When the European Union 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 business friends.
For example:
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 another, and they rarely drink at lunchtime. The Germans like to talk business before dinner. The French like to eat first and talk afterwards. They have to be well fed and watered before they discuss anything.
Taking off your jacket and rolling up your sleeves is a sign of getting down working in Britain and Holland, but in Germany people regard it as taking it easy. American executives sometimes signal their feelings of ease and importance in their office by putting their feet on the desk whilst on the telephone. In Japan, people would be shocked! Showing their 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 behaviour. Seniority is very important, and a younger man should never be sent to complete a business deal with an older Japanese man. The Japanese business card almost needs a rulebook of its own. You must exchange business cards immediately on meeting because it is essential to establish everyone's status and position.
When it is handed to 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 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 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 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.
(From “Headway”)
Задание 8
Прочитав текст, проверьте, насколько хорошо вы разобрались в нем, определите, какие утверждения истинные (True), а какие ложные (False).
Дайте правильный вариант ложных утверждений.
- We live in a global village and know and understand each other well.
- The Italians are the most punctual people in Europe.
- Guide books on international etiquette are of no value
- For the Japanese lunch is a time to relax and get to know one another.
- The French like to talk first and eat afterwards.
- In the USA you must exchange business cards immediately on meeting to establish everyone’s status.
- Bowing the head is a very important part of greeting someone in France.
- Japanese manners are less formal than American ones.
- The great topic of conversation between strangers in America is the search to a geographical link.
- Taking off your jacket and rolling up your sleeves is a sign of making a break in your work in Holland.
Задание 9
Ответьте на следующие вопросы. Сравните модель поведения, характерную для России, и других стран.
- What are the rules of greeting people in your country?
- When do you shake hands?
- When do you kiss another person?
- What do you do when you say goodbye?
- What are we the Russians?
Задание 10*
Ответьте на вопросы, исходя из названия текста.
- What do you think the text might be about?
- Who do you think the text is addressed to?
- Who might be the author of the text?
- What is culture shock?
- Who experiences culture shock?
