In most cultures, when you meet acquaintances for the first time during a day, it is normal to greet them. The main purpose of this greeting is to (56) a good relationship between the people (57) and each language usually has (58) set phrases which can be used for this purpose. Sometimes, though, there can be (59) differences in the type of phrases which can be used, and cultural misunderstandings can easily (60) . The following is a true example. A young British woman went toHong Kong to work, and at the time of her (61) she knew nothing about the Chinese culture of language. (62) her way to school one day, she went to the bank to get some money. (63) , the bank clerk asked her if she had had her lunch. She was extremely surprised () such a question because in the British culture it would be (65) an indirect invitation to lunch. Between unmarried young people it can also (66) the young man’s interest in dating the girl. (67) this bank clerk was a complete stranger (68) the British girl, she was very much taken aback (生气), and hastily commented that she had eaten (69) . After this she (70) to school and was even more surprised when one of the teachers asked the same question. By now she (71) that it could not be an invitation, but was puzzled (72) why they asked it. (73) the following days she was asked the same question again and again. Only much later (74) that the question had no real meaning (75) —it was merely a greeting. |