Today’s dialogue is about formal introductions.Margaret: Mr. Wilson, I’d like you to meet Dr. Edward Smith.Mr. Wilson: It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Smith.Dr. Smith: Pleasure to meet you, too.Margaret: Dr. Smith is an economist. He just finished writing a book on international trade.Mr. Wilson: Oh? That’s my field, too. I work for the United Nations.Dr. Smith: In the Development Program, by any chance?Mr. Wilson: Yes. How did you guess?Dr. Smith: I’ve read your articles on technical assistance. They’re excellent.Language notes• Mr. Wilson, I’d like you … Notice the rising intonation on “Mr. Wilson,” which is used to address someone. Listen for the “d” in “I’d like.” This means “I would like,” which is very different from “I like.” (“I’d like” means the same as “I would like” or “I want.”)• Dr. Smith is an economist. Notice the stress on “economist.” This content word has new information, so it is emphasized. There are four syllables in “economist,” with the stress on the second syllable (e-CON-o-mist).• He just finished writing … “Just” means the very recent past. “Just” is usually used with a simple past verb because the action is complete. However, it can also be used with the present perfect (He’s just finished writing …).• Development program. Since these two words make a compound noun, the main stress falls on “development.”• By any chance? means the same as “possibly.” Notice the rising intonation, which is used in yes/no questions to confirm that something is true.Ready to learn more English? Our materials can help. And the U.S. Department of State has great resources for English teachers and students of all levels.Notas lingüísticasMr. Wilson, I’d like you …Observe el alza en la entonación en “Mr. Wilson” (“Sr. Wilson”), que se utiliza para dirigirse a alguien. Escuche la “d” en “I’d like”. Esto significa “I would like” (me gustaría), que es muy diferente de “I like” (me gusta). (“I’d like” significa lo mismo que “I would like” o “I want” [“quiero/quisiera”]).Dr. Smith is an economist. Observe el énfasis en “economist” (“economista”). Esta palabra contiene nueva información y por eso se destaca. “Economist” (“economista”) tiene cuatro sílabas, y la fuerte es la segunda (e-CON-o-mist).He just finished writing …“just” (acaba de/justo/recién) se refiere a un pasado muy reciente. “Just” se utiliza normalmente con un verbo en pretérito porque la acción está completada. Sin embargo, puede utilizarse también con el pretérito perfecto, lo que en inglés se llama present perfect: “He’s (He has) just finished writing…” [Justo/Recién ha terminado de escribir…]).Development program. Como estas dos palabras forman un nombre compuesto en inglés, el énfasis recae en “development” (desarrollo).By any chance? Significa lo mismo que “possibly” (posiblemente). Observe el alza de la entonación, que se utiliza en preguntas con respuesta afirmativa o negativa (“sí/no”) para confirmar que algo es cierto.

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