1. British people have traditions which are connected only with drinking tea and eating fish and chips. ______
2. If you meet a black cat you will have good luck. _____
3. Catching falling leaves brings good luck._____
4. If the tame Ravens leave the Tower of London the crown of England will be lost. ____
5. Guy Fawkes Night is observed on November, 11. ____
6. British celebrate the day of the patron of Wales in summer.____
7. The official birthday of the monarch is in June. ____
VOCABULARY
Exercise 2.
Match the words with their definitions and fill in the box.
| 1. holiday 2. to celebrate 3. tradition 4. pageantry | a) the handing down from generation to generation of the same customs, beliefs, etc., esp by word of mouth b) spectacular display or ceremony c) to have special festivities to mark (a happy day, event, etc.) d) a day on which work is suspended by law or custom, such as a religious festival, bank holiday, etc |
| 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. |
SPEAKING
Exercise 3.
Make up a plan of the text B and tell about Russian customs and traditions using the plan.
Text C
American Social Customs
All countries have their social customs and peculiarities, and the US is no exception. Good manners, politeness and consideration for others are considered important by most people. Americans are generally informal in their relationships. Here are a few American customs you may like to familiarise yourself with:
Americans often greet total strangers, particularly in small towns and communities. This may vary from a formal good morning to a more casual Hi!, it is considered polite to respond likewise. On parting, it is customary to say Have a nice day, although this habit is reportedly dying out. If someone asks How are you?, it is usual to reply Fine thanks (even if you feel dreadful).
If someone is introduced as George, you can usually call him George. Americans generally dislike formality or any sort of social deference because of age or position, and most quickly say Please call me Rick (or Rita). To Americans, informality shows no lack of respect. Because of the rise of womens liberation in America, women may be introduced with the title Ms (pronounced mizz).
After youve been introduced to someone, you usually say something like, Pleased to meet you or My pleasure and shake hands with a firm grip (although more common among men). When saying goodbye, it is not customary to shake hands again, although some people do.
Americans do not have status or inherited titles (e.g. Sir or Lord) but do defer to people with a professional title which has been earned. These include foreign diplomats (e.g. Sir), members of the Senate (Senator) or Congress (Congressman/Congresswoman), judges, medical doctors and others with a doctorate, military officers (e.g. General, Colonel), professors, priests and other religious ministers (e.g. Father).
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If you are invited to dinner, it is customary to take along a small present, e.g. flowers, a plant, chocolates or a bottle of wine. Flowers can be tricky, as to some people carnations mean bad luck, chrysanthemums are for cemeteries and roses mean love. Maybe you should stick to plastic, silk or dried flowers (or a nice bunch of weeds). If you stay with someone as a guest for a few days, it is customary to give your host or hostess a small gift when you leave.
Although many foreigners have the impression that Americans are relaxed and casual in their dress, they often have strict dress codes. In the puritanical New England states, people usually dress conservatively and more formally than in most other regions. This is particularly true of office workers, who are usually expected to wear a suit and tie (and have short hair). In the east, casual wear (jeans or casual trousers, open-necked shirt) is acceptable for the beach or the garden but is unacceptable in many restaurants. In the south and west, casual dress is more acceptable, in the office and socially, and only the most expensive restaurants insist on ties and formal dress. When going anywhere that could be remotely formal (or informal), its wise to ask in advance what youre expected to wear.
Guests are normally expected to be punctual. On the other hand, you must never arrive early (unless you plan to help with the cooking). You should never be late for funerals, weddings (unless youre the bride, whos always late) or business appointments.
Comments:
| likewise ; on parting | deference , carnation |
COMPREHENSION
Exercise 1.
Answer the questions.
1. How do Americans usually greet each other?
2. Who do Americans defer to with titles?
3. What presents should you take if you are invited to dinner?
4. When is casual wear unacceptable?
5. Why is it tricky to present flowers?
VOCABULARY
Exercise 2.
