In the United States, people greet each other with a handshake in a formal (正式的) introduction. The handshake must be strong. 【小题1】 Friends may place hands on the other’s arms or shoulders. Some people, usually women, greet a friend with a hug.

【小题2】 When two people talk to each other, usually stand about two and a half feet away and at an angle. So they are not facing each other directly. 【小题3】 They will move back to have their space. If Americans touch another person by accident, they say, “Pardon me.” or “Excuse me.”

Americans like to look at the other person in the eyes when they are talking. If you don’t do so, it means you are bored, hiding something, or not interested. 【小题4】 So proper eye contact is necessary.

For Americans, thumbs­up means “yes”, “very good” or “well done”. Thumbs­down means the opposite. 【小题5】 It is all right to point at things but not at people with the hand and index finger (食指).

Learning a culture’s body language is sometimes difficult. If you don’t know what to do, the safest thing to do is to smile.

China is a nation of etiquette (礼仪). Chinese people are hospitable (好客的). If foreigners visit a Chinese family, they would be surprised at the warmth that they would receive as guests.

When you visit a Chinese family, the host usually makes tea for you. Then he will serve you snacks like biscuits and candies, Someone in the family will also chat with you, never letting you feel lonely.

At the same time, other family members will prepare a meal for you. Chinese people treat their guests with a big meal. They always serve more food than the guests can eat. On the table, the guests must be the first to eat. Perhaps one of the things that surprises a western guest most is that the Chinese host likes to pick food for their guests. However, it won’t happen at western tables.

The Chinese family try their best to make you feel at home. As you have done eating, the host usually says, “It seems that you didn’t eat much. Please have more.” Although you tell them you are full, they still put more food in your bowl.

Being warm and hospitable has been an important part of Chinese culture and tradition. As Confucius (孔子) said long time ago, how happy we are to meet friends from afar (遥远地)!

Welcome to Our School Clubs

Chinese Calligraphy(书法) Club Do you want to learn how to write traditional Chinese characters? Do you want to enjoy the beauty of Chinese Calligraphy? Ms Zhao is waiting for you. Time: Every Thursday afternoon Room: 105		Beijing Opera Club Are you interested in music, dancing, painting or beautiful clothes? You can enjoy all of these in our club. Sometimes we go to Mei Lanfang Theatre to watch Beijing Opera. Time: Friday afternoon Room:107
Taijiquan Club Choose something new and fun. Taiji is an interesting and traditional kind of exercise. It’s slow and quiet, but very good for your health. Time: 5:30 pm—6:30 pm (from Monday to Friday) Room: 201		Chinese Knot Club Do you like art? Come to our Chinese Knot(结) Club. Make your own knots and learn something about Chinese culture. The traditional red knots bring you good luck. Time: Tuesday afternoon Room:308