How not to behave badly abroad. Как не стоит вести себя заграницей

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Н.Б. Зайцева

HOW NOT ТО BEHAVE BADLY ABROAD

Как не стоит вести себя заграницей

Учебно-методическое

пособие

Данное учебное пособие предназначено для курсантов

I и II курсов

международно-правового факультета и может быть также использовано в качестве учебного

материала для внеаудиторного

чтения

на других

факультетах университета. Целью навыков,

данного

пособия

расширение

является

кругозора

активизация

учащихся

и

коммуникативных их

подготовка

к

профессиональной деятельности. Пособие состоит из двух частей. Первая часть включает познавательную информацию о традициях и обычаях зарубежных стран, представленную в форме небольших различными

аутентичных текстов.

видами

упражнений,

Учебные

тексты

направленных

на

дополнены развитие

коммуникативных навыков. Вторая часть включает материалы о современной жизни трех стран: Великобритании,

страны

изучаемого

языка,

Г ермании,

одной

из

высокоразвитых стран Европейского Союза, и Китая, самого быстро развивающегося государства мира. Тексты сопровождаются аудиозаписями и дополнены блоком упражнений.

How not to behave badly abroad “W hen in Rome, do as the Romans do”

Preamble

Each society has own beliefs, attitudes, customs, behaviors, and social habits. These give people a sense of who they are, and what they should or should not do. These “rules” reflect the “culture” of a country. People become conscious of such rules when they meet people from different cultures. For example, in some cultures, being on time can mean turning up several hours late for an appointment, even for a business meeting; in others, 3 p.m. means 3 p.m. Also, the rules about when to eat vary from culture to culture. Many North Americans and Europeans are used to having three mealtimes a day and organize their timetable around them. In some countries, on the other hand, people often do not have strict rules like this - people eat when they want to, and every family has its own timetable. When people visit or live in a country for the first time, they are often surprised at the differences that exist between their own cultures and the culture in the other country. The most common way of comparing two cultures is in terms of their differences - not their similarities. For some people, travelling abroad is an exciting experience; for others though, cultural differences make them feel uncomfortable, frightened, or even insecure. This is known as “culture shock”. Here are several things to do in order to avoid culture shock. Learning how to adapt to a new culture

1. Avoid quick judgments; try to understand people in other culture from their own point of view. 2. Become more aware of what is going on around you and why. 3. Don’t think of your cultural habits as “right” and other people’s as “wrong”. 4. Be willing to try new things and to have new experiences. 3

5. Try to appreciate and understand other people’s values. 6. Think about your own culture and how it influences your attitudes and actions. 7. Avoid having negative stereotypes about foreigners and their cultures. 8. Show respect, sincerity, interest, acceptance, and concern for things that are important to other people. Understanding and appreciating cultural differences can help people avoid misunderstandings, develop friendships more easily, and feel more comfortable when travelling or living abroad.

Task 1. Use your own words to give definitions for the following: -

culture

-

culture shock Task 2. Circle the two pieces of advice from the list above that you think are

the most important for avoiding culture shock.

Task 3. Think of two differences between your own culture and another one.

4

Part I

Text I. 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? 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 a corresponding understanding of English customs. Very soon they had to change their ideas, as they realized that they had a lot to learn about how to behave with their foreign friends. Though Europeans have a lot in common but it is their differences, not their similarities, which attract the attention of sociologists and market researchers, and are more interesting. - . 35% of Germans live alone, but only 9% of Spaniards. Perhaps this explains why Spaniards lead Europe in the habit of going out for a drink. - The British attend more adult evening classes than anyone else in Europe, and the Belgians least. - The British think black cats are lucky. Every other European country regards them as unlucky. - The Dutch and Germans are the greatest caravanners, but the Germans like bigger beds in their caravans. - The French are the most athletic Europeans. Next come the Dutch. But the Belgians, just over the border, play fewest sports. - The Germans spend twice as much on heating as the Spaniards. Well, of course they do, it’s colder. - Dutch husbands do the household shopping a lot more often than Italians or Spaniards. -

Only the British put their knives and forks at 06.30 on the plate when they

are finished. Everyone else put them between 09.15 and 07.25. The British also put salt in the pot with the single hole. This causes visitors considerable confusion.

