Unit9SocialCustoms..doc

Unit 9 Social Customs Part A Listening task 1 ANSWER: 1.F 2.T 3.F 4.T 5.F 6.F Listening task 2 Invitation Customs in Britain Small gift for the host or hostess: flowers a box of chocolates something from your country Dress: informal and individual dress to dinner at a friend’s home a jacket and tie to an expensive restaurant Good time to arrive :no more than 15 minutes:a little before the meal LANGUAGE FOLLOW-UP It is customary in Britain for the guest to bring a gift for the host. It would be very nice if you could take somethingfrom your country. What you should wear depends on what kind of party it is. If you are not sure what you should wear,then ask your host or your friends. It is quite normal that everyone would talk to a lot of people in a party. Part B Listening task 1 American Communication Style Common topics of small talk: 1.the weather 2.the place,room or building they are in 3.their past experiences Controversial topics: religion and politics Unacceptable topics: personal financial matters or inquiries about anyone’s earning, or about the amount anyone paid for an item illness,sex body or mouth odor Listening task 2 Americans prefer brief replies.This does not mean they are impolite,rude or limited mentally. Many Americans find silence uncomfortable. They will talk continually to fill any pause in a conversation,even if it lasts only for a moment.If you are silent for long periods of time,they will do their best to include you in the conversation. Many newcomers to America are frustrated when they have difficulty becoming ‘close’ friends with Americans.In fact,Americans often seem to fear close involvement with each other,not just with unfamiliar people from other countries.They aviod becoming dependent on others. LANGUAGE FOLLOW-UP People of different cultures do daily things differently. If American customs seem strange,remember:Americans feel the same way when they visit another country. Discussing a controversial topic can lead to