From the beginning I arrived in Canada,I noticed a phrase among youngsters very common,which I never heard about in our high school English text book back home.In south asia mostly we start to learn English as a subject from third grade.
I soon realized it’s a kind of greeting like ‘How are you?’,but I couldn’t figure out the real meaning and what the reply should be for this ‘What’s up?’
I didn’t know how to reply for that even after finishing first year in University.
One day I was going to school in the bus,some girls from my community got into the bus.I know one girl in the group.They sat in the next seat and the girl asked me ‘What’s up?’.
I felt like why this world still exists?
You might wonder it’s a simple thing why wouldn’t I go and ask someone.Yes,that’s the most appropriate action one should take.I would have asked some one if I think like I am today.Before I was trying to hide as much as possible that I don’t speak English well.But that’s the only thing a person who is learning language shouldn’t do.
After some of the embarrassments I decided to use a technique : OK I’ll ask some one the same question.Hey,what’s up?
I chose a person who looks nice (I don’t want to get into troubles) and waited for some days to met that person some where and asked him ‘Hey,What’s up?’.I still can remember the weird look he gave me.
OK then what is the true meaning of ‘What’s up?’
As far as I learned this not a proper form of English( if I am wrong please someone correct me).It means similar to ‘what’s going on?’.You can say what you are doing at this time,but most of the time ‘Nothing much’ would be enough.
Please correct me.Others also get help from your comments.
Every day survival kit for English learners.Improve your vocabulary -1
Speak like a native
When to Begin?
Ten tips to improve the way you speak English
February 16th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Hey
Really interesting to know.I faced so many things like this.
March 2nd, 2007 at 9:34 am
It is a very interesting topic and I really enjoyed reading it. Most of the newcomers/foreigners feel this way when they encounter new coversational manner. As you know, it varies from place to place.
For this “what’s up?” question, I usually say – not much, Hey man..long time no see..nothing much..OR Hey..Hi… You can use words like this. As you have mentioned, this is more like a rhetorical question used among friends to greet each other. No proper answer would be expected by the speaker.
Keep up the good work, and I am looking forward to read your other topics.
March 11th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
[...] by reading and listening in the language then start to practice it there by you can avoid the embarrassments. *Work on the phrases you notice that you have trouble saying. *He emphasize the important of [...]
April 29th, 2007 at 7:33 am
Hi,
You did the right thing, watched the native speakers and copied their use of language. Remember to watch the environment the phrase was used, confusion is normal until you are comfortable with using the phrase. Use it.
Cheers