- The French are the champion public transport commuters (people who travel a long distance from home to work every day) of Europe. If you hate commuting, go and live in the Netherlands, where journeys to work are shorter than anywhere else. - The amount of direct eye-contact between strangers is three times greater among Spaniards than it is among the British or Swedes. Sharing a lift is a torture for both the British and the Swedish. - No European country realy agrees with any other about how to make good coffee. German, Belgian, French, Italian, Greek, and Spanish roasting methods are all different. Of course, there are exceptions to all these rules.

Task 1. Choose the correct answer. 1. The percentage of Germans who live alone is 9%/ 26%/ 35%. 2. The Spaniards/ Belgians/ British go out for a drink more than other Europeans. 3. Adult evening classes are most popular with the Germans/ British/ Belgians. 4. In Britain black cats are lucky/ unlucky. 5. The British/ Germans/ Dutch have biggest beds in their caravans. 6. The most athletic people in Europe are the British/ Belgians/ French. 7. Italian/ Dutch/ Spanish husbands do the household shopping most often. 8. The French/ Germans/ British use public transport the most to travel to work. 9. German, French and Italian methods of roasting coffee are the same/ different.

Task 2. Answer the questions. 1. Have you experienced any of the differences described in the article? 2. What other differences have you discovered between people from other countries?

Task 3. Work in groups. 1. Think of any stereotyped ideas other nationalities may have about your country and its people.

2. Choose two nationalities. How do people in your country view them? 3. Do you think national stereotypes help us to understand other nationalities, or do they create problems between nationalities?

Text II. Some more words about people’s manners abroad.

The British are happy to have a business lunch and discuss business matters 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 afiother, and they rarely drink at lunchtime. The Germans like to talk business before dinner. The French like to eat first and talk afterwards. Taking off your jacket and rolling up your sleeves is a sign of getting down to work in Britain and Holland, but in Germany people regard it as taking it easy. The Americans sometimes signal their feeling of ease and importance in their offices by putting their feet on the desk while 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 business behavior. You must exchange business cards immediately on meeting because it is essential to establish everyone’s status and position. The card 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 not expect the Japanese to shake hands. Bowing the head is the 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 Japanese manners. They prefer to be casual and more informal. The British, of course, are cool and reserved. The great topic of conversation between strangers in Britain is the weather - unemotional and impersonal. In America the main topic between strangers is the search to find a geographical link. “Oh, really? You live in Ohio? I had an uncle who once worked there.” 7

Here are some final tips for travelers:

• In France you shouldn’t sit down in a cafe until you’ve shaken hands with everyone you know. • In Afghanistan you should spend at least five minutes to 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. It is considered to be “dirty”. Also, you should take care not to admire anything in your hosts’ home. They will feel that they have to give it to you. • In Thailand you should clasp your hands together and lower your head and your eyes when you greet 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 it is eaten.

Task 1. Answer the questions. Discuss the answers in group. 1. Which nationalities do not eat and do business at the same time? 2. “They (the French) have to be well fed and watered.” What or who do you normally have to feed and water? 3. An American friend of yours is going to work in Japan. Give some advice about how he/ she should and shouldn’t behave. 4. How could you begin a conversation with a stranger at a party in (a) England, (b) America? 5. Which nationalities have rules of behavior about hands? What are the rules? 6. Why it is not a good idea to... • say that you love your Egyptian friend’s vase. • say “Hi! See you later!” when you are introduced to someone in Afghanistan. • discuss politics with your American friend in a Me Donald’s.

Task 2. Discuss your answers to the questions. 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 give somebody coming to live and work in your country?

Task 3. Read the story. What was the cultural problem in this story? An American, businessman was on his way back to America today a week earlier than planned - and he was definitely not very happy about it. Mr. Gus Ferry is the head of the middle-sized computer firm in the United States. He went to Japan for the first time to meet the Managing Director of a Japanese computer firm. The morning of their meeting was very hot, and Mr. Ferry arrived in shorts. The Japanese partner reacted angrily. He decided not to sign the contract and Mr. Ferry went home again the next day. “I just don’t understand”, he said to reporters at the airport. “In California I wear shorts all the time!”

