When learning another language, we need vocabulary for all kinds of situations. That’s why we decided to do an episode on a more difficult topic. We also got a request from a listener! In this episode, Harp and Andrew talk about expressions that you can use when someone you know has a friend or family member who has passed away. They also share their own experiences with funerals in Canada. This is something that is very cultural!

Harp:

So what we’re gonna do is we’re gonna start with talking about what to do when you find out that someone has died that’s close to you. And then we’re going to talk about funerals. And we’re gonna finish with talking about some of our personal experiences.

Andrew:

Mmhmm. So today, why we’re talking about this is that we had a listener request, actually. And this person emailed us and asked us for some explanations on what you can say when somebody passes away, or dies. So that’s what we’ll start off with today.

Harp:

Yup. So let’s get started. OK. So I want to start with talking about some pretty simple, but very important vocabulary, because talking about death is quite difficult and it’s awkward. It’s awkward for us, so we’re going to try to make it a bit easier. And for me, I think, one thing I do when I find out, let’s say, a friend’s father has died, I always use the expression pass away. I’m so sorry to hear your father passed away. I don’t like to say dead. It seems very harsh to me.

Expressions from this episode included in the Learning Materials:

Stoked

To pass away

Expressions to use when someone has died

The best way to go

A wake/a viewing

Open-casket and closed-casket funerals

Funerals

In lieu of

Yeah, no

Mkay

Sikh funeral traditions

Podcast/Learning Materials: Culips English Podcast, Image Culips