: Did you have a good time last night?

Petro: Yes, it was nice, thanks.

Martijn: Tell me all about it.

Petro: What do you mean?

Martijn: I mean, what did you do with the boss?

Petro: Oh, I don't want to talk about it.

Martijn: Okay, fine.

Catherina: Good morning to all of you.

The others: Good morning.

Catherina: Is everybody ready?

The others: Yes.

Catherina: We've gotta go to the hotel before too long.

Martijn: Where's Olivero?

Catherina: He's not in the office right now, but he's ready. How're we gonna go there? My car's a little small for all four of us.

Martijn: Okay, ... uh, if you want, I could take Olivero there in my car, and you and Petro could go there in yours.

Petro: Fine.

Martijn: We can meet in the lobby.

Catherina: Good idea.

IN THE HOTEL:

Petro: Do you know his room number?

Catherina: He doesn't have a room. He has a suite.

Petro: Really? But do you know its number?

Catherina: Yes. Five hundred thirteen. I'm gonna tell the desk clerk that we're going up to see him. Excuse me.

Desk clerk: Just a minute please. ... What can I do for you?

Catherina: Can you call up Suite five hundred thirteen and tell them that we're gonna go up there?

Desk clerk: There's a house phone. It's over there. Can you see it?

Catherina: Yes, thanks. Mohammed? (Catherina goes to the phone.) It's me, Catherina. We're in the hotel, in the lobby. Yes. Immediately (to her colleagues) There are the elevators, over there. Let's go on up.

Petro. Fine.

Catherina: Here's his suite.

Mohammed: Catherina! It's so nice to see you. How are you?

Catherina: Just fine, Mohammed, thanks. And you?

Mohammed: Everything's going just fine for me. Come on in. It's been years since the last time we saw each other.

Catherina: Yes. It seems to me it's been at least five years.

Mohammed: And you. Is everything going okay for you?

Catherina: Yes, just fine, thanks.

Mohammed: It seems you've brought your entire team with you.

Catherina: Yes. I'd like to introduce to you Petro, our engineer.

Petro: Good morning, sir.

Mohammed: Oh, call me Mohammed.

Catherina: And here's Olivero, our accountant ...

Mohammed: Good morning, Olivero.

Catherina: ... and Martijn, who's in charge of marketing.

Mohammed: Good morning, Martijn. Come on in all of you and have a seat. (Mohammed calls up Room Service.) Can you bring us some coffee, please? Thanks. For five people, please. Thanks a lot.

EXERCISE 4: Renewing old acquaintances.

Guide: Catherina and Mohammed seem to be old friends. Let's see what old friends say to each other.

First man: Do you see that woman over there?

Second man: Yes.

First man: She looks a lot like Christina.

Second man: Who is she? Christina? She seems to know you. She's gesturing toward you.

First man: That must be Christina. I'm gonna go over there to talk to her.

Second man: He's gonna ask her how she is.

First man: Christina, how are you?

Second man: She's gonna say that she's fine.

Christina: I'm fine, and you?

First man: I'm also fine.

Second man: She's gonna say that she hasn't seen him for a long time.

A woman: We haven't seen each other for a long time.

First man: Yes. The last time we saw each other was several years ago.

A woman: Yeah, I think it was three years ago.

Second man: He's gonna correct her.

First man: Oh, much longer than that. I think that the last time that we saw each other was five years ago.

Second man: She's gonna express her surprise.

Christina: As long as that?

First man: Oh, yeah. Five years at least, or maybe even longer than five years.

Second man: He's gonna tell her where they first met.

First man: We first got to know each other in London. Do you remember that?

Second man: Now he's gonna introduce me to her.

First man: I'd like to introduce to you Paul, a friend of mine.

A woman: Good morning, Paul.

Second man: Good morning, Maria.

A woman: I think we know each other. We last saw each other in Athens about five years ago.

Second man: Yes, that's true. We certainly live in a small world, don't we.

Guide: Okay. I now want to know how the meeting went.


text:
Interlingua/Curso de conversation/Capitulo 7, Scenas 5 e 6 (interlingua)

SCENA 5: Geneva, in le suite del senior Chahine: Martijn explica a Mohammed le multe avantages del systemas que illes pote offerer a ille. Mohammed vole saper si le parte administrative del projecto consumera multo tempore, ma Catherina le assecura que le quatro de illes pote facer progreder le projecto multo rapidemente. Martijn adde que illes pote seliger inter multe optiones pro arrivar al precios le plus basse.

Mohammed pare imprimite, e ille vole saper quando illes potera producer un offerta detaliate. Catherina estima que illes habera besonio de unes octo a dece septimanas e suggere que illes anque poterea preparar duo o tres projectos alternative. Illa dice que pro facer lor travalio illes habera besonio de certe information, como le costo de combustibile, le natura del systema de electricitate local, e altere simile cosas.

Catherina anque dice a Mohammed que illa e su equipa non vole facer gratis omne iste travalio, e illa essaya persuader le a dicer si finalmente illes recipera le contracto. Mohammed responde que ille ha demandate offertas de tres altere companias e que le probabilitate que Catherina recipera le contracto final es bon ma que ille non pote promitter ullo. Ma a causa de lo que ille ha dicite, Catherina crede que il ha rationes pro optimismo.

Martijn: Iste systema functiona con electricitate. Illo es un systema que on ha probate, e nos sape que illo functiona ben. Naturalmente, illo require multe spatio. Multe spatio.

Mohammed: Illo non es un problema. Nos ha multe spatio in le parcella ubi nos va construer iste citate.

Martijn: Nos ha apprendite multo ex le errores del prime installationes de iste systema in Europa e in Nord America. E vos habera le avantage de lo que nos ha apprendite del problemas que illos nos ha offerite. Vos anque potera planificar vostre rete de transporto al mesme tempore que vos designa le plan del citate mesme. Isto assecura que finalmente vostre systema de transporto essera multo ben integrate con le altere partes de vostre citate e plenara su necessitates de transporto etiam plus efficacemente.

Mohammed: Que typo de systema es illo?

Martijn: Illo es un systema de multo alte technologia. Illo es multo rapide, e multo efficace. Ma, naturalmente, su installation mesme essera assatis car. Illo es magnetic.

Mohammed: E vos pote nos fornir omne iste systemas?

Martijn: Si. Nos pote vos los fornir multo rapidemente. Nos pote usar le servicios de cinque o sex del melior companias del mundo. E naturalmente, nos pote proponer altere solutiones differente.

Mohammed: E esque il habera problemas con demoras administrative?

Catherina: Oh, no, de nulle maniera. Como vos pote vider, il ha solmente quatro personas in nostre equipa administrative. Illo tunc es multo mobile e pote facer omne multo rapidemente.

Mohammed: Illo pare esser un multo bon systema.

Martijn: E como nos pote seliger inter multe optiones, nostre precios es multo competitive. Nos cerca le precios le plus avantagiose, e nos passa le beneficios de iste precios basse a nostre clientes.

Mohammed: Bon. Que nos vade nunc al question le plus crucial: Quando potera vos inviar a me un offerta detaliate?

Catherina: Vos dispone de quante tempore?

Mohammed: Inter octo e dece septimanas.

Catherina: Io crede que nos pote facer le travalios necesse in iste periodo de tempore. Ma nos habera besonio de un idea de vostre budget pro iste projecto.

Mohammed: Naturalmente nos vole fundar iste projecto le plus economicamente possibile. Io non pote dar a vos un quantitate exacte in iste momento.

Catherina: Nos poterea tunc dar a vos un description general de duo o tres solutiones.

Mohammed: Si, illo esserea perfecte.

Catherina: Ben. Pro iste projecto nos anque ha besonio del costos de combustibile, le typo de installation electric que vos ha, e altere simile informationes sur vostre infrastructura.

Mohammed: Multo ben.

Catherina: E, naturalmente, nos anque habera besonio de vostre costos de labor local.

Mohammed: Si. Io jam ha apportate hic ille information.

Catherina: Ben. E postea, Mohammed, ...

Mohammed: Si?

Catherina: Francamente, nos non volera facer tante travalio durante octo septimanas gratis.

Mohammed: Si, io comprende.

Catherina: In vostre opinion, esque nos ha un bon probabilitate de obtener iste contracto?

Mohammed: Naturalmente, io non pote dicer a vos si o non in iste momento. Ma io ha demandate que tres companias prepara offertas differente. Io crede que vostre probabilitates es bon. Ma io simplemente non pote vos promitter ullo ante haber vidite voste offertas detaliate.

Catherina: Io comprende, si.

Mohammed: E nos non pote pagar le costos del travalio de preparation de un offerta, si illo es lo que vos me demanda.

Catherina: Io comprende.

Mohammed: Ma inter vos e me, io non pensa que le altere companias pote offerer le servicios que vos nos offere, ma io non pote dar a vos un responsa definite ante vider vostre offertas.

