ROLE PLAYING

My last few French classes at Glendon have centered on friendly and at times very humorous skits en francais.

Our teacher sets the scene and in pairs, the students act out their parts. In one scenario, an angry landlord confronts a tenant with complaints about too much noise.

"Mais monsier," I offer, " my father is 97 and my mother is 96 and they're both quite deaf. What am I to do?"

That seemed to leave my irate partner speechless for more than a few moments.

In another dialogue, I'm supposedly awakened by a phone call from my daughter who is sightseeing in Rome.

"I have a beautiful hotel room, the wine is great and we plan to visit the Vatican tomorrow," says my partner.

"But I thought you were alone on holiday," I reply. "What's this about we?"

"Papa," my daughter replies. "I've met a wonderful young man. His name it Carlo."

"And is that a hotel room for one or two my dear?" I ask, playing the agitated father part.

"I cannot lie Papa," my daughter replies. "It's a room for two."

"Well if that's the case," I answer in resignation," if you are talking to the Pope tomorrow at the Vatican, you'd better say Carlo is your brother."

In a third situation, I try to talk my way out of a speeding ticket by insisting that the police officer is colour blind.

"What colour is that buddy?" I ask, holding up my red hat a la Father Beaudois.

Fun stuff and a great way to learn the language.

Can't wait til our last class tomorrow morning.

Til next time!