Introduction :

     Speaking English is not only about using proper grammar. To use English correctly, you need to understand the culture in which it is spoken. Here are a number of important tips (告诫)  to remember when speaking English in the USA.

General Points to Remember

   Most Americans only speak English:

While it is true that more and more Americans

speak Spanish, most Americans only speak

English.

  Americans have difficulty understanding

foreign accents (口音): Many Americans are

not used to foreign accents.

Conversation Tips

      Speak about location.

  Talk about work: Americans commonly ask "what do you do?" It's not thought impolite (as in some countries)  and is a popular topic to discuss between strangers.

     Talk about sports.

Addressing (称呼) People

   Use last names with people you do not know. Always use "Ms" when addressing women. Many Americans prefer first names.

   Americans prefer informal: In general,

Americans prefer informal greetings and using

first names or nicknames when speaking with workmates and friends.

Public Behavior

     Always shake hands.

     Look your partner in the eyes.

     Don't hold hands: Same sex friends do not usually hold hands or put their arms around each other in public in the USA.

      Smoking is out! Smoking, even in public places, is strongly disagreed by most modern Americans.

     55.  What is necessary to know when we speak English besides using grammar?

         A. Introduction.       B. The culture.       C. Grammar.        D. Topics.

     56.  If you are introduced to a woman called Pearl S. Buck,  how should you address her usually?

         A. Mrs. Pearl.        B. Miss Pearls.     C. Ms Buck.        D. Madam Buck.

     57.  We can learn from the text that________

         A. Americans shake hands when greeting same sex friends

         B. when you speak to others, it's polite to look into their eyes

         C. different sex friends should hold hands when first meeting

         D. smoking is allowed in the modem United States

     58.  What would be the best title for the text?

         A. American English Tips                   B. Language Differences

         C. The Different Language Culture            D. American Customs

To save yourself from embarrassment (尴尬)， it’s good to read a few books or research online about the culture and customs of the country you plan to visit.
Clothing: Wearing shorts in public is generally not acceptable in most parts of the world, including some European countries.
Greetings: Handshake is a usually accepted form of greeting, although in some countries, like Japan, a traditional bow(鞠躬) is preferred. Be careful how you talk with someone; don’t use first names unless you are invited to do something.
Language/Gestures: learn some polite expressions (hello-goodbye-thank you) and relax. English is pretty common worldwide, especially in tourist areas and you can always use body language to get your message across. However, some Americans gestures have different meanings in other countries. For example, in Bulgaria, shaking your head usually means  “yes”; shaking it “vertically” means “ no”.
Food/Drink: you may find yourself looking down at a local delicious snake soup in china, sheep’s eyes in Saudi Arabia… and wonder what to do; especially you are guests in someone’s home. Be brave, take small bites, and pretend it tastes like something you like. Remember that some Buddhists don’t eat beef, and Muslims don’t eat pork. If you are eating with Muslims, never touch food with left hand (the left hand is for bathroom use).
Conversations: if you know the history and culture of the country, you will be confident. The French are angry at the classic American question: “What do you do for a living?” and so on.
【小题1】You should learn about _______ of the country if you want to go to another country.

To save yourself from embarrassment (尴尬)， it’s good to read a few books or research online about the culture and customs of the country you plan to visit.

Clothing: Wearing shorts in public is generally not acceptable in most parts of the world, including some European countries.

Greetings: Handshake is a usually accepted form of greeting, although in some countries, like Japan, a traditional bow(鞠躬) is preferred. Be careful how you talk with someone; don’t use first names unless you are invited to do something.

Language/Gestures: learn some polite expressions (hello-goodbye-thank you) and relax. English is pretty common worldwide, especially in tourist areas and you can always use body language to get your message across. However, some Americans gestures have different meanings in other countries. For example, in Bulgaria, shaking your head usually means  “yes”; shaking it “vertically” means “ no”.

Food/Drink: you may find yourself looking down at a local delicious snake soup in china, sheep’s eyes in Saudi Arabia… and wonder what to do; especially you are guests in someone’s home. Be brave, take small bites, and pretend it tastes like something you like. Remember that some Buddhists don’t eat beef, and Muslims don’t eat pork. If you are eating with Muslims, never touch food with left hand (the left hand is for bathroom use).

Conversations: if you know the history and culture of the country, you will be confident. The French are angry at the classic American question: “What do you do for a living?” and so on.

1.You should learn about _______ of the country if you want to go to another country.

A．the people and the food

B．the culture and customs

C．the language and people

D．the behavior and conversations

2.A Japanese meet you for the first time, he/ she will ________.

A．shake hands with you                    B．hug with you

C．kiss you                               D．bow to you

3.In Bulgaria, shaking your head usually means______________.

A．yes              B．no               C．victory            D．calm down

4.Which of the following isn’t right?

A．You can’t wear shorts in public in most parts of the world.

B．You can use body language to communicate with people.

C．You can use your left hand to touch food when you eat with Muslims.

D．You can get along well with people you visit if you know their culture and customs well.

To save yourself from embarrassment (尴尬)， it’s good to read a few books or research online about the culture and customs of the country you plan to visit.
Clothing: Wearing shorts in public is generally not acceptable in most parts of the world, including some European countries.
Greetings: Handshake is a usually accepted form of greeting, although in some countries, like Japan, a traditional bow(鞠躬) is preferred. Be careful how you talk with someone; don’t use first names unless you are invited to do something.
Language/Gestures: learn some polite expressions (hello-goodbye-thank you) and relax. English is pretty common worldwide, especially in tourist areas and you can always use body language to get your message across. However, some Americans gestures have different meanings in other countries. For example, in Bulgaria, shaking your head usually means  “yes”; shaking it “vertically” means “ no”.
Food/Drink: you may find yourself looking down at a local delicious snake soup in china, sheep’s eyes in Saudi Arabia… and wonder what to do; especially you are guests in someone’s home. Be brave, take small bites, and pretend it tastes like something you like. Remember that some Buddhists don’t eat beef, and Muslims don’t eat pork. If you are eating with Muslims, never touch food with left hand (the left hand is for bathroom use).
Conversations: if you know the history and culture of the country, you will be confident. The French are angry at the classic American question: “What do you do for a living?” and so on

1. 1.

   You should learn about _______ of the country if you want to go to another country

   1. A.
      the people and the food
   2. B.
      the culture and customs
   3. C.
      the language and people
   4. D.
      the behavior and conversations
2. 2.

   A Japanese meet you for the first time, he/ she will ________

   1. A.
      shake hands with you
   2. B.
      hug with you
   3. C.
      kiss you
   4. D.
      bow to you
3. 3.

   In Bulgaria, shaking your head usually means______________

   1. A.
      yes
   2. B.
      no
   3. C.
      victory
   4. D.
      calm down
4. 4.

   Which of the following isn’t right?

   1. A.
      You can’t wear shorts in public in most parts of the world
   2. B.
      You can use body language to communicate with people
   3. C.
      You can use your left hand to touch food when you eat with Muslims
   4. D.
      You can get along well with people you visit if you know their culture and customs well