Англійська мова для студентів технічних ВНЗ

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 to work in Britain and Holland, but in Germany people regard it as taking it easy.

American executives sometimes signal their feeling 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 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 graphical link. “Oh, really? You live in Ohio? I had an uncle who once worked there. ”

Here are some final tips for travellers

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 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. 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 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 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.

Дайте відповіді на запитання.

1. How many nationalities are mentioned in the text? 2. People of what country keep to the most formal rules of behaviour? 3. When do Americans usually arrive to a business meeting? 4. What is the main topic of conversation between the British? 5. Japanese usually bow when they meet. Which bow is the lowest of the day? 6. What do the British show by rolling up their sleeves? 7. Do Japanese discuss business during the dinner?

Запам’ятайте прислів’я! 

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. 

12.2. Читання

Eye Contact

In many Western societies, including the United States, a person who does not maintain ‘good eye contact’ is regarded as being slightly suspicious, or a ‘shifty’ character. Americans unconsciously consider people who avoid eye contact as unfriendly, insecure, untrustworthy, inattentive and impersonal. However, in contrast, Japanese children are taught at school to direct their gaze at the region of their teacher’s Adam’s apple or tie knot, and, as adults, Japanese lower their eyes when speaking to a superior, a gesture of respect.

Latin American cultures, as well as some African cultures, such as Nigeria, have longer looking time, but prolonged eye contact from an individual of lower status is considered disrespectful. In the US, it is considered rude to stare – regardless of who is looking at whom. In contrast, the polite Englishman is taught to pay strict attention to a speaker, to listen carefully, and to blink his