Cultural Differences in Body Language

Dr. Collett says that if we compare the way differ­ent European nations use gestures, they fall into three major groups. The Nordic nations belong to the first group. These are the Swedes, Finns, Norwegians, and Danes. They use gestures very little. The second group, which includes the British, Germans, Dutch, Belgians, and Russians, use some gestures when they are excited, or want to communicate over long distances, or insult each other. The third group use gestures a lot, to emphasize what they are saying, or to hold the other person's at­tention. They are the Italians, Greeks, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

The distance that separates one person from anoth­er — "personal space" — also varies between people of different nationalities. What is right for one nationality may be uncomfortable for another. People stand close enough to touch each other easily in such countries as France, Spain, Greece, and Italy. British zoologist, Des­mond Morris calls this the 'elbow zone'. In the countries of East Europe such as Hungary, Poland, and Romania, people stand a "wrist zone", that is a little more distant. They are close enough to touch wrists. But in the Scandi­navian countries, in Britain, Holland, Belgium, and Ger­many, people stand further away from each other — the "finger tips zone".

Ex. 11. Give name to each paragraph of this text.

Ex. 12. Answer the questions.

1. Which nationalities in Europe usually use a lot of gestures when they speak?

2. Which nationalities in Europe usually use very few gestures when they speak?

3. What is a "personal space"?

4. Why does a north European move away form the person he is talking to?

5. Which nationalities move closer to the person they are talking to? Why?

6. Which nationalities stand a "wrist zone"?

	Adjective		A person who...
A	efficient	1	arrives on time
B	sociable	2	isn't rude
C	punctual	3	enjoys the company of other people
D	agreeable	4	always tells the truth
E	honest	5	adapts successfully to various situations
F	patient	6	really means what he or she says
G	polite	7	waits without getting angry
H	ambitious	8	doesn't waste time and works well
I	sincere	9	is pleasant and friendly
J	flexible	10	wants to succeed

Ex. 13. Turn adjectives from the exercise 3 to nouns. Model: efficient — efficiency.

Ex. 14. Do the quiz. Then you may check your answers with the "Answer Key".

Around the World Trip (Quiz)

1. China	You are invited to a person's house. Which of the following may cause offence?	a) Blowing your nose in public. b) Refusing an offer of food. c) Not taking your shoes off before entering the house.
2. Saudi Arabia	You want to hire a car to tour the coun­try. Is this allowed?	a) Yes, but you must take a test first. b) Yes, but only if you are not a woman. e) No, tourists have to travel by camel.
3. Finland	You are planning to relax in a Finnish sauna. What should you wear?	a) Nothing. b) A towelling robe. c) A bath hat.
4. Cyprus	On a village tour, a local resident offers you a glyco. What should you do with it?	a) Eat it: it is a dessert. b) Ride it: it is a bicycle. c) Wear it: it is a national dress.
5. Morocco	You would like to vis­it a mosque (a nation­al Muslim church). Will you be allowed to go inside?	a) Yes, but you are to re- move your shoes. b) Yes. c) You may enter only if you're a Muslim.
6. Sweden	You go out for a meal. How many glasses of a wine can you drink before driv­ing back home?	a) Any amount: there are no drink-driving laws. b) Two. c) None.
7. Spain	You want to taste the local cuisine. How late can you eat out?	a) Restaurants close at 9p.m., so you have to finish your meal by this time. b) Spanish restaurants stay open all night. c) You can eat very late, because Spaniards often eat after 11p.m.
8. USA	You are peacefully drinking a can of beer in Central Park. But suddenly you are ap­proached by the po­lice. Why?	a) You are not allowed to drink alcohol in Central Park. b) You should use a glass or a straw. c) It is forbidden to drink alcohol in Central Park unless the bottle or can is covered.
9. Singa­pore	You suggest a piece of chewing gum to your tour guide, but he looks shocked. Why?	a) Chewing gum is forbid- den by law. b) Tour guides are forbid- den to accept gifts. c) Chewing gum is given to animals.
10. Japan	Staying in a Japanese hotel you decide to relax in traditional, shared bath. What mustn't you do in a bath tub?	i a) Stay too long. b) Talk to other people there. c) You shouldn't wash your |