I am a product of mixed cultures (dad is Arab, mom is American), and I have grown up with cultural differences all my life. This has made me very conscious of watching what people do in different cultures around the world. Cross cultural understanding is really necessary if you want to get along with people from other places.

It is very common, and not considered rude to ask a person's age in Japan when you meet them for the first time. The Japanese language is a rich and complex language that has different words to use depending on the age or status of the person you are talking to. Therefore, it's important for people to know your age range so as not to offend (冒犯) you by showing you less respect than you are due.

Hand gestures and signals are always better to use only in your home country where you understand what they mean, In Turkey, for example, allowing your thumb to protrude (突出) between your first and second finger in a fist is extremely rude. Also, don t make an "OK" gesture, unless you mean to call someone a fool.

Don't touch anyone's head in Malaysia, especially babies. Pointing is also considered rude in Malaysia, where directions are normally given with an open hand.

Giving gifts in China can get you into trouble. Certain gifts in China can cause great offence, such as giving cut flowers, which is only done at funerals (葬礼). Giving a clock is seen as bad luck since the words “giving a clock” sound just like the words “attending a funeral”. A gift of shoes would be interpreted as giving a gift of evil (邪恶). Nothing is expected to be associated with the word "four" because it sounds like the word “death”.

【小题1】Why do Japanese like to ask others' ages?

A．To express their respect.	B．To satisfy their curiosity.
C．To avoid offending others.	D．To appear more friendly.

【小题2】What may an "OK" gesture to a man in Turkey lead to?

A．A smile.

B．A fight.

C．Some help.

D．An agreement.

【小题3】What should you avoid doing in Malaysia according to the text?

A．Sending cut flowers to others.

B．Opening your hands in the street.

C．Putting your hand on a child's head.

D．Purchasing a clock for your friend.

【小题4】Which of the following can be the best title for this text?

A．Cultural Differences Around the World

B．The Meaning of Culture in the Author's Eyes

C．Communication Is Important in Modern Society

D．Living Abroad Helps to Learn Different Cultures