Task 4. Read the article and add do or don 7 to each tip. The does and don’ts of travelling abroad are a potential minefield for the unprepared traveler. Tiptoeing through the minefield

• Show an interest in and at least an elementary knowledge of the country you are visiting. • Learn a few words of the language - it will be seen as a compliment. • Assume you won’t meet any communication problems because you speak English. You may think you are playing somebody a compliment by saying that

9

their business is going a bomb (G.B. - to go a bomb - to be successful; US - to bomb - to go badly).Americans will infer you think it is failing. • Be sensitive to countries who have bigger and better-known neighbours, and try not to confuse Canadians with Americans, New Zealanders with Australians, Belgians with French. • Do not appear too reserved. As Americans are generally more exuberant (happy, cheerful, full of energy) than their European colleagues, they may equate reserve with lack of enthusiasm. • Familiarise yourself with the basics of business and social etiquette. As a starting point, learning how to greet people is very important.

Text III. Body language

Understanding the “body language” of different nationalities - the way they use gestures, eye-contact and touching to communicate without words - is an important part of communicating across cultures. Gesture

Comparing the way different European nations use gestures we can divide them into three groups. In the first group are the Nordic nations - the Swedes, Finns, Norwegians and the Danes - who use gestures very little. The second group includes nations such as the British, Germans, Dutch, Belgians and Russians. They use some gestures, for example, when they are excited, or want to communicate over long distances, or to insult each other. The third group includes the Italians, Greeks, French, Spanish and Portuguese. They use gestures a lot, to emphasize what they are saying, and to hold the other person’s attention. Even when they are silent, their hands are often busy sending messages through the medium of manual semaphore. Personal space

People’s sense of “personal space” - the distance that separates them from another person - also varies between people of different nationalities. What feels 10

right for one nationality may feel uncomfortable for another. According to the British zoologist Desmond Morris, there are three “personal spaces” zones in Europe. In countries such as Spain, France, Italy and Greece, people stand close enough to touch each other easily. Morris calls this the “elbow zone”. In East European countries such as Poland, Hungary and Romania, people stand a little more distant. This is the “wrist zone” because they are close enough to touch wrists. In Britain, Holland, Belgium, Germany and the Scandinavian countries, people prefer to stand further away from each other, and they do not generally touch. This is called the “fingertips zone”. Eye-contact

Another cultural difference between nationalities is the amount of eye-contact between people. In countries where people stand close to each other eye-contact is more frequent and lasts longer. Mediterranean countries are “high-look” cultures whereas north European countries are “low-look” cultures. Children who grow up in a low-look culture learn that it is rude to look too long at another person. In a high-look culture eye-contact like physical contact and gestures, is a natural way of expressing you feelings and relating to other people. This explains why, for example,

north

Europeans

visiting

south

European

countries

may

feel

uncomfortable at the way people look at them.

Task 1. Discuss the questions. 1. Which nationalities in Europe usually use: a) a lot of gestures when they speak? b) very few gestures when they speak? 2. In conversation, why might a north European move away from, and a south European move closer to the person they are talking to? 3. Why

might

north

Europeans

visiting

uncomfortable at the way people look at them?

Mediterranean

countries

feel

T ext IV .

Keep your distance

Personal space doesn’t only depend on the nationality of people. Police officers in all societies always stand very close to people when they are interrogating them, and managers often stand close when they are trying to get information from their staff. Teachers sometimes do this with students too. We all feel uncomfortable when someone stands or sits too close to us. We think of the space near our bodies as our territory. But what is “too close”? All over the world, people in big cities stand closer to one another than in small towns and people in small towns stand closeUo one another than people from the country. The idea of personal space changes in different countries. In some parts of India people stay 60 cm apart. In Britain, Australia and North America personal space for most people is about 45 cm from the body. Researchers say it is 25 cm in Japan but only 20 cm in both Denmark and Brazil. This difference can cause communication problems. Latin Americans and Asians often say that the British and Americans are cold and unfriendly. On the other hand, the British and Americans often see other cultures as too assertive and aggressive. In both examples, the problems are different ideas of personal space.

Task 1. Describe whether these statements are true or false. 1. Police officers stand close when they are asking questions. 2. We don’t like it when people stand too close. 3. People in small towns stand closer than people in cities. 4. People in the country stand further apart than people in small towns. 5. North Americans like larger personal space than Danish people. 6. Brazilians stand closer than Danish people. 7. The British and Americans are very cold 8. The British and Americans like more personal space.

12

T ex t V.