Catherina: Lo que vos ha dicite, naturalmente, io trova assatis incoragiante.

EXERCITIO 5: Discussion de periodos de tempore pro completar projectos.

Guida: Durante le reunion inter Mohammed e le equipa de Catherina, illes ha discutite problemas de periodos de tempore pro completar projectos. Il ha unes expressiones que illes ha usate que pare multo utile.

Un femina: Illes vole un prototypo.

Un homine: Quando? Quando lo vole illes?

Un femina: Le data de limite es le fin de junio.

Un homine: Illo nos lassa quante tempore?

Un femina: Unes sex septimanas.

Un homine: Sex septimanas. Io crede que nos habera besonio de plus que sex septimanas.

Un femina: Quante tempore tunc? Vos habera besonio de quante tempore?

Un homine: Il essera necesse que nos lo fabrica.

Un femina: Quante tempore? Quante tempore essera necesse pro fabricar lo?

Un homine: Duo o tres septimanas. Nos tunc debera assecurar nos que illo functiona ben.

Un femina: Quante tempore essera necesse pro illo?

Un homine: Plus o minus un altere septimana. Tunc nos debera transportar lo.

Un femina: Quante tempore essera necesse pro transportar lo?

Un homine: Oh, duo septimanas, plus o minus.

Un femina: Multo ben. Il essera un question de six septimas pro omne le projecto.

Un homine: Si, ma solmente si omne vade ben. On non pote esser completemente confidente que le projecto essera finite intra sex septimanas.

Un femina: Quante tempore, tunc? Quanto tempore crede vos que vos debe reservar pro iste projecto?

Un homine: Io crede que il esserea plus prudente reservar octo septimanas.

Un femina: Octo septimanas. Multo ben. Ma nos debera completar omne iste projecto in octo septimanas sin falta.

Un homine: Io facera omne lo que io pote facer pro assecurar illo.

Guida: Le negotiationes con le senior Chahine ha progredite ben. Io volerea saper si Catherina e le alteres es tan optimista.

SCENA 6: Geneva, in un automobile e in le officio: Post le reunion con Mohammed, Catherina, Petro, e Martijn discute le possibilitates de obtener le contracto. Catherina es optimistic e crede que si omne depende de Mohammed solmente, illes probabile- mente lo obtenera.

Petro essaya invitar Catherina a dinar con ille, ma illa responde que il esserea melior non facer isto proque Petro probabilemente vadera a Mexico. Petro vole saper si Alan Tanner anque ha habite un certe influentia sur iste decision, e Catherina confessa que isto es ver. De facto, Alan telephona Catherina in le medio de iste conversation, e Catherina dice que illa vole parlar con ille in su officio.

Post isto, Petro decide que ille definitemente vadera a Mexico. Catherina essaya continuar lor conversation post parlar con Alan, ma Petro non coopera, e Catherina es enoiate. Illa tunc vade via con Martijn pro comenciar lor travalio sur le projecto egyptian.

Petro: Catherina, esque vos crede que le reunion vadeva ben?

Catherina: Il me pare que omne vadeva ben.

Petro: Ma usque nunc nos non ha ulle contracto.

Catherina: Si. Vos ha ration. E nos anque non lo habera ante le fin del estate. Ma io crede que nos vermente ha impressionate Mohammed con le qualitate de nostre servicios.

Petro: Illo esseva bon, le prandio.

Catherina: Si. Mohammed es un gourmet.

Petro: Ille pareva multo contente quando nos finiva le reunion.

Catherina: Si. Io pensa que si ille esseva le sol persona que facerea le decision, nos haberea le contracto sin difficultate. Ma mesmo in le circumstantias existente, io crede que nos ha un bon probabilitate de finalmente reciper le contracto.

Petro: Catherina, e pro iste vespere, esque vos crede que il esserea possibile ...

Catherina: Vos parla de sortir a dinar?

Petro: Si, exactemente.

Catherina: Oh no, Petro, que nos non parla plus sur illo.

Petro: Proque non? Esque il es a causa de Alan Tanner?

Catherina: In parte si. Ma il non es solmente a causa de Alan.

Petro: Proque dice vos illo?

Catherina: Eh ben, vos va partir a Mexico, e ...

Petro: Que?

Catherina: Eh ben, le cosas esserea differente si vos restava hic in Geneva. Ma como vos ha decidite vader a Mexico pro travaliar ...

Petro: Ma ...

Martijn: (Entrante in le officio) Ah, como va toto? E le reunion, que pensa vos del possibilitates?

Catherina: Io crede que omne vadeva ben. E vos, Martijn, que crede vos de illo?

Martijn: Oh, io anque lo trovava multo incoragiante, specialmente quando ille diceva a vos "Inter nos, io crede que vostre probabilitates es bon." E le prandio. Illo esseva phantastic.

Petro: Catherina, pro me le cosas ha cambiate.

Catherina: Que ha cambiate?

Petro: Toto.

Martijn: Ah, si? Pro que?

Petro: Vos sape, io voleva quitar Geneva pro vader ...

(Le telephono sona.)

Martijn: Hello? Si, si. Illa es hic. Catherina, illo es pro vos. Le senior Tanner vos telephona.

Catherina: Alan?

Petro: Ma Catherina!

Catherina: Hallo, Alan? Si. Io va con vos. Attende un momento. Io es in le officina de reception. Io va vader a mi officio. Io vole parlar con vos illac. Martijn, pote vos connecter Alan con le telephono in mi officio?

Martijn: Hello? Illa nunc es in su officio. Io vos connecte con illa. Remane in le linea. Catherina, vos le ha in le vostre linea.

Petro: Bon. Io nunc sape lo que io va facer.

Martijn: E que es illo?

Petro: Io habeva ration. Geneva non es vermente un bon loco pro me.

Martijn: Vos va a Mexico tunc.

Petro: Si.

Martijn: Si, nos jam credeva illo. Tu jam habeva decidite illo ante un septimana o duo.

Petro: No, non vermente. Pro dicer le veritate, io faceva iste decision solmente ante cinque minutas.

Martijn: Tu jam ha signate le papiros?

Petro: No, ma io va facer lo immediatemente.

Catherina: (Retornante de su officio) Gratias, Martijn.

Petro: Illo non ha durate multe tempore.

Catherina: Que vole vos dicer, Petro?

Petro: A que subjecto?

Catherina: Vos parlava de certe cosas que habeva cambiate.

Petro: No, no. Nullo. Nullo ha cambiate.

Catherina: Petro, vos es vermente le homine le plus exasperante que io unquam ha cognoscite.

Petro: Vos es troppo gentil!

Catherina: Veni con me, Martijn. Que nos comencia nostre travalio sur le offerta.

Martijn: Con placer, chef.

Guida: Il me pare que Petro es troppo fer. Ille pote attraher a se problemas un pauco difficile. Ma a vices veni dies quando nullo se resolve como illo debe resolver se.


text:
Interlingua/Curso de conversation/Capitulo 7, Scenas 5 e 6 (anglese)

SCENE 5: Geneva, in Mr. Chahine's suite: Martijn explains to Mohammed the many advantages of the systems that they can offer him. Mohammed wants to know if the administrative part of the project will take up a lot of time, but Catherina assures him that the four of them can keep the project going very rapidly. Martijn adds that they can select among many options to arrive at the lowest prices.

Mohammed seems impressed, and he wants to know when they will be able to come up with a detailed offer. Catherina estimates that they will need from about eight to ten weeks and suggests that they could also prepare two or three alternative projects. She says that to do their work they will need certain information, such as the cost of fuel, the kind of local electricity system they have, and other similar things.

Catherina also tells Mohammed that she and her team don't want to do all this work for nothing, and she tries to persuade him to say if they will finally get the contract. Mohammed answers that he has asked for offers from three other companies and that the probability that Catherine will get the final contract is good but that he can't promise anything. But because of what he has said, Catherina believes that there are reasons for optimism.

Martijn: This system works with electricity. It is a system that has been tested, and we know that it works well. Naturally, it requires a lot of space. A lot of space.

Mohammed: That's not a problem. We've got a lot of space in the parcel where we're gonna build this city.

Martijn: We have learned a lot from the mistakes made in the installations of the first version of this system in Europe and North America. And you will have the advantage of what we have learned from the problems they have caused us. You also will be able to plan your transport network at the same time that you design the plan for the city itself. This makes sure that finally your transport system will be very well integrated with the other parts of your city and will fulfill your transport needs even more effectively.

Mohammed: What kind of system is it?

Martijn: It is a very high-tech system. It is very rapid and efficient. But naturally installing it is rather expensive. It is magnetic.

Mohammed: And you can furnish us all these systems?

Martijn: Yes. We can furnish them very rapidly. We can use the services of five or six of the best companies in the world. And naturally, we can propose other different solutions.

