Online dating is changing how we flirt

Since online dating sites first appeared in 1995, they have grown to have more than 5 million
users in the UK. Tim Muffett has been finding out if romance can still flourish away from our
computer screens and keyboards, in a more traditional way.
Reporter: So internet dating might have transformed the way many people look for love and
become socially acceptable, but some feel there's one activity an online profile or a
newspaper ad can never replicate: good, old-fashioned, flirting.
Jean Smith is an American anthropologist and flirting coach. Kelly is single. She has tried
online dating, but feels her one-to-one flirting skills need improving.
Kelly: Excuse me... hi there.
Man: I don't have time, sorry.
Kelly: OK, thank you.
You still have to flirt online, but via the medium of writing and that's completely different
from trying to strike up a conversation with somebody, in person.
Reporter: This exercise involves chatting to strangers.
Jean Smith: When we first start doing this, you're going to feel a bit awkward, a bit
uncomfortable.
Kelly: A bit silly.
Jean Smith: Part of flirting is having the confidence of letting someone know that you're
interested. And British people, in my experience, are way too hesitant and so both people
leave and think… oh God, I wish I would have said something.
Why don't you ask him can he recommend a good restaurant around here?




Vocabulary and definitions
socially acceptable-seen as approved of by other people
an online profile -a personal description published on the internet
replicate- imitate or make happen in a similar way
flirting -talking and behaving in a way that makes someone think
you are sexually attracted to them
anthropologist- researcher who studies people, society and culture
single- not married, not currently in a romantic relationship
medium- means used to communicate
strike up a conversation-start to talk (to someone)
chance encounter -meeting between two people which is not arranged
seize the day -take advantage of the situation or take action

COURTESY:BBC

Words in the News

Japanese disasters hit UK car production

Words in the News © British Broadcasting Corporation 2011

Page 1 of 2

bbclearningenglish.com

The Japanese car maker, Honda, says it plans to reduce the number of cars made at one of its

UK factories. This is due to a parts shortage following the recent earthquake and tsunami in

Japan. The 3,000 workers at the plant will remain on full pay. Mark Gregory reports.

Honda says it's cutting production at its Swindon plant, in southern England, by 50% from

next week, as it grapples with shortages of key components from Japan.

Wide swathes of Japanese industry are working at well below full capacity due to power

shortages, following the nuclear accident at Fukushima. The earthquake and tsunami

devastated a region that's home to some key parts suppliers to the motor and electronics

industries. The effect is being felt in the supply chains of many companies around the world,

not just Japanese ones, that rely on Japanese made components.

The problem's been exacerbated by the prevalence of so-called 'just-in-time' production

systems, where manufacturers don't keep large stockpiles of parts on-site. Instead, they rely

on timely deliveries made just before the parts are needed, more efficient when things are

going well, but prone to disruption if the parts don't arrive on time.

Mark Gregory, BBC News

Vocabulary and definitions

production- here, the number of cars made

grapples with -struggles to deal with

key components- crucial or important parts

wide swathes -here, large parts

devastated- wrecked or ravaged

the supply chains- the systems used to get parts or materials for production

rely on -depend on

exacerbated -made worse

prevalence of -common use or regular occurrence of

prone to- likely to suffer from

COURTESY:BBC