Gift giving in the international business context

In Great Britain and the United States corporate gift giving is not a very popular custom; people can spend their entire working lives without ever receiving a corporate gift. However, gift giving is sometimes an integral part of the negotiation process when doing business abroad. It is important to learn about the etiquette of gift giving before sending or taking a gift to an international client or business partner, or you may find that your gesture appears offensive. For example, in China a desk clock is a sign of bad luck or death. It is also interesting to note that the receiver never opens a gift in front of the giver as that would signify that the content was more important than the act of giving. Waiting for the person to open your gift would show that you were not sensitive to Chinese culture. In France don’t give something with your company logo, as they find items like this impersonal and in bad taste. Giving knives in Italy, Russia or Argentina could lead to problems in establishing a deal as this signifies cutting the relationship! Giving flowers is another possible minefield. In England, Australia and Canada, some people see white lilies as a symbol of death while in Germany, yellow and white chrysanthemums could be seen this way. In Western Europe, avoid giving your hostess red roses, as they have the romantic implications. And don’t give thirteen or an even number of flowers, as this brings bad luck. You mustn’t give food or drink in Saudi Arabia because it suggests you think your hosts aren’t offering you enough to eat or drink. It is also very important how to give presents to business contacts. You have to give your present in public in the Middle East to show it is not a bribe, but it’s good manners to give your present in private in Asia.

Task 1. Match the words on the left with their definitions on the right. 1. entire

a) reacting quickly or strongly to smth

2. negotiation

b) symbol that represents an organization 13

3. signify

c) situation with many possible problems or dangers

4. sensitive

d) all or every part of something

5. logo

e) formal agreement

6. deal

f) mean something

7. minefield

g) formal discussions in which people try to reach agreement

Task 2. Discuss in which countries the following gift are considered to be in bad taste. -

a gift with your company logo

- red roses -

food or drink

-

clock

-

cutlery

- white lilies -

even number of flowers

Task 3. Discuss gift giving traditions in your country.

Text VI. Some handy tips about tipping “If in doubt, leave a tip” ... advice given by an American.

The issue of tipping is becoming more topical because every day millions of people set off on holidays to countries where customs vary widely. Here are some general guidelines on what to do. In the United States it is not uncommon to be chased out of a restaurant by waiters if you fail to leave a tip. At a bar staff will expect you to leave the change. In France, 'it is always worth carrying a few euros for tips to taxi drivers, and it is customary to give some change to the cinema usher who shows you to your sit. However, French law requires that restaurants, cafes and hotel bills include the 14

service charge, usually 10-15 per cent, so a tip is not expected. Holidays in the Middle East can get very expensive, where tipping is expected by nearly everyone. For the more penny-pinching traveller, try Yemen, the only country in the region without a strong tipping culture. Life gets tricky in Japan, where people are expected to show gratitude, rather than actually hand over money. There can be a serious loss of face for the people involved, such as waiters, if you try to insist on giving them a tip. In Scandinavia be relieved to find, given the high cost of living, that tipping is not expected. Hairdressers and people in restaurants will probably think you are mad if you try to leave a tip. And finally, what are visitors to the UK advised to do? The popular travel guide “The Lonely Planet” has these suggestions. You should tip 10-15 per cent of the total bill in a restaurant and round up taxi fares to the nearest 50 p.

Task 1. 1. Read the text once more and find two cases of using the world “change”. Explain the difference in the meanings. 2. Explain the meanings of the following phrases. -

is worth doing

-

a penny-pinching traveler

-

a strong tipping culture

-

a serious loss of face

- to round up taxi fares

Task 2. Discuss your answers to the questions: 1. What are the customs for giving tips in your country? 2. How much money you give to: -

a waiter?

-

a hairdresser?

-

a taxi driver?

