Cultures around the World

Almost every nation has a reputation of some kind. How much do we know about different cultures? The French are supposed to be fond of champagne; the German dull, formal, fond of military uniforms and parades; the Americans boastful, energetic, gregarious and vulgar. The British are reputed to be cold, reserved, who do not yell in the street, change their governments as they change their underclothes, or have revolutions. But when the European Community began to increase in size, travelling to all corners of the world got easier and easier. Very soon we had to change our ideas, as we realized that we had a lot to learn about how to behave with our foreign friends.

The French like conversation. When you are speaking to French people, do not be suprised if they keep interrupting you and even raise their voices; it is quite normal. French people shake hands much more than the Americans or most Europeans. A woman in France will offer her hand first.

The Americans raise their children to be independent. It is a part of American culture. Most teenagers try to find summer or after school jobs, so they can have their own money. Students usually work part-time and during summer vacations.

The British are very polite in public. Loud talking and other forms of noisy behaviour should always be avoided. They don’t stand close to people they are talking to, they keep the distance. Privacy is highly regarded in the United Kingdom.

Of course, punctuality is a necessary habit in the life of civilized society. Without it, nothing could ever be brought to a conclusion. But how do different nationalities understand it? Imagine you have arranged a birthday party. What time should you expect your foreign guests to arrive? If they are Germans they’ll bang on time. If they British, they’ll be 10 or 15 minutes late – this gives hosts time to finish their preparations. And you should allow up to an hour for the Italians.

According to the wellknown proverb “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” here are some pieces of advice for travellers:

· In Afganistan you should spend at least five minutes saying hello;

· In Pakistan you mustn’t wink. It is offensive.

· In the Middle East you must never use the left hand for greeting, eating, drinking, or smoking.

· In Thailand you should clasp your hands together and lower your head and eyes when you greet someone.

· In Japan lowing the head is a mark of respect. You should avoid eye contact.

3. Answer the following questions:

1. What reputation have the French, the German, the Americans and the British got?

2. When did travelling all over the world get easy?

3. How do the Americans raise their children?

4. What do the British think about the privacy?

5. Is punctuality a necessary habit?

4. Match the words:

1. efficient а) товариський

2. boastful b) стриманий

3. gregarious c) раціональний, доцільний

4. reserved d) нудний

5. polite е) енергійний

6. dull f) хвалькуватий

7. energetic g) ввічливий

5. Find the correct word, given below:

It is not a good idea to make eye contact in...

It is not a good idea to talk aloud in...

It is not a good idea to use the left hand for greeting in...

It is not a good idea to wink in...

It is not a good idea to shake hands with everyone in...

(Thailand, Great Britain, Japan, Pakistan, The Middle East)

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14