You cannot practise without conversations, and you cannot have conversations unless you can start them. The good news first: in Kerala, talking to strangers on a bus, in a queue or at a tea shop is normal, and a learner speaking Malayalam is interesting in their own right. This class gives you four openers, from easiest to hardest, the questions you will be asked in the first two minutes, and three moves that keep any conversation going. Words and phrases in this class: ഇവിടെ നല്ല ചായ എവിടെ കിട്ടും? (ivide nalla chaaya evide kittum?) – where can I get good tea here? നല്ല മഴയാണല്ലോ (nalla mazhayaanallo) – it's really raining, isn't it വലിയ തിരക്കാണല്ലോ (valiya thirakkaanallo) – it's very crowded, isn't it ബസ് വൈകിയല്ലോ (bus vaikiyallo) – the bus is late, isn't it ഞാൻ മലയാളം പഠിക്കുകയാണ് (njaan malayaalam padikkukayaanu) – I'm learning Malayalam എനിക്ക് കുറച്ചേ അറിയൂ (enikku kurache ariyoo) – I only know a little പതുക്കെ പറയാമോ? (pathukke parayaamo?) – can you speak slowly? നിങ്ങൾക്കോ? (ningalkko?) – and you? പിന്നെ? (pinne?) – and then? അതെയോ? (atheyo?) – really? കൊള്ളാം (kollaam) – nice In this class: • Four openers: the question, the comment, the self-introduction, the compliment • The -അല്ലോ particle that turns a remark into an invitation • The placing questions you will be asked in the first two minutes • Three moves that keep it going: return, extend, show you are listening Quizzes below. Dr. Reshmi R Nair — SpeakMalayalam.