3. Which is the most “tipped” profession in your country? 15

Part II Read, listen and speak

I. United Kingdom Text I. Read this passage about social culture in the UK, which was prepared by Arthur Andersen’s International Executive Services. “The UK” is a term widely used to refer to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The term “Great Britain” was used historically to differentiate it from Brittany in France, and refers to its larger size. “Great” is usually omitted in conversation. Although you may well hear the English referring to nationals as “English”, avoid doing this as it could cause offence by excluding those of Scottish, Welsh or Irish ethnicity. The slang term “Brit” is roughly equivalent to “Yank”. The term “British” is widely acceptable. . “Please” and “Thank you” are used constantly. “Sorry” is used even if you brush up against someone on the train. Main expressions are used to show consideration: “I’m so sorry to trouble you...”, “Would you mind very much if

The British take queues very seriously. Never jump in line or show impatience as waiting your term is only fair play. Eventually we will all get there so we mustn’t grumble. While you wait, you can chat about the weather, your garden or even your dog, but,please don’t get too personal The weather is a universally safe topic. News topics, sports and cultural events, gardens, pets and holiday or vocation plans all work well. The British often love to explain local historical sites and places of interest, and will be very happy to give advice to newcomers on where to go and what to see. Even though the British will enjoy jokes at the royal family’s expense, it is not generally a good idea for a foreigner to criticize royalty. Other subjects off limits to criticism might include pubs, cricket, warm beer, and the BBC. Complex subjects

such as Ireland or the enigmatic British class system should be approached more carefully, unless you are with good friends or in a pub! On meeting someone at a party, the first questions should not be “What do you do?” or “Where did you go to school?” The British also consider it bad form to “blow your own trumpet”, especially at a first meeting. Social kissing is acceptable but bear hugs might alarm some people. Never try to guess a person’s accent. Pubs vary from the historic country pub to the high street “local”. It is not just a place to drink your favorite beer, but also a pivotal social center. It is the place where social barriers and British reserve are'broken down, the world’s problems are solved through heated debate, and firm friendships are created. Just be sure to pay for your round and never tip the barman.

Task 1. Match the words and phrases on the left with their definitions on the right: 1. slang

2. pivotal 3. grumble 4. off limits

a) to move in front of people who have been waiting for longer than you have (Br E to jump the queue) b) a drink for each of the people in a group c) put your arms round someone to show your love or friendship d) praise yourself

5. blow your own trumpet 6. bear hugs 7. jump in line (Am E) 8. round

e) extremely important f) words or expressions that are very informal g) not allowed or approved h) complain, especially continuously and about unimportant things

Task 2. Answer the questions below: 1. What is the difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain and Britain, and when should you use each term? 2. How should you refer to UK nationals? 3. How is the famous British politeness expressed?

4. Why are pubs so important to the British? 5. What customs would the British expect newcomers to observe? 6. What should you avoid doing or saying? 7. What are good ice-breaking conversation topics?

II. China Text II. Read the article. The world’s fastest-growing economy In less than three decades there have been enormous economic and social changes in China. Until 1978 industrial production was under the control of the communist state. Today the state controls less than a quarter of industrial production and China has a free-market economy. In recent years its economy has been growing faster than any other major country and is now the sixth largest economy in the world. More and more foreign companies have been investing in China, attracted by its market of 1.3 billion people and its very competitive low-cost labour force. In 2000 China received $ 47 billion in foreign investment, four times more than the whole of Africa, and in 2002 more than half of China’s exports were from foreign firms. China's major cities, too, have changed dramatically. Huge new office blocks, hotels, and shopping malls have appeared where before there were traditional Chinese houses and markets. In Beijing and other big cities, many areas of great cultural and historical interest have disappeared, but most Chinese are in favour of modernization and very happy with their 21 st-century cities of glass and steel. Consumer goods are everywhere, and millions of Chinese can now afford them because average income has more than doubled in the last decade. In cities many people now have not only a TV, washing machine, video and mobile phone, but also a car and an apartment.

Since 2002, when there were only sixteen million cars in China, car sales have been rising rapidly and the world’s top ten global car markets have set up joint ventures with Chinese car manufactures. But, as in every industrialized country, rapid industrial development has brought many problems, especially pollution. As industrialization continues and huge numbers of people enjoy western standards of living for the first time, the worry is that the impact on the environment may also be huge.

Task 1. Do you think these statements are true or false? 1. Today China has a free-market economy. 2. Its population is almost one billion. 3. In 2001, foreign companies invested the same amount of money in China and Africa. 4. Most Chinese are in favour of modernization. 5. Average income has increased by almost 50% in the last decade. 6. The world’s top ten car markets are thinking about investing in China. 7. China’s rapid industrial development has brought pollution problems.

