Unit 2 Body Language
本文涉及教材语篇
Culture corner P30
Different Ways of Greeting Others
People in different countries have different ways of greeting others. In many countries around the world, people often shake hands when they meet. However, in India and some other Asian countries, people do not touch each other when they meet. Instead, they hold their own hands together and raise them to their faces. The Brazilians and the French greet both men and women with a kiss on each cheek.
本文提及单元的其他语篇
Reading P19
Body Language
Debbie and Simon are students. They both have part-time jobs at a travel company.
A well-dressed lady entered the office. She looked at Debbie and Simon, and then walked over to Debbie. Debbie gave her a cheerful greeting.
Simon sighed and walked away.
“What's the matter?” Mr Yang asked.
“People always choose Debbie instead of me. I don't understand.”
“I do. It's the way you communicate.”
“How can that be?” Simon asked. “I don't get a chance to speak.”
“Communicating is more than just speaking. Your body language is important too.”
“Body language?”
“It's the way you stand and sit. It's your gestures and the expression on your face. Your whole appearance communicates things. You don't give people a good impression, Simon. You look down, you never smile and you don't turn your head towards them.
“Look at Debbie. She's holding her head up. She always smiles and looks friendly. Her body language is making people feel welcome, so they go to her for help.”
Simon decided to improve his body language. He sat up straight and tried smiling at people.
Minutes later, a beautiful girl entered. She walked over to Simon. A few moments later, she left with a smile.
Mr Yang came over at once and said, “You made a good impression on her, Simon.”
“That was my sister,” said Simon. “She wanted to remind me that tomorrow is her birthday.”
More practice P29
Eye Contact
Eye contact means looking into another person's eyes. This is a very important part of body language. It can be the key to communication. Eye contact can show feelings such as friendliness, interest and understanding.
In Western countries, using eye contact in conversations is very important. If you do not use eye contact, Westerners may think that you are not listening. And if you look away, they may also think that you are lying.
However, in many Asian countries, looking down when talking with an older person, like a teacher or a parent, is polite. These differences can cause problems. For example, an Asian person might look down while listening to a Western speaker. The Western speaker might think this person is not interested in what he or she is saying.
Not using eye contact can cause problems, but using too much is not polite either. In many countries, watching other people, especially strangers, for a long time is impolite. This may make them feel nervous.