He is studying the ancient Tang language.

He often tells interesting yarns.

He likes to chatter.

They were shooting the breeze while drinking coffee.

She loves reading fairy tales.

He broke the ice by starting a conversation to break the awkward silence.

I always enjoy gossiping with her.

She always likes gossip, and gets excited when she knows someone's secret.

He was reading a book about medieval beheadings.

He fell backwards as if doing a somersault in surprise.