Informal conversation is an important part of any business relationship.Before you start a discussion, however, make sure you understand which topics are suitable and which are considered taboos (禁忌) in a particular culture.Latin Americans enjoy sharing information about their local history, art, and customs.They expect questions about their family and are sure to show pictures of their children.You may feel free to ask similar questions of your Latin American friends.The French think of conversation as an art form, and they enjoy the value of lively discussions as well as disagreements.For them, arguments can be interesting—and they can cover pretty much or any topic—as long as they occur in a respectful and intelligent (智慧的) manner.
In the United States, business people like to discuss a wide range of topics, including opinions about work, family, hobbies, and politics.In Japan, China and Korea, however, people are much more private.They do not share much about their thoughts, feelings, or emotions because they feel that doing so might take away from the harmonious(和谐的) business relationship they’re trying to build.Middle Easterners are also private about their personal lives and family matters.It is considered rude, for example, to ask a businessman from Saudi Arabia about his wife or children.
As a general rule, it’s best not to talk about politics or religion(宗教) with your business friends.This can get you into trouble, even in the United States, where people hold different views.In addition, discussing one’s salary is usually considered unsuitable.Sports are typically a friendly subject in most parts of the world, although be careful not to criticize a national sport.Instead, be friendly and praise your host’s team.
1.The author considers politics and religion .
A.cheerful topics B.taboos C.rude topics D.too serious
2.We typically talk about in a friendly way in most places according to the author.
A.sports B.children
C.personal feelings D.families
3.Why are people from Asia more private in their conversation with others?
A.They don’t want to talk with others much.
B.They don’t want to have their good relationship with others harmed by informal conversation.
C.They are afraid to argue with their colleagues.
D.They want to keep their feelings to themselves.
4.In which country may it be suitable to talk about the family with your business friends?
A.In France. B.In Saudi Arabia. C.In Korea. D.In the USA.
语篇解读:本文主要介绍了不同国家非正式谈话的常见话题和一些禁忌。
答案及剖析:
1.B 细节理解题。从最后一段第一句话可知答案选B。
2.A 细节理解题。根据最后一段中的“Sports are typically a friendly subject in most parts of the world...”可知答案选A。
3.B 推理判断题。从第二段第三句话可以推知,日本人、中国人、韩国人不分享他们的思想、感受及情感,是因为他们认为这样会破坏和谐的商业关系。
4.D 细节理解题。根据第二段第一句“In the United States, business people ... including opinions about work, family...”可知答案为D。