Mohammed: And will there be problems with administrative delays?

Catherina: Oh, no, no way. As you can see, there are only four people on our administrative team. It is thus very mobile and can do everything very rapidly.

Mohammed: It seems to be a very good system.

Martijn: And since we can select among many options, our prices are very competitive. We look for the most advantageous prices, and we pass the benefits of these low prices on to our customers.

Mohammed: Fine. Let's go on now to the most crucial question: When can you send me a detailed offer?

Catherina: How much time do you have?

Mohammed: Between eight and ten weeks.

Catherina: I think that we can do the necessary work in this period of time. But we will need an idea of your budget for this project.

Mohammed: Naturally we will want to fund this project in the most cost effective way possible. I can't give you an exact amount at this moment.

Catherina: We could then give you a general description of two or three solutions.

Mohammed: Yes, that would be perfect.

Catherina: Fine. For this project we also need fuel costs, the kind of electrical installation that you have, and other similar information on your infrastructure.

Mohammed. Fine.

Catherina: And, naturally, we will also need your local labor costs.

Mohammed: Yes. I have already brought that information here.

Catherina: Fine. And afterwards, Mohammed, ...

Mohammed: Yes?

Catherina: Frankly, we don't want to do so much work for eight weeks without getting paid.

Mohammed: Yes, I understand.

Catherina: In your opinion, do we have a good chance of landing this contract?

Mohammed: Naturally, I can't tell you yes or no at this moment. But I have asked three other companies to prepare different offers. I think that your chances are good. But I simply can't promise you anything before seeing your detailed proposals.

Catherina: I understand, yes.

Mohammed: And we can't pay you for the costs of preparing an offer, if that is what you are asking.

Catherina: I understand.

Mohammed: But between you and me, I don't think that the other companies can offer the services that you are offering us, but I can't give you a definite response before seeing your proposals.

Catherina: What you have said, naturally, I find rather encouraging.

EXERCISE 5: Discussion of time periods for finishing projects:

Guide: During the meeting between Mohammed and Catherina's team, there was a discussion of time periods for finishing projects. There are some expressions they used that seem very useful.

A woman: They want a prototype.

A man: When? When do they want it?

A woman: The deadline is the end of June.

A man: That leaves us with how much time?

A woman: Some six weeks.

A man: Six weeks. I think that we will need more than six weeks.

A woman: How much time then? How much time will you need?

A man: We will have to manufacture it.

A woman: How much time? How much time will be needed to manufacture it?

A man: Two or three weeks. We then will have to make sure it works well.

A woman: How much time will be needed for that?

A man: Another week, more or less. Then we will have to transport it.

A woman: How much time will be needed to transport it?

A man: Oh, two weeks, more or less.

A woman: Very well. Then six weeks will be needed for the entire project.

A man: Yes, but only if everything goes well. You can't be completely confident that the project will be finished within six weeks.

A woman: How much time, then? How much time do you think that we should put aside for this project?

A man: I think that it would be safer to put aside eight weeks.

A woman: Eight weeks. Very well. But we will have to finish all this project in eight weeks with no excuses.

A man: I will do everything I can to make sure of that.

Guide: The negotions with Mr. Chahine have gone well. I would like to know if Catherina and the others are as optimistic.

SCENE 6: Geneva, in a car and in the office: After the meeting with Mohammed, Catherina, Petro, and Martijn discuss the possibilities of getting the contract. Catherina is optimistic and thinks that if everything depended on Mohammed alone, they would probably get it.

Petro tries to invite Catherina to go out to eat dinner with him, but she responds that it would be better not to do this because Petro probabily will be going to Mexico. Petro wants to know if Alan Tanner also has had a certain influence on this decision, and Catherina confesses that this is true. As a matter of fact, Alan calls Catherina up in the middle of this conversation, and Catherina says that she wants to talk to him in her office.

After this, Petro decides that he definitely will go to Mexico. Catherina tries to continue their conversation after talking with Alan, but Petro does not cooperate, and Catherina is annoyed. She then goes away with Martijn to start their work on the Egyptian project.

Petro: Catherina, do you think the meeting went well?

Catherina: It seems to me that everything went well.

Petro: But up to now, we don't have a contract.

Catherina: Yes, you're right. And we also will not have it before the end of summer. But I think that we have really impressed Mohammed with the quality of our services.

Petro: The lunch at least was good.

Catherina: Yes. Mohammed is a gourmet.

Petro: He seemed very happy when we finished the meeting.

Catherina: Yes. I think that if it were up to him alone, we would have the contract with no trouble at all. But even with things as they are, I think we have a good chance of finally landing it.

Petro: Catherina, and this evening, do you think it would be possible ...

Catherina: You're talking about going out to dinner?

Petro: Yes, exactly.

Catherina: Oh, no, Petro, let's not say anything further about that.

Petro: Why not? Is it because of Alan Tanner?

Catherina: Partly, yes. But it's not only because of Alan.

Petro: Why do you say that?

Catherina: Well, you're gonna go to Mexico, and ...

Petro: What?

Catherina: Okay. Things would be different if you stayed here in Geneva. But since you have decided to go to Mexico to work ...

Peter: But ...

Martijn: (Entering the office) Ah, how's everything? And the meeting, what do you think of the possibilities?

Catherina: I think everything went well. And you, Martin, what do you think of it?

Martijn: Oh, I also found it very encouraging, especially when he said to you "Between us, I think that your chances are good." And the lunch. It was fantastic.

Petro: Catherina, for me things have changed.

Catherina: What has changed?

Petro: Everything.

Catherina: Oh yeah? Why?

Petro: You know, I wanted to leave Geneva to go ...

(The phone rings.)

Martijn: Hello? Yes, yes. Sbe's here. Catherina, it's for you. Mr. Tanner is on the line.

Catherina: Alan?

Petro: But Catherina!

Catherina: Hello, Alan? Yes. I'm going with you. Wait a minute. I'm in the reception area of our offices. I'm gonna go to my office. I want to talk with you there. Martijn, can you connect Alan with the phone in my office?

Martijn: Hello? She's now in her office. I'm gonna connect you with her. Stay on the line. Catherina, you have him on your line.

Petro: Good. I now know what I'm gonna do.

Martijn: And what is that?

Petro: I was right. Geneva is not really a good place for me.

Martijn: You're going to Mexico then.

Petro: Yes.

Martijn: Yes, we already thought so. You made the decision already a week or two ago.

Petro: No, not really. To tell the truth, I made this decision only five minutes ago.

Martijn: Have you signed the papers yet?

Petro: No, but I'm gonna do so immediately.

Catherina: (Returning from her office) Thanks, Martijn.

Petro: That didn't last very long.

Catherina: What do you mean, Petro?

Petro: About what?

Catherina: You were talking about certain things that had changed.

Petro: No, no. Nothing. Nothing has changed.

Catherina: Petro, you are really the most exasperating man that I have ever met.

Petro: You're much too nice!

Catherina: Come with me, Martijn. Let's start our work on the offering.

Martijn: With pleasure, boss.

Guide: It seems to me that Petro is too proud. He may run into some fairly difficult problems. But sometimes there are days when things don't work out the way they should.


text:
Interlingua/Curso de conversation/Capitulo 8, Scenas 1 e 2 (interlingua)

SCENA 1: Le officios de Geneva: Petro dicta a su secretaria un littera al senior Floret in Paris in le qual ille revela su intention de restar in Geneva e exprime su sperantia que Floret potera intervenir in su favor.

Petro: Le prime littera vade a Transporto de Mexico. Vos trovara le adresse in le archivo. Le data es hodie. Car Patricio, comma, proxime linea. Gratias pro vostre littera, puncto. Post haber reflectite multe tempore, comma, io ha decidite restar a Geneva, puncto. No, illo non vade. Le prime littera va a Marex Mundial, Paris, al senior G. Floret, ef, el, o, er, e, te. Le adresse, etc., es in le archivo. Car Gerardo, io vos scribe a causa de un problema mie un pauco delicate. Pro diverse rationes, io voleva quitar Geneva, comma, e nunc io vole reverter iste decision, puncto. Proxime linea. Esque il esserea possibile que vos adjuva me e usar vostre bon officios in mi favor, puncto de interrogation. Dante a vos mi gratias in avantia, io vole extender a vos, etc., etc. Usa le data de heri. Multo ben. Illo es toto.

SCENA 2: Le officios de Geneva: Francesca vole parlar a Petro sur le prime reunion del commission. Il ha un nove problema proque le reunion va haber loco le tertie die del mense, ma le officio de Paris dice que il essera impossibile inviar via lor ingeniero senior ante le quarte die del mense. Petro deveni irate e vole saper con qui Francesca parlava, ma isto illa non sape. Petro tunc da a illa le instruction de telephonar a Paris e parlar con le senior Dumont in persona (e nulle altere persona qui travalia in lor officios a Paris) e de informar le que ille debera esser in Geneva sin falta le tertie die del mense.

