全新版大学英语听说教程第四册 unit2

Unit 2

Part B

Embarrassing Experiences (Part One)

Interviewer: Rob, you went to Brazil, didn't you?

Rob: Yes, I did.

Interviewer: So, what happened?

Rob: Well, I went into this meeting and there were about, er... seven or eight people in there and I just said 'Hello' to everybody and sat down. Apparently 1, what I should have done is to go round the room shaking hands with everyone individually. Well, you know, it's silly of me because I found out later it upset everyone. I mean, I think they felt I was taking them for granted.

Kate: Well, I know that because when I was in France the first time, I finished a meeting , with 'Goodbye, everyone!' to all the people in the room. There were about half a dozen people there but I was in a hurry to leave, so I just said that and left. Well, I later found out that what I should have done is shake hands with everyone in the group before leaving. Now, apparently, it's the polite thing to do.

Interviewer: Well, people shake hands in different ways, don't they?

Rob: Oh, yes, that's right, they do. See, normally I shake hands quite gently when I meet someone. So when I went to the US for the first time, I think people there thought my weak handshake was a sign of weakness. Apparently, people there tend to shake hands quite firmly.

Kate: Oh, gosh, you know, that reminds me: on my first trip to Germany, it was a long time ago, I was introduced to the boss in the company when he passed us in the corridor. Well, I wasn't prepared, and I mean, I had my left hand in my pocket. And when we shook hands I realized my left hand was still in my pocket. Well, that was, you know, very bad manners and I was quite embarrassed.

Interviewer: And how about using first names? Have you made any mistakes there?

Rob: Oh, yes, I have! When I first went to Italy I thought it was OK to use everyone's first name so as to seem friendly. And I later discovered that in business you shouldn't use someone's first name unless you are invited to. Oh, and you should always use their title as well.

Kate: Hm, yeah, well, when I met people in Russia, you know, they seemed to be puzzled when I shook hands with them and said 'How do you do?' Well, what they do when they greet a stranger is to say their own names, so I had that all wrong!

Rob: Oh, yes, I agree with that. Remembering names is very important.

Interviewer: Shall we take a break? When we come back we'll move on to our next topic.

Kate & Rob: OK.

Questions:

1. What is the conversation mainly about?

2. Who might be the people Rob and Kate met in various countries?

3. What can we infer about Kate and Rob from the conversation?

4. Which countries has Kate visited, according to the conversation?

5. Which countries has Rob visited, according to the conversation?

6. What is the main message that the speakers want to tell us?

Part C

Additional Listening

American Parties

    As you would imagine, Americans move about a great deal at parties. At small gatherings 2 they may sit down, but as soon as there are more people than chairs in a room - a little before this point - you will see first one and then another make some excuse to get to his feet to fetch a drink or greet a friend or open a window until soon everyone is standing 3, moving around, chatting with one group and then another. Sitting becomes static beyond a certain point. We expect people to move about and be "self-starters". It is quite normal for Americans to introduce themselves; they will drift around a room , stopping to talk wherever they like, introducing themselves and their companions. If this happens, you are expected to reply by giving your name and introducing the person with you; then at least the men generally shake hands. Sometimes the women do so as well, but often they merely nod and smile. A man usually shakes a woman's hand only if she extends it. Otherwise he too just nods and greets her.

Statements:

1. We can't imagine that Americans do not like big parties and they prefer going around at parties.

2. At small parties they may sit down, but as more people come, they would stand up and move about.

3. The reason why Americans like to stand is that they like the free atmosphere of the party.

4. The meaning of "self-starters" is that Americans help themselves to drinks during the parties.

5. Americans are more open-minded than British people according to the passage.

6. If a woman doesn't extend her hand to a man at the party, he should not shakes hands with the woman.

7. The passage shows a unique aspect of American culture.

Embarrassing Experiences (Part Two)

Interviewer: Let's go on with our talk. What do you think of business cards, Rob?

Rob: I found them very useful when I was in Japan not so long ago. Each person can clearly see the other's name and the job title on the card. And I found out that you have to treat business cards with respect. What you've got to do is hold them with both hands and then read them very carefully. What happened to me was the first time I just took a man's card with one hand and put it straight into my pocket.

Interviewer: What other advice do you have, Kate?

Kate: Well, one time I unintentionally caused some problems when I was in China. Well, I was trying to make a joke when I pretended to criticize my business associate for being late for a meeting. And he was embarrassed, I mean, he was really embarrassed instead of being amused. Now you shouldn't criticize people in China or embarrass them. I mean, you must avoid confrontation 4. That's for sure!

Rob: Oh, I must tell you about the first time I was in Mexico! I have to admit I found it a bit strange when business associates there touched me on the arm and the shoulder. Well, I tried to move away and, of course, they thought I was being very, very unfriendly. Apparently, it's quite usual there for men to touch each other in, you know, in a friendly way. Oh ... oh, and another thing, the first time I went to Korea I thought it was polite not to look someone in the eye too much. The Koreans I met seemed to be staring at me when I spoke 5, which seemed, you know, a bit odd at first. In Korea, eye contact conveys sincerity 6 and it shows you're paying attention to the speaker.

Kate: Oh, well, it seemed strange because you British don't look at each other so much when you're talking to each other. I mean, you look away, you know, most of the time. I found this hard to deal with when I first came to the UK, because people seemed to be embarrassed when I looked at them while they were speaking to me.

Interviewer: So what's the thing visitors to Britain should avoid most?

Rob: Well, I don't think we're all that sensitive, do you, Kate?

Kate: Ohoo, well, I'll tell you, I made a big mistake when I was in Scotland. I found myself referring to the UK as "England" and to the British as "the English". Now, I know that would be just as bad in Wales, I guess.

Rob: Yes, it certainly would!