oo} 7 B. PREVIEW Look at the photos and the captions in the article. What do they tell you about the topic of the article? €. QUICK WRITE What are some things that might be considered polite in some cultures but not in others? Write a response before you read the article. If possible, give examples to support your answers. Be sure to use is section for your Unit Assignment. WORK WITH THE READING @ A. INVESTIGATE Read the magazine article and gather information about what it means to be polite. Most people want to bespolite and behave 3 What about eye contact"? in some well around others. Being polite means countries youlShoWiF@speet when you It look someone aifaetivin tHBIEVE. In other ‘means using good:manners when eating parts of the world, to look at someone it means knowing how to givelandirecetve directly is Fd, To be respectful, a gifts appropriately. Polite behavior in one person looks down at the ground. ‘country, however, may be iffipGlifé in another 4 There are also cultural differences in part of the world. Travelers need to understand the way people use personal space?. the cultural differences in politeness so When two people are talking, should they that they don't eauselembarrassment, ‘stand close together or far apart? Exactly 2 Forinstance, when people meet, they often how close should they stand? In NOFtH shake hands. How long should a handshake ‘America, for instance, people usually be? Should you hold the other person's hand stand about anatm'silengttiapatt during a gently or firmly? In the United States, people conversation. However, in some countries, prefer to shake hands fimlyforaifew’secondsi in the Midale Eestlanel Latin Amstca, in some MIGGISESSISAVESURHHES people «people stand elasex It can be awkward hold the person's hand gentl;forallonger fone person likes to stand close and the time. Handshaking varies around the world. other person likes to stand farther apart. "eye contact: lock directly io someone else's eyes" personal space: ihe area that Is close to a person READING! 537 Afinal area to be careful about is ts i acceptable to ‘euch a person one |EHOUE#? How do you wave goodbye or hello? How do you gesture to someone to “come here”? All of these can be different from one culture to another. In Viet) 1@ on the head ‘The gesture for is only used for “come here” in the U. Insome countries, making eye contact shows respect. 5 Three authors wrote a book Kiss, Bow, or ‘Shake Hands about cultural differences. In their book, they discuss greetings, gift-giving, and tims, Around the world, cultures have different ideas about giving gifts. In the United States, if someone gives you a gift, you should openit \whiletheylerewithyou. That way they can see = how happy you are to receive it, In China, you Being polite means knowing how to give and receive should open a gift after the person is gone. sifts appropriately. & Another cuttural difference is time. If 8 Ifyou are going to live, work, or study in someone invites you to dinner at their house at another country, itis important to learn the 6 p.m. what time should you get there? Should | —janguage. But its also important to learn ‘you arrive early late, or exactly on time? in about cultural differences. This way, you "Germany, it is important to arrive on time. !n can be polite and make a good impression. People around you willféeliéomifortable anc |[FS8pECTEEL Politeness and good manners When traveling, remember that each country has a different definition of being on time. B, CATEGORIZE Read the statements. Write T (true) or F (false). Then correct each false statement to make it true. Write the paragraph number where the answer is found. XE. 1. Polite behavior is the same everywhere. Paragraph: 7 2, People make eye contact in different ways in different cultures. Paragraph: E 5. Mose people are comfortable with same amount of personal space. Paragraph: Ot _ 54 UNIT3. What does it mean to be polite?E_ 4, Being on time is important in every culture. Paragraph: Ts. some gestures are polite in one country and rude in another. Paragraph: F 6. tes onty important to know what is polite in your own country. Paragraph: C. IDENTIFY e the answer to each question. 1. Why do travelers need to understand cultural differences in politeness? a so they will understand the history of the country they are visiting ©. sothey will feel better about themselves 10 one will be embarrassed 2. How do people in the United States prefer to shake hands? Epfirmly for ashort time b. gently for a short time c. firmly for along time 3. How closely do people in Latin America or the Middle East like to stand while talking? a. atan arm’s length . more than an arm’s length PD less than an arm’s length 4. What should you do if someone in China gives youa gift? a. open it in front of the person (CB wattuna the person has left before opening it . open the gift immediately 5. You are invited for dinner at 7:00 p.m. in Germany. What time should you arrive? a. 6:30pm. 7:00pm. c. 7:30pm. 6. Ifyou show that you understand cultural differences and politeness, how will people feel? eae and respected B. uncomfortable and awkward Decne READING1 55