Я преподаю английский язык в г. Лихославль Тверской области более 28 лет и более 16 лет переписываюсь с коллегой из США Одри Барр. На смену эпистолярному жанру пришла спутниковая связь и мы часто посылаем друг другу e-mail, общаемся через Skype или по телефону, но время от времени все же пишем любимые сердцу письма. Пишем их от руки, т.е. от всего сердца. Перечитываешь письма – и вся жизнь проходит перед тобой: вспоминаешь поездку в США и визит Одри в Россию. Как-то задумали мы с моей американской коллегой даже книгу написать о наших впечатлениях от посещения стран. Но у учителей всегда не хватает времени. За время переписки накопился богатый материал, что мне хотелось бы поделиться с коллегами и всеми, кто изучает английский язык. Богатый языковой материал я распределила по рубрикам: «Описание людей и мест», «Чувства и эмоции», «Школа и проблемы», «Политика глазами Одри Барр», «Церковь в жизни американца», «Россия глазами Одри Барр», «Друзья и дружба», «Досуг, праздники», «Здоровье. Система здравоохранения» и т.д. Хочу начать с рубрики «Как писать письма». Здесь читатель познакомится с тем, как начать письмо, как его закончить, какие фразы использовать в самом письме.
How To Start a Letter
Dear Tanya,
I received your letter written 12-18-96 on 2-18-97. I started a letter to you but was not
able to finish it. Life has been very hectic. It is always the things that I want to do
that get put on the back burner.
Dear Tanya,
Yes, yes, yes. I received your parcel. Your CD-s lift my heart and make me feel close to
you.
Dear Tanya,
First things first.
Dear Tanya,
Sorry for not writing to you for a long time. I’m really sorry to hear that your mom is
seriously ill.
Dear Tanya,
It has been three month since I have written. Where does the time go?
Dear Tanya,
I got your letter of 5-3-08. How wonderful it was to hear from you and great that I
received the letter so quickly. I hope this letter gets to you swiftly also.
Dear Tanya,
I got your letter at Christmas and it was such a good gift. Since it has been so long
since I have written, I will have to go to November to bring you up to date.
Dear Tanya,
I started this letter a month ago and never finished it. Much has happened since I put my
pen down.
Dear Tanya,
I’m so sorry. I have let a whole your pass without responding to you. I hope you can
forgive me.
Dear Tanya,
I was so pleased to get a letter from you and relieved that you are doing better. I let
July slip by without replying because my life was so hectic. It was a stressful depressing
summer. Your letter lifted my spirit more than you will ever know.
Dear Tanya,
Only three month to go! I’m hoping I will hear soon that you have obtained a visa and
passport.
Dear Tanya,
It seems so long since I have written you that I can’t remember what I last told you
about. I don’t recall if I wrote about Christmas or not, so I will start in case I
didn’t.
Dear Tanya,
I cannot believe six weeks have passed by and I haven’t written to you. I’m a
deplorable person. I do not know where the time has gone.
Dear Tanya,
Yesterday I received the sweetest letter ever written. It was the first letter you wrote
to me when you returned from your trip. It was so full of happiness, hope and gratitude.
It moved me and lifted my spirits. I’m thrilled that you feel empowered by your American
experience and ready to share with those around you. I was also moved to tears by…
It’s truly more blessed to give than to receive.
Dear Tanya,
My dear sweet friend. I have let over a month slip by without writing. It’s not that you
are out-of-mind, for rarely a day goes by that I do not think of you. It is that spare
time is a rare commodity.
Dear Tanya,
I feel that I have neglected you and I miss you very much
Expressions Used in Letter-Writing
- On the home front I’m very concerned about…
- I was saddened by the news that…
- I do have some good news.
- It is always frustrating when…
- First good news - …
- The post cards (from Russia) are so tantalizing. I want so much to come and visit.
- It is a dream that I intend to make a reality one day (visiting Russia).
- The big news these last two weeks has been…
- I will keep you informed about…
- I have some other distressing news.
- When I reflected back on this month, I realized that…
- Ashley’s news was that she…
- One bit of good news is that…
- I’m not pressuring you for answers. I’m only interested in your plans for…
- I forgot to tell you about the bizarre thing that happened to me.
- Here is to the New Year (А теперь о…)
- Something else I have neglected is sending you pictures of our summer.
- I’ll let you know if he is any good.
- I have been remiss in sending presidential campaign news.
- We had some sad news in our family a short time back.
- My summer started off on a very pleasant note.
- While I’m on the subject of David, I should tell you his other news.
- On a more positive note: today was my first day at school.
- I will let you know what happens next.
- I was disturbed to hear that…
- Let me turn now to news from…
- I was shocked and saddened with the news of…
- (после подробного описания свадьбы) Well, I hope you feel that you were at the wedding.
- Let me pause here and tell you a little about…
- I have probably mentioned her in years past
- More about college, careers and life changes. We switch to Jessica.
- Long story short - … (Короче - …)
- When I read back over this letter I realize that my penmanship is so sloppy – I do not know if you can read it.
- I didn’t want to talk about depressing things.
- My heart is with you and your fellow teachers.
- I was stunned to hear that…
- I’m full of great anticipation and anxiety.
- I was so elated that…
- I was dumbfounded
- It infuriates me that…
- I was devastated
- It was a very moving experience.
- I don’t know what have come over me.
- I have turned into sort of a football fan.
- I wish I had some magic words I could say to you to make it better.
- I was put off (disgusted) by…
- I resent the fact that…
- I confess that I …
- This thing will always be good for a laugh when we are reminiscing about…
- I about died when…
- I was very appreciative of…
- I feel obligated
How To Finish a Letter
I don’t want to end on a sad note. Things are going just fine for me. Give my love to all. Take care.
Love
Audrey.
* * *
Love to all…
I just write you to say I love you…
I hope all is well. Stay warm.
* * *
Give my best to all your friends and loved ones. I miss you very much.
* * *
Thank you for being my friend. I wish I could hug you…
I’m anxiously awaiting for April 11. Be patient, be positive, be prepared to get on that
plane.
* * *
Of course the best New Year’s event was your phone call on New Year’s night. I don’t think I am going to be able to think of anything else between now and June except your visit. I’m so happy.
P.S. Say a little prayer for me – Jessica got her driver’s license today.
Until next time
* * *
My hands are cramping. I will write you again soon with news of school and holiday events. Please, do keep your sense of humor and hopeful outlook. I pray for you always.
* * *
I’m going to close because I want to finish this letter and get it in the mail. I
don’t want it so sit around my house unfinished for months and never get to you.
My best to everyone.
* * *
I miss hearing from you. I want you and yours to be alright. God’s strength and fortitude be with you.
* * *
I’m with you in spirit. I hold you, your boys and all of your friends deer to my heart.
Love.
Audrey.
* * *
I love you, Tanya. I don’t know how long it will be before we see each other again.
Maybe many years. Our lives will plunge forward taking different twists and turns, but we
will always be linked. God can lead us to do great things through our friends hip.
Write when you can.