《英语流行话题阅读:语境识词4500》34 Public Behavior in France

　　Unit 34
Public Behavior in France
-- Conversation
Welcome topics of conversation in France are food, art, music, philosophy, sports and current events / history. Studying French history, politics, and other aspects of the culture will be an advantage for you in conversation. And you'll find that conversations often shift into spirited debates. Be prepared to answer questions about your own country, especially regarding political matters and its history. It is extremely bad manners to ask an individual about his political leanings or how he voted. Do not criticize Napoleon, who has a lasting¹ identity with the French spirit.
-- Gift Giving
If you are invited to a French home, consider it a rare honor. Bring flowers, quality chocolates or liqueur to the host, and present your gift before the entertaining proceeds. If you decide to bring flowers, remember that chrysanthemums² are for funerals, red roses for lovers. A gift of carnations³ can often be interpreted as a sign of bad will. Moreover, ensure that the bouquet⁴ is in odd numbers, in accordance with the old European tradition. Be aware that displays of warmth and generosity⁵ between business associates are not the norm in French business culture. Giving presents is acceptable here, but exercise discretion⁶.
-- Language
It's strongly recommended that you learn basic French phrases and use them whenever possible. Your efforts will be well appreciated and will be remembered. The French will revert⁷ to English if they see you floundering. When you speak their language, be gracious if the French correct your mistakes in grammar or pronunciation. Usually, people who make these efforts care about the French language and are only trying to help you speak it effectively.
-- Body Language
Good posture⁸ is considered a sign of breeding in this culture. Keep you hands out of your pockets when in public. Chewing gum in public is considered vulgar. Snapping fingers is considered offensive. If you feel the need to point, motion with your whole hand, rather than your index finger.
Expect to be greeted by a handshake; kissing on the cheeks (across genders) is also common amongst colleagues at work. It is not extended to outsiders and you should not attempt it until your female colleagues have made the initial move. Despite the formality of French business culture, people tend to stand close when speaking to each other. Moreover, touching⁹ a shoulder or patting an arm is also commonplace and usually within the bounds of French business etiquette¹⁰.
Smiling is treated only with indifference¹¹ here. It will not be perceived as a greeting or as an indication of approval.
The US "OK" sign -- forming a circle with the thumb and forefinger¹² -- actually means "zero" or "useless" in France. The French "OK" symbol is the North American "thumbs up --" people use this symbol to express approval.

1 lasting   

adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持

参考例句：

• The lasting war debased the value of the dollar.持久的战争使美元贬值。
• We hope for a lasting settlement of all these troubles.我们希望这些纠纷能获得永久的解决。

2 chrysanthemums   

n.菊花( chrysanthemum的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The cold weather had most deleterious consequences among the chrysanthemums. 寒冷的天气对菊花产生了极有害的影响。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The chrysanthemums are in bloom; some are red and some yellow. 菊花开了， 有红的，有黄的。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

3 carnations   

n.麝香石竹，康乃馨( carnation的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• You should also include some carnations to emphasize your underlying meaning.\" 另外要配上石竹花来加重这涵意的力量。” 来自汉英文学 - 围城
• Five men per ha. were required for rose production, 6 or 7 men for carnations. 种植玫瑰每公顷需5个男劳力，香石竹需6、7个男劳力。 来自辞典例句

4 bouquet   

n.花束，酒香

参考例句：

• This wine has a rich bouquet.这种葡萄酒有浓郁的香气。
• Her wedding bouquet consisted of roses and ivy.她的婚礼花篮包括玫瑰和长春藤。

5 generosity   

n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为

参考例句：

• We should match their generosity with our own.我们应该像他们一样慷慨大方。
• We adore them for their generosity.我们钦佩他们的慷慨。

6 discretion   

n.谨慎；随意处理

参考例句：

• You must show discretion in choosing your friend.你择友时必须慎重。
• Please use your best discretion to handle the matter.请慎重处理此事。

7 revert   

v.恢复，复归，回到

参考例句：

• Let us revert to the earlier part of the chapter.让我们回到本章的前面部分。
• Shall we revert to the matter we talked about yesterday?我们接着昨天谈过的问题谈，好吗？

8 posture   

n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势

参考例句：

• The government adopted an uncompromising posture on the issue of independence.政府在独立这一问题上采取了毫不妥协的态度。
• He tore off his coat and assumed a fighting posture.他脱掉上衣，摆出一副打架的架势。

9 touching   

adj.动人的，使人感伤的

参考例句：

• It was a touching sight.这是一幅动人的景象。
• His letter was touching.他的信很感人。

10 etiquette   

n.礼仪，礼节；规矩

参考例句：

• The rules of etiquette are not so strict nowadays.如今的礼仪规则已不那么严格了。
• According to etiquette,you should stand up to meet a guest.按照礼节你应该站起来接待客人。

11 indifference   

n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎

参考例句：

• I was disappointed by his indifference more than somewhat.他的漠不关心使我很失望。
• He feigned indifference to criticism of his work.他假装毫不在意别人批评他的作品。

12 forefinger   

n.食指

参考例句：

• He pinched the leaf between his thumb and forefinger.他将叶子捏在拇指和食指之间。
• He held it between the tips of his thumb and forefinger.他用他大拇指和食指尖拿着它。