Discussing Cultural Etiquette Differences
Two friends from different countries are discussing social etiquette, like greetings, dining customs, or personal space, and comparing how they differ in their respective cultures.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
etiquette
Social rules for polite behavior, like how to greet people or eat at a table. In the dialogue, it refers to differences in social etiquette between cultures.
tipping
The practice of giving extra money to service workers, like waiters, for good service. It's common in some countries but not in others.
no-no
Informal way to say something that is not allowed or a big mistake, like a taboo. 'Big no-no' means it's very wrong.
firm
Strong and steady, not weak. Used in 'firm handshake' to describe a confident way of shaking hands in greetings.
personal space
The physical distance people feel comfortable keeping between themselves and others during conversation. It varies by culture.
overwhelming
Feeling too much or hard to manage at first, like when something is intense. Here, it describes feeling uncomfortable with close personal space.
instinctively
Doing something naturally without thinking, based on habit or reflex. In the dialogue, it means stepping back without planning.
broaden
To make something wider or more extensive, like knowledge or views. 'Broaden your perspective' means to gain a wider understanding of the world.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
You know, the other day I was thinking about how much social etiquette can differ between cultures.
This sentence introduces a topic casually. 'You know' is a filler to start conversation naturally. 'The other day' means recently. Useful for sharing thoughts on cultural differences. Grammar: Present simple for general facts ('can differ').
Oh, absolutely! It's fascinating. What got you thinking about it?
Strong agreement with 'Oh, absolutely!' followed by a positive comment. 'What got you thinking' is a casual way to ask why someone had an idea. Useful in discussions to show interest and ask for reasons. Grammar: Past simple ('got') for past events.
Well, I was at a new restaurant, and I noticed someone trying to tip the owner directly.
Describes a past experience. 'Well' transitions to an answer. Past continuous ('was at') sets the scene, and 'noticed someone trying' shows observation. Useful for storytelling about cultural mishaps.
That's a good point about tipping.
Acknowledges someone's idea politely. 'That's a good point' shows agreement and appreciation. Useful in conversations to build rapport when discussing topics like customs.
Personal space is another big one.
Introduces a new related topic. 'Another big one' means another important example. Useful for continuing a discussion on cultural differences. Grammar: Present simple for general truths.
It takes some getting used to to understand those unspoken rules.
Explains that something requires time to adapt. 'Getting used to' is an idiom for becoming comfortable with something new. 'Unspoken rules' means unwritten social norms. Useful for talking about cultural adaptation.
It just goes to show how much we rely on cultural cues without even realizing it.
Draws a conclusion from examples. 'It goes to show' means it illustrates or proves. 'Without even realizing it' adds emphasis on unconscious habits. Useful for insightful summaries in cultural talks.
It makes me appreciate how travel and cultural exchange really broaden your perspective.
Expresses a positive realization. 'Makes me appreciate' shows how something changes your view. 'Broaden your perspective' is a common phrase for gaining wider understanding. Useful for discussing benefits of travel.