Your family history

DAGMAR TAYLOR präsentiert Dialoge und Sprachtipps, mit denen Sie spielend Ihr Alltagsenglisch auffrischen.

1. CATCHING UP

Carla has met up with her friend Polly in a cafe.

Carla: Here you go, one cappuccino. Polly: Oh, thank you! How much do I owe you?

Carla: Don’t worry about it. It’s on me.

Polly: Thank you. That’s very kind. Carla: It’s so good to see you.

Polly: You, too! I haven’t seen you for ages! What have you been up to?

Carla: Nothing much. I’ve been keeping myself busy putting together a family tree for Ben

and Kate. I told you they’re getting married in August, didn’t I?

Polly: Yes, I knew that. A family tree’s a great present! Gosh, I wouldn’t even know where to start. To be honest, I don’t even know the names of my great-grandparents!

Carla: (laughs) Most people don’t. I knew the names of my great-grandparents, but not my great-great-grandparents.

2. DETECTIVE WORK

Carla and Polly are discussing how to put together a family tree.

Polly: So, if I wanted to trace my family history, where would I start?

Carla: Well, you could start by asking your mum and dad if they have any information. They might know some names or have some photos, or perhaps know a family member who does. And then you’d be able to go online and search the National Archives for records of births, marriages

and deaths, and also census records. There’s so much information available out there. Polly: Can you find everything online?

Carla: No, not everything — the records go back only so far. I wasn’t expecting to find as much information as I have, though. It’s a bit like detective work — it’s really exciting when you find another piece of the puzzle.

3. IT’S A MYSTERY

Carla and Polly talk about the progress Carla has made on her family tree.

Polly: So, how far have you been able to go back?

Carla: Almost five generations. Unfortunately, I can’t find any information about one of my great-great-grandfathers. My dad and my grandmother always thought he was Italian, but on his death certificate, it says he was born in Scotland. It’s a mystery.

Polly: Oh, that’s a shame. What can you do when you hit a brick

wall? Can you get advice from a historian or someone?

Carla: Yes, you can. I just noticed on the website I’ve been using that you can hire an expert. If you ask for one, they’ll give you a free estimate.

Polly: That sounds like an option. Carla: I know. I’d really like to find out whether or not we have Italian ancestors.

Polly: You should go for it! Another cappuccino, signora?