![[B] Crossing Cultures](https://images.ctfassets.net/r30ratzbtbbf/bLJr8TaQIMkfS1cGuIq1L/216348bbe621786eaefcaf394c30c57f/TRAVEL_ENGLISH-01.png)
LET'S READ! 📖
Dialogue
Situation:
Emily and her whole family visited her uncle in America and she's sharing the experiences to Sam.
Sam
Emily
That was so exciting. We stayed in a nice hotel near my uncle's house. But at the same time, a part of the experience was so intimidating.
Sam
How so?
Emily
First, when we visited my uncles' house because we were invited to a dinner, I was shocked to see people just entering the house without taking off their footwear. I was totally shocked. It was so new to me.
Sam
Well, I have seen that a lot in some movies.
Emily
Really? And then during the meal, foods were passed around the table and each person serves themselves. If you don’t want one of the dishes being passed, simply don’t take any and pass it to the next person.
Sam
Wow! Then you have to see lots of hands around the table?
Emily
Definitely! Then some of the guests were giving "thumbs up" to my aunt right after tasting some of the dishes. I think it wasn't a good gesture to compliment the food and the one who cooked it.
Sam
Well , I agree with you. What's next?
Emily
Then, after the dinner, we were expected to lounge in the living room with all the guests. I was surprised when everyone started to ask our names. They also made small talk with my mom and dad. My parents were also so surprised. As you know, they are very shy. Good thing, they can converse a little in English. Another thing, they don't use honorifics while talking to each other. They are just calling everyone by their first name.
Sam
Oh! That's a bit stressful, especially because you don't know them well.
Emily
Right. And when we were about to end the night, we bid goodbye to my uncles' family and to the other guests. My uncle told my dad to at least shake hands with the other guests to show friendliness and politeness. My dad was hesitant and shy but he did what was asked.
Sam
I think it was a good experience to have after all.
Emily
Well, you can say that again but I need to get used to it first.
Sam
When is your next visit to America?
Emily
Probably this coming winter vacation. We're staying there for a month.
QUESTION
1. What was the first thing that made Emily shocked?
2. How do Americans usually call people?
3. What gesture was mentioned to show politeness and friendliness in America?
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT OTHER COUNTRY'S CULTURES 💡
 In Arab countries never point your shoe/foot to another person. The shoe/foot is the unclean part of your body. |  If you are a male, don't try to shake hands with an orthodox Muslim (covered) woman. |
 Don't forget to say "takk for maten" ("Thank you for the meal.") in Scandinavia. It is a MUST! |  Never chew gum in public in Austria, Italy, Germany, or Malaysia. |
 Never wear red to a funeral in China. |  In India, Egypt, and many other countries, don’t eat food with your left hand. |
 Never write a person’s name in red in Korea. Always use both hands to pass something to an older person. |  Don’t bring wine as a gift in France. |
 In France and many countries, when eating out, keep both hands on or above the table. |  In Nepal and some countries, never share food from the same plate, once its been touched by one person its considered disgusting to be eaten by someone else, which is the total opposite of Korean dining. |
👂🏻 Listening Exercise
Direction: Listen to the audio and answer the question that follows.
2. What the most extreme challenge the speaker faced?
3. What was his reaction when he saw a young boy carrying a machete?
🗣 Speaking Exercise
Direction: Listen as your mentor reads the passage. Then, retell the story.
Your turn...
Hi Emily! How's your short vacation in America?