Read the text again and, together with your partner, do back translation of it.

Look at the picture and say in what fields a foreign language is necessary to a person.

Interview your partner why he or she learns English.

1.Why do you study English?

2. Do you study English willingly?

3.How did you start to learn it?

4.What additional aids do you use to study English?

5. Whom do you use to speak with, to communicate?

6.Do you have many friends who are interested in English?

7. Do you often speak English with them?

8.Will English add to your knowledge in future?

9.Will it help you to be more competable?

10.Is it possible to go abroad on business, to visit some exhibitions or to sign a contract without knowing English?

8 Tell why you study English and in what way it will be useful for you in future. Use the following expressions:

In my opinion…

It is very important…

As to my parents’ content…

As you know…

Speaking about the democratic society…

I should mention…

Text 1

Read the information how not to behave badly abroad

 

Imagine you have arranged a meeting at four o’clock. What time should you expect your foreign business colleagues to arrive? If they’re German they will be in time. If they’re American, they will probably will be 15 minutes early. If they’re British, they will be 15 minutes late, and you should allow up to an hour for Italians.

 

When the European Community began to increase, several books appeared giving advice on international etiquette. At first many people thought it was a joke, but very soon they had to realize that they had a lot to learn about how to behave with their foreign business friends.

 

For example:

 

The British are happy to have a business lunch and discuss business matters with a drink during the meal; the Japanese prefer not to work while eating. Lunch is time to relax and to know each other; besides, they rarely drink at lunch time.

 

The Germans like to talk business before dinner; the French like to eat first and to eat afterwards. They have to be well fed and watered before they discuss anything.

 

Taking off your jacket and rolling up your sleeves is a sigh of getting down to work in Britain and Holland, but in Germany people regard it taking it easy.

 

American executives sometimes signal the feelings of ease and importance of their offices by putting the feet on the desk whilst on the phone. In Japan, people will be shocked. Showing the soles of your feet is the height of bad manners. It is a social insult only to exceeded only by blowing your nose in public.

 

Here are some tips for travellers:

 

In France you shouldn’t sit down in a café until you’ve shaken hands with everyone you know.

 

In Afghanistan you should spend at least five minutes saying hello.

 

In Pakistan you mustn’t wink. It is offensive.

 

In the Middle East you must never use your left hand to greeting, eating, drinking or smoking. Also, you should take care not to admire anything in your host’s home. They will feel they have to give it to you.

 

In Russia you must match your host’s drink for drink or they will feel you are unfriendly.

 

In Thailand you should clasp your hands together and lower your head and your eyes when you great someone.

 

In America you should eat your hamburger with both hands and as quickly as possible. You shouldn’t try to have a conversation until it is eaten.

 

The choice of a gift can cause embarrassment or trouble for the giver if the country's customs and traditions are not understood.

 

 

Read and discuss the case below.

A SAUDI-GERMAN ENCOUNTER

 

Bouchaib Alsadoun, a Saudi businessman, invited Johann W. a German businessman, to dinner at his house. Johann entered the elegant house and offered his gift of a bottle of Scotch whisky and a box of butter cookies to his host. Bouchaib was embarrassed by the gifts and quickly put them away. Then they sat down in the living room area. Bouchaib offered Johann a cup of coffee, which he quickly accepted. Bouchaib thought his guest was a bit rude. As they drank coffee Johann complimented Bouchaib on an art book on the living room table. The Saudi businessman responded by offering him the book. Johann, embarrassed, said, «No, thank you! It is very kind of you, but I can't accept it!»

 

Bouchaib was offended by his guest's behaviour.

 

Although Johann sensed this, he couldn't imagine how he had offended Bouchaib.

 

1. What three actions offended Bouchaib? Why?

 

What can Johann do now that he has offended his host?

 

Can a misunderstanding like this one really affect the business relationship? If so, how?

 

After you've discussed the case, read this explanation.

 

Three of Johann's actions offended Bouchaib. First of all, Johann brought a bottle of Scotch and cookies.

 

According to Muslim religion, Bouchaib must not drink alcohol. Also, in Persian Gulf states, bringing a gift of food and drink implies the host isn't generous enough to offer his own food and drink.

 

Second, in Saudi Arabia it is customary to refuse an offer a few times before accepting. Johann seemed greedy to accept the offer of coffee so quickly.

 

Finally, Johann refused Bouchaib's gift of the book.

 

In Bouchaib's eyes, by refusing his gift, Johann was refusing his offer of friendship.

 

USEFUL INFORMATION