Conversation A

Cecilia: Josie, I want you to meet Kenji Nakamura. He`s

the sports Manager. Kenji, this is Josie, who`s in charge
oI the excursions.
Kenji: How do you do, Josie.
1osie: How do you do.
Kenji: Oh, so you`re British.
1osie: That`s right.
Kenji: Well, it`s good to meet you, Josie.
1osie: And you, Kenji.
Kenji: Everyone calls me Ken.
1osie: OK .Ken.
Conversation B
Cecilia: And this is Britanny Harding. Britanny works in
your department. She`s a tour guide.
1osie: How do you do, Britanny. I`m Josie Campbell.
Britanny: Pleased to meet you, Josie.
1osie: I`m looking Iorward to working together.
Britanny: Me too.

Conversation B
Cecilia: Captain Carlsson? May I introduce Josie Campbell,
our new Excursions Manager?
Carlsson: I`m glad to meet you, Ms Campbell.
1osie: And I`m glad to meet you, Captain Carlsson.
Carlsson: Aren`t you Irom the PaciIic Rim traveler?
1osie: That`s right.
Carlsson: Well, I hope you enjoy working with us.
1osie: Thank you sir.

Meeting people.

A. Listen to Cecilia Grand introducing Josie to her new PaciIic Rim Voyager co-workers

































B. From the previous conversations extract key phrases you use to meet new people.




Cultural notes


Don't ever kiss an Indian.... There is no such
provision Ior kissing a person to greet him or
her. It is considered as a sexual act.
In Greece, smiling when you meet someone
Ior the Iirst time appears as a weakness. Many
Greeks think that Americans smile too much
and therefore are weak.

C. Reading Cultural shock: Rude Gestures Around the World

Nowadays it's deIinitely easier than ever to explore remote regions and exotic cultures.
However, sometimes even the best oI intentions can result in an embarrassing cultural faux
pas. Cultural Iaux pas will happen and some oIIences could be seen as the most serious acts
oI oIIence or dishonor.

Here's a list oI very common mistakes to avoid as you make your way around the world,
especially iI you want to be welcomed back.

The thumbs-up signal is considered an insult in Iran, where this is called
a bilakh and roughly translates to "up yours." The OK sign, where
thumb and IoreIinger meet to create a circle, is an obscene gesture iI
you're in Brazil or Turkey, where you're comparing someone to a
particularly dirty part oI the body.

In Muslim countries, the right hand is reserved Ior activities such as eating and
shaking hands. The leIt hand is used Ior cleaning yourselI, especially aIter
using the toilet and, thus, is generally considered unclean. Forgetting this
distinction and eating or handing something over with your leIt hand is
considered a terrible insult.

While people in Mediterranean countries literally embrace one another,

reserved distance is preIerred by most people throughout East Asia. In
Buddhist countries, the head is actually considered sacred and to touch
someone's head, even a child's, is considered a grave insult.

Be aware that there are situations and places where silence is the norm, iI not
required. In Northern Europe, it's best to enjoy your sauna in silence; in
Western Europe, show your respect in churches with quiet reverence; in East
Asia, temples are sacred places best experienced in silence. In some AIrican
countries, as well as China and Japan, mealtime is Ior eating, not chatting.

Flowers are Iound everywhere, but their meaning can be very diIIerent
depending on their variety, color, number, and where you are. II you're
in China or Indonesia, avoid giving an odd number oI stems, it`s
regarded as unlucky;, but make sure it's not an even number iI you're in
Turkey, Russia, Germany or India, an even number oI Ilowers is bad
luck. And in France and Austria, giving red roses signiIies romance,
while presenting yellow roses in Mexico or Chile is a commemoration
oI grieI or separation. And iI you're in Hawaii, never reIuse a lei, which
is a sign oI great dishonor.

D. answer the Iollowing questions
O Do Colombians Iind some oI the attitudes Irom Ioreigners oIIensive?

O Has a Ioreigner ever said something about your country that made you Ieel
uncomIortable?
II so, what was it?

O What diIIerent greeting Iorms does your culture have? When are they used?

E. how do you greet people according to how well you know them?