Petro: Bon die, Francesca.

Francesca: Bon die, Petro. Esque io pote parlar con vos?

Petro: Si, naturalmente.

Francesca: Il ha un problema con le prime reunion del commission.

Petro: Le commission de liaison technic?

Francesca: Le reunion occurrera le tertie die del mense, nonne?

Petro: Si, exactemente. Omne es preparate?

Francesca: Si, ma il ha un sol problema con le ingeniero de Paris, le senior Dumont. Ille non potera esser hic le tertie die, e ille va arrivar le quarte.

Petro: Qui vos ha dicite illo?

Francesca: Alicuno me telephonava ex Paris. Io non sape exactemente qui.

Petro: Ma, nos non pote haber le reunion sin ille. Il es absolutemente necesse que omnes sia presente. Illo es, de omne manieras, un reunion de liaison.

Francesca: Si, io sape illo, ma ille dice que ille non pote venir ante le die quarte.

Petro: Vos non ha parlate a Dumont in persona?

Francesca: No, ille non esseva le persona qui telephonava ma un altere persona in le officio de Paris.

Petro: Ben. Ecce lo que vos va facer. Telephona Paris e demanda parlar con Dumont personalmente. Non parla a ulle altere persona. Nos vole solmente le ingeniero senior, nulle altere persona. Contacta Dumont e dice le que nos habera le reunion le tertie die del mense.

Francesca: Multo ben.

Petro: Si il ha ulle problema, dice lo a me, e io telephonara Paris io mesme.

Francesca: Multo ben. Io va facer lo immediatemente.

EXERCITIO 2: Dar instructiones:

Guida: Il jam ha habite problemas con le equipa de Paris. Sin dubita, il non es facile organisar un reunion. In iste scena Petro dava unes instructiones a Francesca. Io mesme volerea audir un altere sequentia de instructiones:

A woman: Io ha un problema. Le cravata de mi chef es prendite in le photocopiator. Que va io facer?

Un homine (parlante per telephono): Calma vos. Non vos preoccupa. Esque vostre chef es con vos in iste momento?

Un femina: Si.

Un homine: Que typo de machina es illo?

Un femina: Un B-60.

Un homine: Bon. Primo, dice a ille que se calma e que resta tranquille.

Un femina: Calma vos e resta tranquille.

Un homine: Dice le que ille non debe tirar su cravata.

Un femina: Non essaya tirar vostre cravata.

Un homine: Ben. Dice a ille que ille debe disaccopular le electricitate.

Un femina: Disaccopula le electricitate.

Un homine: Nunc, dice a ille que ille debe aperir le copertura.

Un femina: Aperi nunc le copertura.

Un homine: Dice le que nunc ille debe pulsar le button leve.

Un femina: Pulsa le button leve.

Un homine: Dice le que ille nunc debe levar le rolo principal.

Un femina: Leva le rolo principal.

Un homine: Dice le que ille non debe lassar lo cader.

Un femina: Non lo lassa cader.

Un homine: Dice le que ille nunc debe tornar le altere rolo.

Un femina: Nunc torna le altere rolo.

Un homine: Esque illo nunc es disingranate?

Un femina: Si, illo es disingranate.

Un homine: Esque ille ha potite remover su cravata?

Un femina: Si, ille ha removite su cravata.

Un homine: Bon. Dice le que ille nunc debe remitter le rolo principal in su loco in le machina, clauder le copertura, e reaccopular le electricitate.

Un femina: Nunc remitte le rolo in su loco in le machina, claude le copertura, e reaccopula le electricitate.

Un homine: E dice le anque que ille non debe portar un cravata quando ille se trova apud ille machina.

Un femina: E, in le futuro, non porta un cravata quando vos se trova apud ille machina.


text:
Interlingua/Curso de conversation/Capitulo 8, Scenas 1 e 2 (anglese)

SCENE 1: The offices of Geneva: Peter dictates to his secretary a letter to Mr. Floret in Paris in which he reveals his intention to stay in Geneva and expresses his hope that Floret will be able to intervene in his favor

Petro: The first letter goes to Transportes de Mexico. You will find the address in the file. The date is today's. Dear Patricio, comma, new line. Thank you for your letter, period. After having reflected a long time, comma, I have decided to stay in Geneva, period. No that's not gonna work. The first letter goes to Marex Mundial, Paris, to Mr. G. Floret, ef, el, oh, are, ee, tea. The address, etc., are in the file. Dear Gerardo, I am writing you because of a problem I have that is a bit delicate. For several reasons, I wanted to leave Geneva, comma, and now I want to reverse this decision, period. New line. Would it be possible for you to help me and use your good offices in my favor, question mark. Giving you my thanks in advance, I want to extend you, etc., etc., etc. Use yesterday's date. Very well. That's all for now.

SCENE 2: The Geneva offices: Francesca wants to talk to Petro about the first commission meeting. There is a new problem because the meeting will take place on the third day of the month, but the Paris office says that it will be impossible to send out their senior engineer before the fourth day of the month. Petro gets angry and wants to know who Francesca talked to, but she doesn't know this. Petro then tells her to call up Paris and talk with Mr. Dumont in person (and no other person who works in the Paris office) and to tell him that he will have to be in Geneva on the third of the month without fail.

Petro: Good morning, Francesca.

Francesca: Good morning, Petro. Can I talk with you?

Petro: Yes, of course.

Francesca: There's a problem with the first meeting of the commission.

Petro: The technical liaison commission?

Francesca: The meeting will take place the third day of the month, won't it?

Petro: Yes, exactly. Is everything ready?

Francesca: Yes, but there is one problem with the engineer in Paris, Mr. Dumont. He won't be able to be here on the third, and he's gonna arrive on the fourth.

Petro: Who told you that?

Francesca: Someone called me from Paris. I don't know exactly who.

Petro: But we can't have the meeting without him. It is absolutely necessary for everyone to be there. It is, after all, a liaison meeting.

Francesca: Yes, I know that, but he says that he can't come before the fourth.

Petro: You didn't talk to Dumont in person?

Francesca: No. He wasn't the person who called but someone else in the Paris office.

Petro: Fine. Here's what you're gonna do. Call up Paris and ask to talk with Dumont personally. Don't talk to anyone else. We want only the senior engineer, no other person. Contact Dumont and tell him that we will be having the meeting on the third of the month.

Francesca: Okay.

Petro: If there's any problem, tell me, and I'll call Paris up myself.

Francesca: Fine. I'll do that immediately.

EXERCISE 2: Giving instructions:

Guide: There have already been problems with the Paris team. Wtihout doubt, it isn't easy to organize a meeting. In this scene Petro gave some instructions to Francesca. I myself would like to hear another sequence of instructions:

A woman (talking on the phone: I have a problem. My boss's tie is caught in the photocopier. What am I gonna do?

A man: Try to relax now. Don't worry. Is your boss with you right now?

A woman: Yes.

A man: What kind of machine is it?

A woman: A B-60.

A man: Good. First, tell him to calm down and relax.

A woman: Calm down and relax.

A man: Tell him that he should not pull on his tie.

A woman: Don't pull on your tie.

A man: Fine. Tell him that he should disconnect the electricity.

A woman: Disconnect the electricity.

A man: Now, tell him that he should open up the cover.

A woman: Open up the cover.

A man: Tell him that he should push the left button.

A woman: Push the left button.

A man: Tell him that he now should lift up the main platen.

A woman: Lift up the main platen.

A man: Tell him not to let it fall down.

A woman: Don't let it fall down.

A man: Tell him that he should now turn the other platen.

A woman: Now, turn the other platen.

A man: Is the gear train now disengaged?

A woman: Yes, it is disengaged.

A man: Can he remove his tie now?

A woman: Yes, he's now taken it out.

A man: Good. Tell him that he now should put the main platen back into the machine, close the cover, and reconnect the electricity.

A woman: Now put the main platen back into the machine, close the cover, and reconnect the electricity.

A man: And tell him also that he should not wear a tie when he is close to that machine.


text:
Interlingua/Curso de conversation/Capitulo 8, Scenas 3 e 4 (interlingua)

Capitulo 8, Scenas 3 e 4 (interlingua)

SCENA 3: Le officios de Geneva: Post telephonar Paris, Francesca dice a Petro que le senior Dumont va esser in Geneva le tertie die del mense in vice del quarte. Petro da le gratias a Francesca e la felicita pro haber persuadite Dumont a venir a tempore pro le reunion.

Francesca tunc demanda a Petro si ille vermente va vader a Mexico. Petro confirma que forsan ille vadera illac, e Francesca vole saper proque ille non appare plus felice con le prospecto de un nove position. Postea illa suggere a Petro que forsan ille debe parlar a Catherina si ille vole remaner in Geneva.

