【题目】Traveling to a new country isn’t as simple as just buying a ticket and boarding a plane. In fact, it can be easy for an awkward situation to occur. Different customs can often cause misunderstandings and even trouble. To help prevent a serious culture pas, an article in the Daily Mail highlighted taboos in certain countries. Let’s take a look.
France
When visiting France, you’d better not be caught cutting your lettuce with a knife and fork. It’s an insult to the chef and suggests that the salad hasn’t been prepared correctly. The correct way to eat lettuce in France is to fold it with your fork to make it fit in your mouth.
Italy
It’s actually best to be a little less friendly than usual when you visit Italy. It’s considered strange to make small talk with strangers, as the locals are reserved. Too much familiarity from a stranger can be seen as threatening, so keep greetings short.
Mexico
In Mexico, bringing an expensive gift to someone’s home is a no-no, as it could be seen as a tribe. Something simple like flowers and chocolates would be accepted. But you should avoid taking along marigolds (金盏花) or red flowers, because in Mexican culture, they symbolize death and can be associated with witchcraft(巫术).
Germany
You have to be careful with gifts of flowers in Germany too. Steer clear of carnations(康乃馨)，as they are used for funerals. And an even number is considered unlucky. So if you want to give your host flowers, ask them what their favorite flowers are before your visit. And be sure to bring an odd number.
How to avoid 【1】________ taboos in a new country
France | Taboo: Cutting your lettuce with a knife and fork. Reason: It’s an 【2】_______ to the chef, suggesting the salad has not been prepared correctly. Solution: 【3】______ your lettuce with your fork to make it fit in your mouth. |
Italy | Taboo: Acting too 【4】_______ to strangers. Reason: Too much familiarity from a stranger can be seen as 【5】_______. Solution: Don’t make small talk with strangers, and keep greetings short. |
Mexico | Taboo: Bringing an【6】______ gift to someone’s home. Sending people marigolds or red flowers. Reasons: An expensive gift could be considered a bribe. Marigolds and red flowers are associated with【7】_______ and witchcraft. Solution: Just send something 【8】______ like flowers or chocolates, but avoid Marigolds or red flowers. |
Germany | Taboo: Sending people carnations or an even number of flowers. Reasons: Carnations are used for funerals. And an even number is considered 【9】_________. Solution: Ask your hosts what their favorite flowersare before your visit. And be sure to bring an 【10】_ number. |