Task 2. Read the article again. Find the words and phrases that mean: 1. putting money into 2. total number of workers 3. changed very much 4. covered areas with many shops 5. have enough money to buy 6. business activities where two organizations work together 7. effect 8. the national world

Task 3. Work in groups. Discuss the questions and give reasons for your answers. 19

1. Do you think China will become the largest will-become the largest economy in the world? 2. Have you visited, or would you like to visit China for holiday? 3. Would you like to live and work in China for a year or more? 4. What impact do you think China’s industrialization will have on the environment?

Task 4. I0—0 ! Listen to David giving his friend information and advice about doing business in China. What does David tell Robert about? 1. the time needed to get results? 2. the Chinese way of doing business?

Task 5. 1°—°l Listen to the second part of the conversation. What information and advice does David give Robert about? 1. Chinese names? 2. invitation to banquets? 3. drinking alcohol? 4. the questions Chinese people often ask?

Task 6. Work in groups. Discuss your opinions: 1. What do you know about China and the Chinese, e.g. food, lifestyle, politics, culture? 2. What problems might westerners have in doing business in China?

III. Germany Text III. In Germany it’s important to be serious in a work situations. Germans don’t mix work and play, so you shouldn’t make jokes as you do in the UK and USA when you first meet people. They work in a very organized way and prefer to do one thing at a time. They don’t like interruptions or sudden changes of schedule. 20

Punctuality is very important so you should arrive on time for appointments. You have to shake hands when you’re coming or going in Germany. At meetings it’s important to follow the agenda and not interrupt another speaker. If you give a presentation, you should focus on facts and technical information and the quality of your company’s products. You should also prepare well, as your German partners may ask a lot of questions. Colleagues normally use family names and titles, so you shouldn’t use first names unless a person asks you. The relations between them are usually formal. As an outsider, it is often difficult to know whether colleagues have been working together for 30 years or have just met in the lift. Forgetting that someone should be called Herr Doctor or Frau Directorin might cause serious offence. It’s equally offensive to call them by a title they do not possess. In Germany, as you walk sadly back to your hotel room, you may wonder why your apparently friendly hosts have not invited you out for evening. Don’t worry, it’s probably nothing personal. Germans do not entertain business people with quite the same enthusiasm^as some of their European counters.

Task 1. Match the words in A with their meanings in B. A.

B.

1. interrupt

a) list of subjects to discuss at a meeting

2. schedule

b) receive someone as a guest and give them food and drink

3. appointment

c) someone who doesn’t belong to a particular group

4 .agenda

d) program of work to do

5.

outsider

e) the feeling of being angry, upset or insulted

6. offense

f) speak when another person is speaking

7. entertain

g) an arrangement to see someone at a particular time

Task 2. Decide if these statements are true or false. 1. Visitors to Germany never get taken out for meals. 2. German business people don’t like to be called by their surnames. 21

3. Make sure you know what the titles of the German people you meet are. 4. People in Germany shake hands when they meet. 5. A humorous remark always goes down well all over the world.

Task 3. Discuss what happens in your country. 1. How do people greet a) family members? b) close friend? c) colleagues at work? d) visitors to their company/ organization? 2. Do colleagues at work call each other by their a) first names? b) family names? 3. How punctual are people for a) business meetings? b) social events? 4. How separate are work and private life? Do employees a) take work home? b) invite colleagues or business visitors to their home? c) give their company their phone number when they are on holiday? 5. What presents do people take when they are invited to a person home? Compare your people’s behavior with that of Germans.

Task 4.

Iй — ° 1

You are going to listen to someone talking about the stereotype

of people from his country. Listen to the beginning of the conversation. Which nationality do you think he is talking about? Why?

22

Task 5. M

Before you listen to the rest of conversation, make sure you

know the meaning of these words. Decide which of them are true for the nationality. insecure

efficient

bossy

well-educated

hard-working

ecology conscious

have a good sense of humor

eat and drink a lot

look down on other nationalities

hypochondriacs

Then listen and check.

Task 6. Look at the questions 1-6. Write down what you remember of the speaker’s answers. Listen to the whole interview again, if you need. 1. What is the stereotype of people from your country? 2. How much of the stereotype is true? 3. What aspects aren’t true? 4. Do you look up to any other nationalities? 5. What do you think are you strengths? 6. What do you think are you weaknesses? Answer these questions with regard to people in your country.