In iste momento Catherina entra. Illa vole parlar con Petro, qui anque dice que ille vole parlar con illa. Francesca vade via, e Catherina explica a Petro un pauco sur le natura de su relationes con Alan. Il pare que omne es finite inter illes, e Petro dice a Catherina que ille nunc non vole vader a Mexico. Ben que Catherina personalmente volerea que Petro remane in Geneva, illa jam ha contractate un nove ingeniero pro su position in Geneva. Petro, naturalmente, es disappunctate.

Francesca: Petro?

Petro: Ah, Francesca, entra.

Francesca: Io ha parlate al senior Dumont in Paris.

Petro: Multo ben. Que diceva ille?

Francesca: Ille venira.

Petro: Le die tertie?

Francesca: Ille diceva que illo essera difficile, ma ille venira.

Petro: Ben. Gratias pro facer isto. Vos ha facite un bon travalio. On debe esser firme con iste ingenieros.

Francesca: Excusa me, ma io ha audite que tosto vos vadera a Mexico.

Petro: Io habeva ille intention, si.

Francesca: Vos non es contente con vostre decision?

Petro: Vermente no.

Francesca: Io sape que illo non es un affaire mie, ma proque vole vos vader ex Geneva?

Petro: Vermente, io non sape. Ante dece cinque dies, io pensava que illo esserea un bon idea.

Francesca: Ma non pote vos cambiar vostre decision? Vos poterea parlar de illo con Catherina. Io es confidente que illa prefererea que vos remaneva hic.

Petro: Si, io poterea parlar con illa.

Francesca: Ma proque non lo face vos tunc?

Petro: Il ha plus que illo.

Francesca: De que parla vos?

Petro: Eh ben, io non es completemente confidente que io ha obtenite iste position in Mexico.

Francesca: Ah si?

Petro: Si. Nullo ha essite finalisate. Io non ha ulle contracto. Il es possibile que illes dara le position a un altere persona.

Francesca: Ascolta, il me pare que le melior cosa a facer es parlar con Catherina ante que il es troppo tarde. Dice a illa que vos nunc vole continuar vostre travalio hic.

(Il ha un colpo sur le porta.)

Petro: Entra.

Catherina: Bon die, Petro.

Petro: Esque vos ha un minuta?

Catherina: Si. Que vole vos?

Petro: Eh ben, il es un pauco difficile.

Francesca: Bon. Io debe retornar a mi travalio. A revider.

Petro: A revider.

Catherina: De que voleva vos parlar?

Petro: Como va Alan?

Catherina: Alan?

Petro: Si.

Catherina: Eh ben, io crede que le cosas va assatis ben. Proque me demanda vos illo? Vos vole saper como es le cosas inter Alan e me?

Petro: Si, illo es lo que io voleva saper.

Catherina: Omne es finite inter nos. Quando io esseva in mi officio parlante con ille, io le diceva illo.

Petro: Ah si.

Catherina: E ... vos voleva parlar con me solmente sur illo?

Petro: Vermente no. Io vole parlar sur un altere cosa: Io vole remaner a Geneva. Io vole continuar mi travalio hic.

Catherina: Io comprende. Io personalmente volerea multo que vos remane hic, ma il ha un problema.

Petro: Que es illo?

Catherina: Io ha trovate un altere ingeniero pro vostre position. Ille va comenciar lunedi, de maniera que vos pote orientar le al officio e a vostre travalio.

Petro: Si, io comprende. Omne es decidite tunc?

Catherina: Si, e il esserea multo difficile cambiar iste situation.

Petro: Quando venira le nove ingeniero lunedi?

Catherina: In le matino. Io pensava que vos e ille poterea vader al reunion del commission. Vos sape lo que se passa, e vos potera orientar le al projecto egyptian.

Petro: Si. Ubi travalia ille in iste momento.

Catherina: In Paris.

Petro: Qui es ille?

Catherina: Vos jam le cognosce.

Petro: Ah si?

Catherina: Si. Vos e ille vos cognosceva un vice in le avion que vos apportava a Geneva. Le secunde vice vos le videva in Paris. Io ha audite que vos non esseva multo cortese con ille.

Petro: Que?

Catherina: Si, ille es John Melville.

Petro: Ma vos non pote travaliar con un homine como ille. Illo non es possibile.

Catherina: Proque non? Ille es multo ben qualificate. Ille cognosce multo ben le mestiero. Ille ha multe experientia.

Petro: No, ille simplemente non debe travaliar hic.

Catherina: Il non ha multo que on pote facer pro prevenir lo.

Petro: Ma il debe haber alique maniera de remediar isto nonobstante.

EXERCITIO 3: Ascoltar e comprender.

Guida: Tunc il pare que Petro va retrovar su car amico, senior Melville. Io esserea curiose saper como illes va tractar se mutuemente. Ma nunc, ecce un exercitio oral de interlingua:

Un femina: Io justo nunc ha recipite iste message pro le senior David Arnez, que veni de Gisele Moreau, qui audiva que ille va quitar su appartamento. Il pare que illa travalia a medie tempore in le servicio de venditas e que un collega diceva que tosto iste appartamento esserea disponibile. In omne caso, Le seniora Moreau cerca un nove appartamento non multo distante del centro del citate. E como on ha dicite a illa que le senior Arnez va quitar le pais, illa volerea examinar su appartamento, si illo es disponibile.

Un homine: Describe me le message que vos ha recipite in partes plus parve, e io va repeter lo a vos.

Un femina: Io justo nunc ha recipite un message.

Un homine: Vos justo nunc ha recipite un message.

Un femina: Iste message es pro le senior David Arnez.

Un homine: Vos justo nunc ha recipite iste message pro le senior David Arnez. De qui veni iste message?

Un femina: Iste message veni de Gisele Moreau.

Un homine: Vos justo nunc ha recipite iste message pro le senior David Arnez que veni de Gisele Moreau.

Un Femina: Gisele Moreau audiva que ille va quitar su appartamento.

Un homine: Vos justo nunc ha recipite iste message pro le senior David Arnez que veni de Gisele Moreau, qui audiva que ille va quitar su appartamento.

Un femina: Il pare que illa travalia a medio tempore.

Un homine: Vos justo nunc ha recipite iste message pro le senior David Arnez que veni de Gisele Moreau, qui audiva que ille va quitar su appartamento. Il pare que illa travalia a medio tempore. Ubi travalia illa?

Un femina: Illa travalia in le servicio de venditas.

Un homine: Vos justo nunc ha recipite iste message pro le senior David Arnez qui veni de Gisele Moreau, qui audiva que ille va quitar su appartamento. Il pare que illa travalia a medio tempore in le servicio de venditas.

Un femina: Un collega diceva que tosto iste appartamento essera disponibile.

Un homine: Vos justo nunc ha recipite iste message pro le senior David Arnez qui veni de Gisele Moreau, qui audiva que ille va quitar su appartamento. Il pare que illa travalia a medio tempore in le servicio de venditas e que un collega ha dicite que tosto iste appartamento essera disponibile.

Un femina: In omne caso, le seniora Moreau cerca un nove appartamento. Iste appartamento debe esser non multo distante del centro del citate.

Un homine: Vos justo nunc ha recipite iste message pro le senior David Arnez qui veni de Gisele Moreau, qui audiva que ille va quitar su appartamento. Il pare que illa travalia a medio tempore in le servicio de venditas e que un collega ha dicite que tosto iste appartamento essera disponibile. In omne caso le seniora Moreau cerca un nove appartamento, que debe esser non multo distante del centro del citate.

Un femina: On ha dicite a illa que le senior Arnez va quitar le pais, e illa volerea examinar su appartamento, si illo es disponibile.

Un homine: Tunc vos justo nunc ha recipite iste message pro le senor David Arnez qui veni de Gisele Moreau, qui audiva que ille va quitar su appartamento. Il pare que illa travalia a medio tempore in le servicio de venditas e que un collega ha dicite que tosto iste appartamento essera disponibile. In omne caso le seniora Moreau cerca un nove appartamento, que debe esser non multo distante del centro del citate. E como on ha dicite a illa que le senior Arnez va quitar le pais, illa volerea examinar su appartamento si illo es disponibile. Esque io ha repetite omne le message?

Un femina: Si, vos lo ha repetite omne. Vostre memoria es multo bon. Vos esserea un bon actor.

SCENA 4: Le officios de Geneva: Catherina reintroduce Petro a John Melville e vade via unes minutas. Petro e John se reassecura le un al altere que illes va tractar se professionalmente. Le senior Melville explica a Petro que ille vole participar in le reunion como un observator.

Petro tunc demanda a Melville proque ille abandonava su previe position pro iste e essaya persuader le que iste nove position non conveni a ille. Le senior Melville tamen insiste que iste nove position es perfecte pro ille in iste momento.

Catherina: Senior Melville, le senior Minelli. Io crede que vos jam vos cognosce.

