The mysterious science of reading gestures is explained using practical explanations and clear images.Gestures are products of both genetic(遗传的) and environmental influence.Understanding our gestures is not as difficult as some people would have you believe.All human beings use them and so actually have a “built-in” ability to recognize and read it.
Fingers crossed
Generally this means“wishing for good luck or fortune”.Another explanation could be seen as “here’s hoping”.The gesture probably has Christian origins where the gesture was believed to get away from evil.As such,people believe that crossing the fingers when telling a lie somehow gets away from the evil of the lie.Some historians believe that crossing your fingers is a hidden or secret way of making the Christian sign of cross—a piece way of defeating evils.As a gesture it has both good and bad meanings.Luck or lies.
Waving the first finger
Mothers and teachers are common users with this hand gesture.In general it is used to warn a single person.It is a change of the “you” gesture.If translated into language it would say “Stop whatever you are doing and pay attention to me.I am your superior and I am warning you!” Classified as a “silent” parent to child gesture,it is completely unacceptable in a professional environment where it will be interpreted (诠释) as both rude and domineering(盛气凌人的).Some psychologists believe that it has a meaning of the whip.
1.What can we infer from the first paragraph?
A.Reading gestures is a secret.
B.Gestures are formed in daily life.
C.Some people make reading gestures difficult on purpose.
D.It is hard to explain gestures by images.
2.What does a Christian’s crossing his fingers mean?
A.Showing he isn’t lucky. B.Wishing to succeed.
C.Getting rid of the evil of the lie. D.Crossing the street.
3.What is the purpose of your mum’s waving her first finger?
A.To wish for good luck. B.To stop you. C.To praise you. D.To help you.
4.Why isn’t waving the finger used in a formal occasion?
A.Because it is rude. B.Because it is friendly.
C.Because it is surprising. D.Because it is helpful.
语篇解读:本文是说明文,主要介绍了两种手势语。
答案及剖析:
1.C 推理判断题。根据第一段尤其是第三句“Understanding our gestures is not as difficult as some people would have you believe.”可知,有人故意让我们相信,理解手势语很困难,其实并不是这样。
2.C 细节理解题。根据第二段第三、四两句可知,一个基督徒交叉手指,就是想在说谎时摆脱恶魔。
3.B 细节理解题。根据第三段中的If translated into language it would say “Stop whatever you are doing and pay attention to me...”可知,摇动食指,是阻止你继续做现在正在做的事情。
4.A 细节理解题。根据第三段中的“it is completely unacceptable in a professional environment where it will be interpreted (诠释) as both rude and domineering(盛气凌人的).”可知,正式场合下,挥舞食指非常粗鲁。
