- •Talking about ethnic groups
- •2 Read the extracts from seven meetings. Match each extract to the correct country.
- •Cultural awareness
- •2 Look at the situations below and choose from the multiple choice answers. How would you behave in each situation?
- •3 Look at the following sentences. Do you think they are true (t) or false (f)?
- •In a lot of situations, the way you behave is more important than what you say. However, in different cultures, the same behaviour can mean different things.
- •4 Look at the table below and match the correct statement to the correct gap.
- •6 Look at the sentences in activity 4 again. Look at the grammar. Then decide whether the following parts of grammar tend to be formal (f) or less formal (l) in English.
- •Cultural attitudes and ethics
- •8 Look at the guidelines below. While you read them, answer these questions:
- •Transco ‘Equal Opportunities’ Recruitment Guidelines
- •If you do not follow the guidelines, you might be told you are prejudiced. You might get in trouble with the law.
3 Look at the following sentences. Do you think they are true (t) or false (f)?
1 In Asia, it is rude to put a book or document on the floor. T / F
2 The British have the biggest personal space in the world and do not like people sitting or standing too near them. T / F
3 In the Middle East, you should never shake hands with your left hand. T / F
4 The French always kiss on the cheek to say hello, even in business. T / F
5 In America, it is usually okay to interrupt someone. T / F
6 In the Middle East, it is unusual for a man to shake hands with a woman. T / F
7 In Thailand, most accountants are women because they are considered better at maths than men. T / F
8 In Asia, having a tattoo is sometimes a sign of being in the mafia. T / F
In a lot of situations, the way you behave is more important than what you say. However, in different cultures, the same behaviour can mean different things.
4 Look at the table below and match the correct statement to the correct gap.
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a) You should only shake hands with your right hand b) Nodding your head backwards can mean “No!” c) Pointing your foot at someone is rude d) It’s okay to speak loudly and quickly e) You should speak quietly and calmly f) A smile can show anger or happiness |
g) This culture does not always smile as much as other cultures h) It is rude to touch someone’s head in this culture i) Some people move their hands a lot when speaking, but some don’t move them at all j) If someone tells you to “put your feet up”, they are telling you to relax. A raised foot is not rude |
The language used in business in Europe and America is often quite formal. It is important when using English to be aware of whether the language you are using is formal or informal. Formal language is usually more polite than informal language.
5 Look at the pairs of sentences below and decide which of the two sentences is formal (F) and which is less formal (L).
1 There’s not a snowball’s chance in hell! 2 I’m afraid that’s quite unlikely. 3 A mistake has been made. 4 You have made a mistake. 5 When are you arriving? 6 Could you let me know when you will be arriving? 7 Could you pass me the pen? 8 Pass me the pen, please. 9 Write soon! |
10 I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. 11 It’s really cheap! 12 The product is very reasonably priced. 13 I want to put the price up. 14 Why don’t we increase the price? 15 The total is wrong. 16 The total might not be correct. 17 Could you phone me at 4pm? 18 You will please phone me at 4pm. |