Petro: Si. Nos nos ha cognoscite un o duo vices.

Melville: Si, illo es ver.

Catherina: A que hora comencia nostre reunion del commission?

Petro: A duo horas.

Catherina: Ben. Io va lassar vos parlar.

Melville: A revider, Catherina.

Petro: Bon.

Melville: Nos va esser professional?

Petro: Professional, si.

Melville: Io volerea simplemente assister al reunion como observator. Vos comprende? A iste puncto io vole solmente orientar me un pauco a lo que se face. Vos pote facer lo que vos vole, naturalmente.

Petro: Multo ben.

Melville: De omne manieras, io crede que io non va comprender ullo.

Petro: Proque?

Melville: Illo essera troppo technic pro me.

Petro: Ma vos es un ingeniero.

Melville: Si, ma io recipeva mi diplomas ante multe tempore e le technologia ha cambiate. Omne nunc es completemente differente.

Petro: Melville, io volerea saper un cosa: Proque vole vos iste position?

Melville: Illo es un question amusante.

Petro: No, io parla seriosemente. Illo non es un travalio que conveni a vos.

Melville: Oh, al contrario. Io crede que il es un travalio ideal pro me.

Petro: Ma, post le position que vos habeva antea?

Melville: Io habeva mi rationes pro volar quitar lo.

Petro: E io, io vole restar hic.

Melville: Vermente?

Petro: Si, io vole restar a Geneva. Io non vole un travalio nove.

Melville: Eh ben, io lo regretta multissimo, ma il es un pauco tarde. Io nunc ha un contracto. Forsan il ha un altere position pro vos in iste officio?

Petro: Ma vos sape multo ben que iste position non vos conveni. Proque non vole vole retornar a vostre vetule position?

Melville: Reguarda, io regretta que io nunc ha vostre position, ma io simplemente non vole retornar a mi vetule position.

Petro: Proque?

Melville: Io non vole discuter illo. Io ha un contracto, e io vole remaner hic. Esque vos nunc pote monstrar me le programma pro iste postmeridie? Io volera studiar lo un pauco ante le reunion pro non parer un imbecille durante que illo progrede.

EXERCITIO 4: Questiones e responsas (si/non).

Guida: Oh, le cosas non pare vader multo ben pro Petro in iste momento! Ma ille mesme ha un pauco de responsabilitate pro su proprie problemas. Io nunc volerea audir un pauco sur le formation de questiones al quales on pote responder con si o non e le diverse manieras de responder a illos:

Un femina: Vos vole vader nunc a London?

Un homine: Si, io va le septimana proxime.

Un femina: Esque vos ha comprate vostre billet de avion?

Un homine: Non io va comprar lo iste postmeridie.

Un femina: Vos jam ha vadite a London, nonne?

Un homine: Si, io vadeva illac diverse vices ante multe tempore.

Un femina: Vostre femina vadera con vos?

Un homine: No, illo es un viage de affaires.

Un femina: E le Statos Unite, non vade vos illac iste anno?

Un homine: Si, sin dubita io vade illac in autumno.

Un femina: E vos vadera illac con vostre femina?

Un homine: Si, iste vice illa vadera con me. Nos essera in New York dece cinque dies.

Guida: Multo ben. Que nos nunc vide lo que Petro nunc face.


text:
Interlingua/Curso de conversation/Capitulo 8, Scenas 3 e 4 (anglese)

SCENE 3: The Geneva offices: After calling up Paris, Fancesca tells Petro that Mr. Dumont is going to be in Geneva on the third day of the month instead of the fourth. Petro thanks Francesca and congratulates her for having persuaded Dumont to come on time for the meeting.

Francesca then asks Petro if he is really going to go to Mexico. Petro confirms that he will possibly go there, and Francesca wants to know why he doesn't seem to be happier with the prospect of a new job. Afterward she suggests to Petro that maybe he should talk to Catherina if he wants to stay in Geneva.

At this moment Catherina comes in. She wants to talk with Petro, who also says that he wants to talk to her. Francesca leaves, and Catherina explains to Petro a little about the nature of her relationship with Alan. It seems that everything is over between them, and Petro says to Catherina that he now doesn't want to go to Mexico. Even though Catherina personally would prefer that Peter remain in Geneva, she has already hired a new engineer for his position in Geneva. Peter, naturally, is disappointed.

Francesca: Petro?

Petro: Ah, Francesca, come on in.

Francesca: I've talked with Mr. Dumont in Paris.

Petro: Fine. What did he say?

Francesca: He'll be coming.

Petro: On the third?

Francesca: He said that it will be difficult, but he'll come.

Petro: Fine. Thanks for doing this. You did a good job. You have to be firm with those engineers.

Francesca: Excuse me, but I have heard that soon you're gonna go to Mexico.

Petro: I had that intention, yes.

Francesca: Are you happy with your decision?

Petro: No, not really.

Francesca: I know that it is none of my business, but why do you want to leave Geneva?

Petro: Really, I don't know. Fifteen days ago, I thought it would be a good idea.

Francesca: But can't you change your decision? You could talk about it with Catherina. I'm sure she would like you to stay here.

Petro: Yeah, I could talk with her.

Francesca: So why don't you do so?

Petro: There's more involved than that.

Francesca: What are you talking about?

Petro: Well, I'm not completely sure that I have secured this position in Mexico.

Francesca: Oh yeah?

Petro: Yeah. Nothing's been finalized. I don't have any contract. It's possible that they will give the job to someone else.

Francesca: Listen, it seems to me that the best thing to do is talk with Catherina before it's too late. Tell her that you now want to go on working here.

(There's a knock on the door.)

Petro: Come in.

Catherina: Good morning, Petro.

Petro: Do you have a minute?

Catherina: Yes. What do you want?

Petro: Well, it's a little difficult.

Francesca: Fine. I'd better go back to my work. See you.

Petro: See you.

Catherina: What did you want to talk about?

Petro: How're things with Alan?

Catherina: Alan?

Petro: Yes.

Catherina: Okay. I think that things are going well enough. Why are you asking me that? Do you want to know how things are going between Alan and me?

Petro: Yes, that's what I wanted to know.

Catherina: Everything's finished between us. When I was in my office talking with him, I told him that.

Petro: Ah yes.

Catherina: And ... you wanted to talk with me about that?

Petro: Really, no. I wanted to talk about something else: I want to stay in Geneva. I want to continue my work here.

Catherina: I understand. I personally would really like for you to stay here, but there's a problem.

Petro: What is it?

Catherina: I've found another engineer for your position. He's gonna start Monday so that you can orient him to your office and to your work.

Petro: Yes, I understand. Everything is decided then?

Catherina: Yes, and it would be very hard to change this situation.

Petro: When will the new engineer be coming Monday?

Catherina: In the morning. I thought that you and he could go to the commission meeting. You know what is going on, and you will be able to orient him to the Egyptian project.

Petro: Yes. Where's he working right now?

Catherina: In Paris.

Petro: Who is he.

Catherina: You already know him.

Petro: Oh, yeah?

Catherina: Yes. You and he got to know each other in the plane that you took to Geneva. The second time you saw him in Paris. I heard that you weren't all that nice to him.

Petro: What?

Catherina: Yes, It's John Melville.

Petro: But you can't work with a man like him. That's not possible.

Catherina: Why not? He is very well qualified. He knows the field well. He has a lot of experience.

Petro: No, he simply should not work here.

Catherina: There's not much that can be done to prevent it.

Petro: But there must be something that can be done about this somehow.

EXERCISE 3: Listening and understanding.

Guide: So it seems that Petro is going to run once again into his good friend, Mr. Melville. I would certainly like to know how they are going to treat each other. But now, here's an oral Interlingua exercise:

A woman: I've just now received this message for Mr. David Arnez, which comes from Gisele Moreau, who heard that he is going to leave his apartment. It seems that she works half time in marketing Service and that a coworker said that this apartment will soon be available. In any case, Mrs. Moreau is looking for a new apartment not far from the downtown area of the city. And since she was told that Mr. Arnez is going to leave the country, she would like to take a look at his apartment, if it is available.

A man: Describe to me the message that you have received in smaller parts, and I'll repeat it to you.

A woman: I've just now received a message.

A man: You've just now received a message.

A woman: This message is for Mr. David Arnez.

A man: You've just now received a message for Mr. David Arnez. Who does this message come from?

A woman: This message comes from Gisele Moreau.

A man: You've just now received a message for Mr. David Arnez, which comes from Gisele Moreau.

A woman: Gisele Moreau heard that he is going to leave his apartment.

A man: You've just now received a message for Mr. David Arnez, which comes from Gisele Moreau, who heard that he is going to leave his apartment.

A woman: It seems that she works half time.

A man: You've just now received a message for Mr. David Arnez, which comes from Gisele Moreau, who heard that he is going to leave his apartment. It seems that she works half time. Where does she work?

