DCL –1er avril 2011 –Phase 2–Transcriptions des documents audio
Enregistrement A:
Hi, my name is Katrina and I’m calling you from Amsterdam. Iwould have liked to talk to you in person but unfortunately you’re not there. I’m an art student and I live in Keetwonen. You’ve probably never heard of it but Keetwonen is the name of the biggest container city in the world. I’ve been living in a converted shipping container for almost three years now. It was a totally new concept in the Netherlands. It turned out to be a big success among students in Amsterdam and it is now the second most popular student dormitory offered by the Student Housing Corporation. People thought that the container homes would be too small, too noisy, too cold or too hot but they’re not in fact, they are big enough for a student. Of course, you sometimes hear your neighbours but it’s the same if you live in a flat. The only problem is the insulation. I had a huge heating bill last winter and it can get quite hot inside in summer. But on the whole they certainly offer value for money compared to other student homes in the city. They also have amenities often missing in other student dormitories. For example, I have my own bathroom and kitchen, balcony, separate sleeping and study room, large windows that provide daylight and a view. Most important of all, there’s a high-speed internet connexion included. They correspond to what most students want: place for yourself, not having to share the shower and the toilet with strangers, but at the same time, lots of possibilities to participate in student social life, parties and so on. Do not hesitate to contact me if you need more information and I hope this will help you make a decision.
Enregistrement B:
Radio host: Welcome to today’s programme about intergenerational relationships. We’re going to start with Mary and Emma who both take part in the generation exchange programme. Mary, can you tell us more about this programme?
Mary:Well, it’s very simple. The idea is to share your place with a younger person. I’ve been a widow for five years and I’ve had a very lonely life since then. You know, when you’re seventy-two like me, it’s not easy to keep busy at home all day long, or to go out on your own. So when I heard of the exchange project I immediately felt interested. I had a big house and two spare rooms. I could very easily accommodate a young person who had difficulties in finding a place.
Radio host: It sounds as if it were the obvious thing for you to do. Were things so clear-cut for you, Emma?
Emma: Well, not really. I had quite a lot of negative stereotypes and preconceptions about old people and I was afraid to be like a nurse for this person. I also feared it would be dull and depressing to live in an old person’s house. But then when I met Mary I changed my mind. I though I should give it a try at least.
Radio host: So what does it really mean to live together?
Mary: Well, Emma is more than a housemate to me. She’s brought new life into my existence. We talk a lot together, about absolutely everything. I’ve learnt a lot with her and I think she’s also learnt from my experience. Just to give you an example, thanks to Emma I bought a computer with an internet access. She helped me out a lot at the beginning. Now I can easily see and communicate with my son and granddaughters who live in Australia. I’m so thankful to her.
Emma: Mary also supported me a lot. When I moved in her house I was unemployed and a bit depressed. She did not misjudge me. On the opposite, she helped me gain self-confidence and today, thanks to her advice, I have a job. We are both independent but we enjoy doing things together like cooking, gardening and even window-shopping sometimes.
Radio host: So I guess you would advise other people to join the generation exchange programme.
Emma: Yes, of course, though I’m well aware that some young workers or students would not like this quiet and slow pace of life. I’ve met some young people who did not have such a positive experience. They found it hard to adjust to this new style of life and some did not get on well with their landlord. You should always remember that you’re not in your own house so you have to respect certain rules. You have to be open-minded. Respect and tolerance are the key words to a successful intergenerational cohabitation.