Reading Look at the title of the article, Do you think the article will be serious or light-hearted? Why? First read the article quite quickly. All the nationalities on page 39 are mentioned. A World Guide to ood Write down one thing about each nationality that you can remember. Share what you have written with other students in the class, Manners How not to behave badly abroad ‘Travelling to all comers of the world gets easier and easier. We live in a global village, but «how well do we know and understand each ‘other? Here is a simple test Imagine you have arranged a meeting at four o'clock, What dime should you to expect your foreign business colleagues to arrive? If they're German, they'll be bang on time. If they're American, they'll probably be 15 minutes carly. If they're British, they'll be 15 minutes late, and you should allow up o an hour for the Italians, 1» When the European Community began to increase in size, several guidebooks appeared giving advice on international etiquette, At first many. people thought this was a joke, especially the British, who seemed to assume that the widespread » understanding of their language meant corresponding understanding of English customs. ideas, as they realized that they had a lot to lear about how to Very soon they had to change thei behave with their foreign business friends. x= For example: © The British are happy to have a business lunch, and discuss business maiters with a drink during the ‘meal; the Japanese prefer not to work while eating. Lunch is a time to relax and get to know one so another, and they rarely drink at lunchtime. 40 Unit 4 Doing the right thing «<> by Norman Ramshaw ~~’ © The Germans like to talk business before dinner; the French like to eat first and talk afterwards. They hhave tobe well fed and watered before they discuss anything, © © Taking off your jacket and rolling up your sleeves is a sign of getting down to work in Britai and Holland, but in Germany people regard it as taking it easy, e American ‘executives sometimes signal their feelings of ease and importance in their offices by putting their feet on the desk whilst on the telephone, In Japan, people ‘would be shocked, Showing the soles of your feet is the height of bad manners, It is a social insult only exceeded by blowing your nose in public. ‘The Japanese have perhaps the strictest rules of social and ‘9 business behavivur. Seniority is very important, and a younger man should never be sent to complete a business deal with an older ss Japanese man, The Japanese business card almost needs a rulebook of its own. You must exchange business cards immediately ‘on meeting because it is mp co essential to establish everyone's status and position,When it is handed t a person in a superior position, it must be given and received with both hands, and you must take time to read it carefully, and not Just put it in your pocket! Also the bow is a very important part of greeting someone. You should ze not expect the Japanese to shake hands. Bowing the head is a mark of respect and the first bow of the day should be lower than when you meet thereafter. ‘The Americans sometimes find it difficult to accept the more formal v» Japanese manners. They prefer to be casual and-more informal, as illustrated by the universal ‘Have a nice day!” American waiters have a one-word imperative “Enjoy!” The British, of course, are cool vo and reserved. The great topic of conversation between strangers in Britain is the weather—unemotional y and impersonal. In America, the main topic between e strangers is the search to > 2 find a geographical link, ‘Oh, F 4d! “hy really? You live in Ohio? I had an tuncle who once worked there.” ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” © Here are some final tips for travellers. @ In France you shouldn't sit down in a café until you've shaken hands with everyone you know. © In Afghanistan you should spend at least five minutes saying hello, In Pakistan you mustn't wink. Itis offensive. @ In the Middle East you must never use the left hand for greeting, eating, drinking, or smoking. Also, you should take care not to admire anything in your hhosts’ home, They will feel that they have to give it 1m (0 you. @ In Russia you must match your hosts drink for drink or they will think you are unfriendly. © In Thailand you should clasp your hands together and lower your head and your eyes when you greet 1m someone, © In America you should eat your hamburger with both hands and as quickly as possible. You shouldn't try to have a conversation until itis eaten. Comprehension check Read the article again and answer the questions, Discuss the questions in pairs. 1 Which nationalities are the most and least punctual? 2. Why did the British think that everyone understood their customs? 3. Which nationalities do nor like to eat and do business at the same time? 4 “They (the French) have to be well fed and watered.’ What or who do you normally have to feed and water? 5. Lcok at the pictures, What nationality are they? How do you know? 6 An American friend of yours is going to work in Japan. Give some advice about how he/she should and shouldn't behave. 7 Imagine you are at a party in (a) England (b) America. How could you begin a conversation with a stranger? Continue the conversations with your partner, 8 Which nationalities have rules of behaviour about hands? What are the rules? 9. Why is it nor a good idea to Say that you absolutely love your Egyptian friend’ vase. go to Russia if you don't drink aleohol + Say “Hi! See you later!” when you're introduced to someone in Afghanistan, discuss polities with your American friend in a MeDonald’s Discussion 1 Do you agree with the saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do"? Do you have a similar saying in your language? 2. What are the ‘rules’ about greeting people in your country? When do you shake hands? When do you kiss? What about when you say goodbye? 3. Think of one or two examples of bad manners. For example, in Britain it is considered impolite to ask people how much they earn, 4. What advice would you aive somebody coming to live and work in your country? Doing the ight thing Unit 4 41