Level B2 General English
Lesson 16
Annoying Things And Cultural Taboos
迷惑なことと文化的タブー

1
TOPIC QUESTION
今日のトピック

Have you ever felt confused by the actions of someone from another culture?
違う文化から来た人の行動に戸惑ったことはありますか?

2
ARTICLE
記事

Directions: Read the following article aloud.
課題: 以下の記事をはっきりとした声で音読しましょう。
Confusing Habits

I remember the first time that I went to a restaurant in Japan. I could not read the menu but luckily it had pictures of the food. I ordered the most western-looking food on the menu which was fried chicken and french fries. After my food arrived I was somewhat surprised when others at the table started taking my chicken. And then, at the end of the meal, we all had to pay the same amount of money. My two pieces of chicken, some french fries and a Coke ended up costing me about $30.00. I realized that in Japan you are more likely than not going dutch on a restaurant bill so you should make the most of your meal.

There is one habit that can be annoying to most Westerners which is when Japanese people eat noodles. Japanese people slurp their noodles. This can be very disturbing if you are in a busy noodle shop. For Westerners, it is not polite to make a noise when you eat. However, for Japanese, it is considered showing respect to the chef. The louder the slurp, the better tasting the noodles are.

Tipping is not done in Japan. After having lived in Japan for some time, I returned home to spend a holiday with friends and family. I ended up surprising my parents and the waiter when I didn't tip in our local pub. Once I realized my mistake I called the waiter over, apologized and gave him a generous tip. It is just as easy to forget your own country’s habits when you don't practice them.

3
VOCABULARY
語い

Directions: First repeat after your tutor and then read aloud by yourself.
課題: 先生の後に続いてくり返した後、今度はひとりで発音してみましょう。

somewhat
いくらか
going dutch
割り勘
slurp
ズルズル音を立てて飲食する
disturbing
気持ちをかき乱す
tip
チップ、チップを渡す
generous
気前のよい
common practice
一般的な方法

4
QUESTIONS
質問

Directions: Read the questions aloud and answer them.
課題: 質問を声に出して読んだ後、答えてみましょう。

1. What is common practice when Japanese people share a meal in a restaurant?
2. Why do Westerners get annoyed when Japanese people eat noodles?
3. What mistake did the author make in the restaurant?
4. Tell your tutor about some cultures differences that you know. Or share your own story.