ibunka TB_U1

Answers to COMPREHENSION 3 (textbook p.13)

9 Marc, Belgian, businessman, lives in Japan I compliment people if I really mean it. In the same vein, I don't like to be complimented when I know it's not justified. I feel embarrassed. I've noticed that Japanese people compliment each other consistently. It seems to me that it's a social rule. It "puts oil on the wheels" and makes for harmonious relationships. But personally, I prefer more spontaneous, honest communication.

TRUE FALSE

→ Marc thinks that it is best to always compliment people in another culture, regardless of how you feel.

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10 Joe , American, university professor, lives in Japan, has lived in France I tend to give lots of compliments when I speak Japanese. In the US, I give some compliments. In France, very few - it seems less common.

TRUE FALSE

→ Joe is certainly more likely to compliment others in Japan than in his home culture.

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11 Masako , Japanese, salesperson, has lived in Canada What surprised me at first when I came into contact with people from Canada was that, unlike in Japan, they openly praise their own family and relatives and accept compliments. When I first started interacting with others, I felt it was tiresome because I couldn't take praise honestly, and had trouble reacting to it.

TRUE FALSE

→ In Canada, Masako found it difYicult to think of compliments for people she met.

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Extra Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think that some people try to use humor when meeting people for the Yirst time? Do you ever do that? 2. Have you ever had to give a self-introduction in English? Can you remember what kinds of things you mentioned about yourself? 3. Which do you personally think is more important, saying interesting things about yourself to make a striking impression on many people, or saying basics things so as to feel connected with many people? Why?

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UNIT 1 | COMPREHENSION