A woman: She works in marketing Service.

A man: You've just now received a message for Mr. David Arnez, which comes from Gisele Moreau, who heard that he is going to leave his apartment. It seems that she works half time in marketing service.

A woman: A coworker said that soon this apartment will be available.

A man: You've just now received a message for Mr. David Arnez, which comes from Gisele Moreau, who heard that he is going to leave his apartment. It seems that she works half time in marketing service and that a coworker said that soon this apartment will be available.

A woman: In any case, Mrs. Moreau is looking for a new apartment. This apartment should be not far from the downtown area of the city.

A man: You've just now received a message for Mr. David Arnez, which comes from Gisele Moreau, who heard that he is going to leave his apartment. It seems that she works half time in marketing service and that a coworker said that soon this apartment will be available. In any case, Mrs. Moreau is looking for a new apartment, which should not be far from the downtown area of the city.

A woman: Someone said to her that Mr. Arnez is going to leave the country, and she would like to take a look at his apartment, if it is available.

A man: So you've just now received a message for Mr. David Arnez, which comes from Gisele Moreau, who heard that he is going to leave his apartment. It seems that she works half time in marketing service and that a coworker said that soon this apartment will be available. In any case, Mrs. Moreau is looking for a new apartment, which should not be far from the downtown area of the city. And since someone told her that Mr. Arnez is going to leave the country, she would like to take a look at the apartment if it is available. Have I repeated all the message?

A woman: Yes, you've repeated all of it. Your memory is very good. You would be a good actor.

SCENE 4: The Geneva offices: Catherina reintroduces Petro to John Melville and goes away for a few mintues. Petro and John reassure each other that they they are going to treat each other professionally. Mr. Melville explains to Petro that he wants to participate in the meeting as an observer.

Petro then asks Melville why he left his last job for this one and tries to persuade him that this new position is not suitable for him. Mr. Melville, however, insists that this new position is perfect for him at this moment.

Catherina: Mr. Melville, Mr. Minelli. I believe that you already know each other.

Petro: Yes. We got to know each other once or twice.

Melville: Yes, that's true.

Catherina: What time does our commission meeting start?

Petro: At two.

Catherina: Fine. I'm gonna let the two of you talk.

Melville: See you later Catherina.

Petro: Okay.

Melville: Are we going to be professional?

Petro: Professional, yes.

Melville: I would simply like to go to the meeting as an observer. You understand? At this point I would like to orient myself a little to what is happening. You can do what you want, naturlly.

Petro: Fine.

Melville: In any event, I don't think I'm going to understand anything.

Petro: Why?

Melville: It will be too technical for me.

Petro: But you're an engineer.

Melville: Yes, but I received my diplomas many years ago, and the technology has changed. Everything now is completely different.

Petro: Melville, I'd like to know one thing: Why do you want this position?

Melville: That's a funny question.

Petro: No, I'm speaking seriously. This is not a job that is suitable for you.

Melville: Oh, on the contrary. I think that it is an ideal job for me.

Peter: But after the job you had before?

Melville: I had my reasons for wanting to leave it.

Petro: And me, I want to stay here.

Melville: Really?

Petro: Yes, I want to stay in Geneva. I don't want a new job.

Melville: Okay, I'm very sorry, but it's a little late. I now have a contract. Perhaps there's another job for you in this office?

Petro: But you know very well that this job is not suitable for you. Why don't you want to go back to your old job?

Melville: Look, I'm sorry that I now have your job, but I simply don't want to return to my old one.

Petro: Why?

Melville: I don't want to discuss that. I have a contract, and I want to stay here. Can you now show me the program for this afternoon? I want to study it a little before the meeting so I won't seem stupid while it goes on.

EXERCISE 4: Questions and answers (yes/no).

Guide: Oh, things don't seem to be going very well for Peter right now! But he has himself to blame somewhat for his own problems. I now want to hear a little about the formation of yes/no questions and the ways they can be answered.

A woman: Do you want to go to London now?

A man: Yes, I'm going next week.

A woman: Have you bought your plane ticket?

A man: No, I'm gonna buy it this afternoon.

A woman: You've already gone to London, haven't you?

A man: Yes, I went there several times a long time ago.

A woman: Is your wife gonna go with you?

A man: No, this is a business trip.

A woman: And the United States, aren't you going there this year?

A man: Yes, no doubt I'll go there this fall.

A woman: Are you gonna go there with your wife?

A man: Yes, this time she will go with me. We will spend fifteen days in New York.

Guide: Fine. Let's now take a look at what Petro is doing right now.


text:
Interlingua/Curso de conversation/Capitulo 8, Scenas 5 e 6 (interlingua)

SCENA 5: Le officios de Geneva: Petro e John Melville parla post le reunion. Le senior Melville esseva multo impressionate per le professionalismo de omne le participantes in le reunion.

Petro telephona Francesca pro verificar si il ha ulle messages pro ille. Francesca lege a ille un littera de Transporto Mexico. Illo dice que Petro es exactemente le persona que illes necessita, e illes es preste a contractar le sin interviews ulterior. Isto surprende Petro proque ille habeva dictate un littera a illes indicante que ille non voleva le position.

Transporto Mexico dice que ille debera passar un examine medic ante installar se in su nove position, ma le compania le assecura que isto probabilemente essera solmente un formalitate. Francesca tunc lege un telex a ille. Illo veni de Alicia, qui finalmente comprende que Petro non la vole como su secretaria. Iste nova, naturalmente, es anque un grande relevamento pro Petro.

Finalmente, Francesca dice que illa ha trovate in su bureau un littera sue a Mexico. Naturalmente, isto es un bon nova pro Petro. Il pare que ille oblidava mitter iste littera in le posta. Petro nunc comprende proque Transporto Mexico ha offerite a ille su nove position como ingeniero. Finalmente, ille retorna al reunion con le senior Melville.

Melville: Illes cognosce vermente ben lor mestiero, ille gente.

Petro: Illo es normal. Illes es le melior in lor specialitate.

Melville: Si, vermente.

Petro: Ascolta, esque vos me excusa? Io volerea telephonar Francesca pro verificar alique.

Melville: Si, naturalmente.

Petro: Hello, Francesca?

Francesca: Si?

Petro: Il es io, Petro.

Francesca: Bon die, Petro.

Petro: Ascolta: Esque il ha un message pro me? Un littera, alique simile?

Francesca: Si, il ha un telex e un littera.

Petro: De ubi veni le littera?

Francesca: Illo veni de ... Mexico.

Petro: Vermente? Esque vos pote aperir lo e leger me lo?

Francesca: Si, un momento. Illo veni de Transporto Mexico. Esque vos vole que io lo lege integre a vos?

Petro: Si, per favor.

Francesca: Multo ben: "Car senior Minelli, nos ha le placer de informar vos que vos es exactemente le persona que nos necessita."

Petro: Guai, ma io ha inviate un littera a illes dicente que io iva remaner hic in Geneva.

Melville: Un nova mal?

Petro: Si, in un senso.

Francesca: Pardono?

Petro: Nihil, nihil.

Francesca: Esque vos vole que io continua?

Petro: Si, per favor.

Francesca: "Nos ha audite tante cosas bon sur vos que il non nos pare necesse interviewar vos. Nos vole includer vos inter nostre personal immediatemente, si isto es possibile. Le sol precondition, que certemente vos parera normal, es que nostre servicio medic nos assecura, post un examination, que vostre sanitate es in un stato satisfactori. Nos es convincite que isto essera un simple formalitate. Attendente le placer de reciper un responsa de vos ... "

Petro: Si.

Francesca: Le signatura al fin del littera es Roberto Rodriguez. E il ha anque un telex.

Petro: Esque vos pote leger me lo?

Francesca: "Car Petro, Vostre chef me ha dicite que vos vadeva a Mexico e que vos non haberea besonio de mi servicios in le futuro. Io spera que vos habera multe successo in vostre nove position. Alicia."

Petro: Ah. Isto, al minus, es un bon nova.

Francesca: Oh, un momento, il ha un altere cosa que io ha oblidate.

Petro: Si?

Francesca: Inter vostre papiros io ha trovate un littera a Mexico. Il pare que vos non lo ha date al servicio postal. Esque vos vole que io ...

Petro: No, no. Per favor, retene lo e da lo a me plus tarde.

Francesca: Multo ben. Isto es toto. Esque vos ha besonio de ulle altere cosa?

Petro: No, vermente no.

Francesca: Multo ben. A revider.

Petro: A revider.

Melville: Il me pare que nos nunc debe retornar al reunion.

Petro: Si, multo ben. Illo va comenciar multo tosto.

EXERCITIO 5: (Il es io, il es ille, il es vos):

Guida: Disveloppamentos in le carriera de Petro vade de un maniera rapidissime pro ille. Felicemente, tamen, ille resta calme. Ma nunc io volerea audir un altere vice iste expressiones de identification que nos ha ascoltate.

