大学英语综合教程第1册第2版 Unit1-5 答案(5)

Listening

Gifts and Cultures

Narrator: In many countries, people give special gifts at certain times. Sometimes the customs seem unusual. For example, in Australia, a birthday cake for a 21-year-old is often shaped like a key. It means the person is an adult and can come home at any time. In parts of Africa, people give a cow as a wedding present, because they believe that a cow can bring good luck to the newly-weds. Before Korean students take university entrance tests, their friends give them sticky rice candy for luck. The friends hope that the students will pass the test and "stick to" the university. The following short conversations will tell you about different customs in China, Argentina, Switzerland, Italy and Japan. Number 1: China

Woman: Did I tell you I'm going to China? Man: China? Great.

Woman: Yes. I'm going to Shanghai on business. I have to buy some gifts. Man: Good idea. What are you going to take?

Woman: I was thinking of bringing some handkerchiefs. They're colorful, beautiful? also lightweight. I don't want to carry anything heavy.

Man: Ah, I don't think you should give handkerchiefs. They aren't a good gift in Chinese culture.

Woman: Why not?

Man: A handkerchief is a symbol of saying goodbye. Woman: Saying goodbye?

Man: Yeah, like when you're going away ... and people are crying, so they need a handkerchief. Actually, I've heard that one of the best things to give is a dinner -- not a present, but a big dinner. It's good for business. Number 2: Argentina

Woman: This is interesting. Did you know that in Argentina you should never give clothing unless you know the person really well? Man: Don't give clothing? Why not?

Woman: Clothing -- even things like ties -- are too personal. Only good friends give them.

Man: Huh? I never thought of a tie as being personal ... just uncomfortable. What should you bring?

Woman: I don't know. Maybe something for the house. Number 3: Switzerland

Man: We're meeting Mr. Mertz and his wife for dinner. Maybe I should take flowers or something ... Yeah, I'll pick up some red roses.

Woman: You'd better not give them roses. In Switzerland, they could be a symbol of love and romance.

Man: Oh, I didn't know that.

Woman: I think candy or chocolate might be better. Number 4: Italy

Woman: I'd like some flowers. Uh ... those. About ten, I guess.

Man: Ma'am, I don't think you should give ten flowers. In Italy, even numbers -- 2, 4, 6, and

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