Conversational topics

1. Body language. Which gestures do you use every day? Which seem foolish to you? Which are more common for your friends/relatives/strangers?

Body language is a form of non-verbal communication, which consists of body posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye movements. Humans send and interpret such signals almost entirely subconsciously. According to experts, body language accounts for 55% of the effect we have when communicating. Tone of voice accounts for 33% and words just 7% - so what you say matters much less then how you behave. Body language is an important part of any interaction, so every person should develop an ability to read other people signals and interpret them so as to be aware of their unconscious feelings and emotions.

Body language isn`t always just one movement. Very often it is more than one, but you can be assured that if your non-verbal signals are out of kilter with your spoken message, the people listening to you will feel uncomfortable, or may not believe, or may not be interested, etc.

Here is a list of some body-language habits and their interpretations:
- running fingers through the hair - a person is unsure, frustrated or angry;
- sitting back with both hands behind the head - he knows it all;
- tight-lipped with both hands on hips - aggressive;
- rubbing the earlobe - a person is nervous or doubtful;
- legs crossed, arms tightly folded - your counterpart is annoyed or defensive;
- hair-twisting - nervous;
- stroking the chin - he is deep in thoughts;
- foot tapping, fist clenched - your opposite number is dominant and aggressive.

Surely, this is not the whole list of habits which can be observed in day-to-day life. Moreover, I do believe that some of these interpretations are generalized and only partly try as every person is unique and his gestures and body language should be interpreted in a particular situation. I`m personally keen on twisting my hair, thus I can`t say that I`m always nervous. On the contrary, I`m an extremely self-confident person.

However, we shouldn`t underestimate the importance of our body language as it can tell us more, than words can do.

2. Crime writers in Ukraine today. Include the information about four different writers. What is your attitude to crime writing? What are your favourite stories?

3. Customs and traditions in Ukraine. Describe the table manners. Do you usually follow the rules of etiquette at the table?

Every country has its own customs and traditions, which were formed over centuries. Ukrainian traditions are interesting and versatile. They mean a lot for local people. Even young people eagerly respect and follow them. National traditions determine the way people live: their language, religion, life values, relationships, even food and clothing. Like in many countries, traditions in Ukraine are closely connected with everyday life and the agricultural calendar. Ukrainians also have harvest songs for seasonal works, certain entertainments, ritual greetings and even superstitions. For example, local people believe that shaking hands in the doorway may bring misfortune, or sitting between two people with the same name brings luck. Ukrainians are family-oriented people. The origination and existence of the family is followed by many rituals and rules. For example, there are certain merry elements of formal marriage proposal, engagement and bachelorette party. The ceremony of marriage in Ukraine is called “veselye”, which literally means “fun”. Very often parents and even grandparents live with their children and help them to raise the kids. This tradition goes back to old times, when the majority of Ukrainians lived in villages. Poetic and mysterious is the Midsummer Night or the holiday of Ivana Kupala. Young girls, wearing flower wreaths, sing and dance in a ring. Afterwards, they put their wreaths into the water and watch their way. This ritual shows the girls’ future and fortune. Christmas night is also a good time for fortune-telling. Ukrainians are known for their hospitality. They like having guests over and for this occasion they put all the best food on the table.

Дата добавления: 2015-07-21