Un homine: Qui ha respondite al telephono?

Un femina: Il es io. Il es io qui ha respondite al telephono.

Un homine: Esque il es illa qui ha scribite le littera?

Un femina: No, il non es illa. Il es ille. Il es ille qui ha scribite le littera.

Un homine: A vos place iste travalio?

Un femina: Si, illo es le typo de travalio que place a me. Il es le typo de travalio que me place.

Un homine: Vos ha travaliate pro iste compania pro multe tempore?

Un femina: Si, io travalia hic sex annos. Il es sex annos que io travalia in iste compania.

Un homine: Vos es contente de vader a Geneva?

Un femina: Si, pro me illo es un bon nova.

Un homine: A vos place viver hic?

Un femina: Si, illo es multo belle, iste appartamento.

Un homine: Vos sape facer iste exercitio?

Un femina: Si, illo es multo facile.

Un homine: Quales es le characteristicas de Paris que vos prefere?

Un femina: Lo que io prefere es le museos e le restaurantes.

Guida: Io crede que io comprende omne isto un pauco melio. A iste puncto, que nos vide lo que occurre con Petro.

SCENA 6: Le aeroporto de Geneva: Catherina e Petro es in le aeroporto. Le avion que portara Petro a Mexico va volar via multo tosto. Catherina dice que illa spera que illes se trovara un altere vice post que ille completara le tres annos de su nove contracto.

Petro tunc exprime su sperantia que Catherina habera multe successo in su projecto egyptian e que su relationes con le senior Melville vadera ben pro illa. Finalmente, ille se imbarca in le avion, exprimente su optimismo pro iste nove disveloppamento in su carrera.

Annunciator: Passageros pro le volo Lufthansa octo centos trenta cinque destinate a Mexico que non ha un carta de imbarcamento debera imbarcar se immediatemente per Porta quaranta tres. On requesta que passageros qui ha un carta de imbarcamento usa le porta quaranta duo.

Catherina: Isto es vostre volo.

Petro: Si. Io debe vader illac immediatemente, il me pare.

Catherina: Si. Bon. Io spera que possibilemente nos nos videra in le futuro.

Petro: E anque io.

Catherina: Reveni a travaliar con nos un die, si vos pote, post vostre contracto currente.

Petro: Illo me placerea multo.

Catherina: Quante annos dura vostre contracto?

Petro: Tres.

Catherina: Illo es multe tempore, tres annos.

Petro: Si, vermente.

Catherina: A revider, Petro.

Petro: A revider, Catherina. Bon sorte con le contracto egyptian.

Catherina: Gratias. E bon sorte con vostre contracto currente.

Petro: Ah, non vos vos preoccupa. Omne vadera ben.

Catherina: Si. Bon viage, e bon sorte.

Petro: Si. Io es multo contente de haber facite vostre cognoscentia.

Catherina: Anque io.

Petro: A revider, Catherina.

Catherina: A revider, Petro.


text:
Interlingua/Curso de conversation/Capitulo 8, Scenas 5 e 6 (anglese)

SCENE 5: The Geneva offices: Petro and John Melville are talking after the meeting. Mr. Melville was very impressed with the professionalism of all the participants in the meeting.

Petro calls up Francesca to find out if there are any messages for him. Francesca reads him a letter from Transportes Mexico. It says that Petro is exactly the person that they need, and they are ready to hire him without further interviews. This surprises Petro because he had dictated a letter to them indicating that he did not want the job.

Transportes Mexico says that he will have to pass a medical examination before settling into his new position, but the company assures him that this will probably be only a formality. Francesca then reads a telex to him. It comes from Alicia, who finally understands that Petro does not want her as his secretary. This news, naturally, is a great relief for Petro.

Finally, Francesca says that she has found in his desk a letter of his to Mexico. Naturally, this is good news for Petro. Probably he forgot to drop this letter into the mail. Petro now understands why Transportes Mexico has offered him his new engineering job. Finally, he returns to the meeting with Mr. Melville.

Melville: They really know their work well, those people.

Petro: That's normal. They are the best in their specialty.

Melville: Yes, really.

Petro: Listen, will you excuse me. I want to call up Francesca to verify something.

Melville: Yes, naturally.

Petro: Hello, Francesca?

Francesca: Yes.

Petro: It's me, Petro.

Francesca: Good morning, Petro.

Petro: Listen. Is there a message for me? A letter, something similar?

Francesca: Yes, there is a telex, and also a letter.

Petro: Where is the letter from?

Francesca: It's from ... Mexico.

Petro: Really? Can you open it up and read me it?

Francesca: Yes, just a moment. It's from Transportes Mexico. Do you want me to read all of it to you?

Petro: Yes, please.

Francesca: Very well: "Dear Mr. Minelli, we have the pleasure of informing you that you are exactly the persona that we need."

Petro: Oh God, I sent them a letter saying that I was gonna remain here in Geneva?

Melville: A bad piece of news?

Petro: Yes, in a sense.

Francesca: Pardon?

Petro: Nothing, nothing.

Francesca: Do you want me to continue?

Petro: Yes, please.

Francesca: "We have heard so many good things about you that it does not seem necessary for us to interview you. We want to include you among our personnel immediately, if this is possible. The only precondition, which certainly will seem normal to you, is for our medical service to assure us, after an examination, that you health is in a satisfactory condition. We are convinced that this wil be a simple formality. Awaiting the pleasure of receiving a response from you ... "

Petro: Yes.

Francesca: The signature at the end of the letter is Roberto Rodgriguez. And there is also a telex.

Petro: Can you read it to me?

Francesca: "Dear Petro, Your supervisor has told me that you were going to Mexico and that you would not have need of my services in the future. I hope that you will have a lot of success in your new position. Alicia."

Petro: Ah. That, at least is a good piece of news.

Francesca: Oh, one moment, there is another thing that I forgot?

Petro: Yes?

Francesca: Among your papers I have found a letter to Mexico. It seems that you did not mail it out. Do you want me to ...

Petro: No no. Please, keep it and give it to me later.

Francesca: Very well. That's everything. Do you need anything else?

Petro: No, really no.

Francesca: Very well. See you.

Petro: See you.

Melville: It seems to me that we should now get back to the meeting.

Petro: Yes, very well. It's gonna start very soon.

EXERCISE 5: (It's me, it's him, it's you):

Guide: Developments in Petro's career are progressing very rapidly for him. Fortunately, however, he's remaining calm. But now I'd like to hear another time the expressions of identification that we have been hearing.

A man: Who's answered the phone?

A woman: It's me. I'm the one who's answered the phone.

A man: Is she the one who has written the letter?

a woman: No, it's not her. It him. He's the one who has written the letter.

A man: Do you like this work?

A woman: Yes, it is the kind of work that I like. It's the kind of work that pleases me.

A man: Have you worked for this company for long?

A woman: Yes, I have worked here for six years. It is now six years that I have been working for this company.

A man: Are you happy to be going to Geneva?

A woman: Yes, for me that's a good piece of news.

A man: Do you like to live here?

A woman: Yes, it's very nice, this apartment.

A man: Do you know how to do this exercise?

A woman: Yes, it's very easy.

A man: What are the things about Paris that you like?

A woman: What I like are the museums and the restaurants.

Guide: I think that I understand all this a little better. At this point, let's see what's happening with Petro.

SCENE 6: The Geneva Airport: Catherina and Petro are at the airport. The plane that will take Petro to Mexico is going to take off very soon. Catherina says that she hopes that they will run into each other another time after he finishes the three years of his new contract.

Petro then expresses his hope that Catherina will have a lot of success in her Egyptian project and that her relations with Mr. Melville will go well for her. Finally, he gets on the plane, expressing his optimism for this new development in his career.

Announcer: Passengers for the Lufthansa flight eight hundred thirty-five for Mexico who don't have a boarding pass should board the plane immediately through Door forty-three. Passengers with a boarding pass are requested to use Door forty-two.

Catherina: This is your flight.

Petro: Yes. I should go there immediately, it seems to me.

Catherina: Yes. Good. I hope that possibly we will see each other later on.

Petro: Me too.

Catherina: Come work with us sometime later, if you can, after your current contract is over.

Petro: I would like that a lot.

Catherina: How many years is you contract for?

Petro: Three.

Catherina: That's a lot of time, three years.

Petro: Yes, really.

Catherina: See you later, Petro.

Petro: See you later, Catherina. Good luck with the Egyptian contract.

Catherina: Thanks. And good luck with your current contract.

Petro: Oh, don't worry. Everything will go fine.

Catherina: Yes. Bon voyage, and good luck.

Petro: Yes. I am very happy to have gotten to know you.

Catherina: Me too.

Petro: See you later, Catherina.

Catherina: See you later, Petro.